Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-26


and never trouble you again. But, unless
YOU do tell me that, why then-your pride
shall not blast two lives if l can help it!
Now speak,"
But Anthea was silent; also she would
have turned aside from his searching look,
but that his arms were about her, strong
and compelling. So needs must she suffer
him to look down into her very heart; for 1T
seemed to her that in that moment he had
rent away every stitch and shred of Prides
enfolding mantle, and that he saw the truth
at last.
But, if he had, he gave no sign; only he
turned and set the car humming upon its
way once more.
I'm they went through the midsummer
~ night, up hill and down hill, by cross
road and bylane, until, as they climbed
long ascent, they beheld tall figure stand
ing upon the top of the hill in the attitude
of one who waits who, spying them, imme-
diately raised very stiff left arm, where
upon this figure was joined by another.
Now, as the car drew nearer, Anthea, with
thrill of pleasure recognized the Sergeant
standing very much as though he were on
parade, and with honest faced Peterday be-
side him, who stumped joyfully forward, and
with bob of his wooden leg-held out his
hand to her.
Like one in a dream she took the sailors
hand to step from the car, and like one in
dream she walked on between the soldier
and the sailor, who now reached out to her
each hand equally big and equally gentle,
to aid her up certain crumbling and time
worn steps. On they went together, until
they were come to place of whispering
echoes, where lights burned few and dim.
And here, still as one in a dream, she
spoke those words that gave her life hence
forth into the keeping of him who stood be-
side her, whose strong hand trembled as he
set upon her finger that which is an emblem
of eternity
Like one in dream, she took the pen and
signed her name obediently where they d1-
rected And yet-could this really be her
self, this silent, submissive creature?
And now they were out upon the moonlit
road again, seated in the car, while Peter
day, his hat in his hand, was speaking to her.
And yet-was it to her?
"Mrs. Belloo, Ma am" he was saying, ION
this here monumentous occasion"
"Monumentous is the only word for it,
Peterday," nodded the Sergeant.
"On this here monumentous occasion,
Mrs. Belloo," the sailor proceeded, @my
shipmate Dick and myself and me, Ma am,
respectfully beg the favor of saluting the
bride Mrs. Belloo, by your 1eave-heres
health, and happiness, Ma'am!"
And hereupon the old sailor kissed her
right heartily. Which done, he made way
for the Sergeant, who, after moments hest
tation, followed suit.
"A fair wind, and prosperous!' cried Pc
terday, hourishing his hat
"And God-bless you-both!" said the
Sergeant as the car shot away.
60 it was done-the irrevocable step was
- taken! Her life and future had passed
forever into the keeping of him who sat so
silent beside her, who neither spoke, nor
looked at her, but frowned ever at the road
before him.
On sped the car, faster and faster-yet
not so fast as the beating of her heart,
wherein there was yet something of fear, and
shame, greatest of all was that other
emotion, and the name of it was-Joy.
Now, presently, the car slowed down and
he spoke to her, though without turning his
head. And yet something in his voice
thrilled through her strangely.
"Look, Anthea, the moon is at the full,
tonight"
"Yes" she answered.