Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-21
Chapter xxx.
nm was


M@W no Disgusting it, man she had done
wv more than little to injure Did
"a ~ O. he realize this now? Did she seem
@ - mere coquette? Had he risen to his
w higher self through conviction of
Ok0 her essential trviality? Every ques-
ton thorn. 1t unendur-
able that he should 60 his way thinking i'll of her
she thought herself The great drama of their alli-
ance must not end thus. Her exit was too ignoble.
for labelling this contrte mood yet another phase of
incorrigble coquetry; but those who observed Ann
were never completely dspassonate. She herself felt
only aching desire set herself right in his eyes,
convince him that she all froth, that his
precious to her, that if that hayward thing her
heart could have given itself wholly to him. never
casusty this knowledge to strengthen his hands in
that future he had again found courage to face.
Letting herself soundessly from her aunt's room,
she reraced the corridor through which she had sped
in headong panic, gained the dim hall, and passed
out into the courtyard Here she paid proprety the
tribute Of detour; but, beyond this regard for the
opinion OF any chance night gazer housed by the old
walls, the conventions did not trouble her. She be-
ieved that now ever, was the time to rehabilitate
nocturnal toll told its own story. There would be
dalance.
He started he caught sight of her just beyond the
radius of his lantern but he made movement toward
her. Grave, watchful, master of himself at last he left
Il saw you from the window" she said. Il knew
what it meant and was glad-oh, so glad! knew
that we needn't part in anger and misunderstanding
but you and ought part. That's why I've stolen
out here. could not bear to have things end they
were ending. want you to know that, even if can
not give you what you ask, l can still feel"
"Goodby" he checked her bruskly
Ann WINGED. You're still angry"
mo-" he denied.
"Then you are unjust in cold blood, which is
Don't let our friendship end in bitterness"
Friendship" He wrecked all his contempt on the
word. "Oh can't you there is middle ground
for you and me?" he broke out harshly. why have
you come here to torment me? I've had my lesson
/ see what fool I've been to dream that you could
love. Love-! The ice water that runs in your veins
will never know the meaning of it."
She was stung to recrimination. If never know
the meaning of it, shall have you to thank, she
retorted DO you think helping you has cost me
nothingl"
His face softened and he came and stood before her.
What has it cost your?
"Never mind" she answered, regretting her out
burst. 1T doesn't matter"
1T does matter vitality. If you have had your own
heartache-"
"Wen3"
1T would make difference I couldn't think
harshly of you then"
Its true" she avowed
us it the American, after all3" he queried slowly.
EYES,"
Il guessed long ago how it with him" he said;
"but you-when did you find it out?'
TOO late"
"Too late? Do you mean after our engagement
"Long after"
"Was it at Venice, the day he returned?"
Eyes"
"And you still stuck to me?" He had become all
gentleness. "You sent him away thinking he hadn't
a chance?"
"What else could I do?'
Rodoslav suddenly bent and kissed her hand. Poor
Copyright. lsil by Lee