Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-22
Copyright. by W. q. Ckapman.)


woman l once met at Miss Davenants
house. And now l will let you into a
little secret, Richard l told you that
Miss Davenant was disillusioned. She
has had the same unhappy experiences
that you have had. And she has
known the purpose of your visit to
Atlantic City, as you truly surmised.
Like you, she has duty to her fami-
ly, and that is to marry g. title-but
she would never marry a man who
had not proved his devotion. That is
obviously the cause of her mas
querade. You must marry her Rich
ard; she is not indifferent to you and
you would learn TO love each other"
But to have the most charming girl
in the world rammed down ones
throat is an attraction that is apt to
cloy, and Richard, ever perverse, soon
discovered that the blue-eyed compan-
ion, already more attractive. to him
that the dark-haired Mary Davenant,
had made a profound impression on
his heart The knowledge that she
was forbidden 10 him. added to the
sense Of his obligation to marry the
heiress, rapidly began to render him
hopeless victim to Miss Grice's
charms. He saw that, unless he could
/ bring himself 10 propose to Mary
Davenant Immediately, he would never
| do so, and, in despair, selected his OPP
portunity one clear and warm October
night. when the moon was not yet
arisen and profound darkness reigned
/ outside the well-Iit hotel.
Hitherto he had not betrayed his
! knowledge Of their masquerade, but
now, seized with a sudden resolution,
! he stopped in his walk as the three
paced the piazza side by side.
Miss Davenant," he said hoarsely,
/ turning toward the dark-haired heiress
and desperately nerving himself for
the attempt, will you come down to
the stone seat at the end Of the
grounds with me? Let US listen to
the sea together"
Without any further explanation or
apology TO the other for his seeming
discourtesy, he led the way to the
end Of the grounds, until they stopped
at the stone bench beneath the wall
which maintains the green of the grass
against the encroachments of the sand.
He felt Miss Dsvenant follow him, al
most by some sixth sense, rather than
anything else, for he could see moth
ing in that intense darkness. and her
slippered feet made no sound upon the
turf.
At the seat he turned. and heard the
light rustic of her scarf as the wind
blew It around her.
Il want TO ask you TO be my wife.
Miss Davenant," he said nervously.
She made no answer but seemed 10
await his further words. motionless
silent, as though she were herself a
part Of the darkness. Jocelyn felt for
her hand and caught it in his own.
Il love you, Mary" he stammered
"Will you give me my answer"
He drew her toward him and felt
her arms citcle his neck. Then hel
head lay on his breast. and. bending
down, he kissed the lips of-Con
stance Grice!
A feeling Of intense despair over
mastered him. He had played hi:
cards, and fate had proved too pow
erful. But this was followed by {
sudden delirious joy. Well. if Con
stance Grice had by this miracle beef
; given 70 him. why should he place
duty to his family before the dictates
of his heart? Rent by two conflict
ing emotions. he stood gazing out int
the tumbling sea, needless OF the cir
who still lay silently in his arms
Presently Constance Crice Olsen
gagged herself and looked up at him
Why are you so sad?" she asked
1T is because you have learned tina
! love your"
That has made me happier thai
anything in the world, Constance" b
> answered.
Constance" she repeated. Gar
|. you thinking Of my companion? VIII
: do you call me that"
; Because have penetrated your wis
7 little secret, dearest" Jocelyn answer
ed. Il have known for days that Mis-
Davenant had persuaded you to chang
. names with her, so as to test me. FC
= she knew | loved her and she feare
herself" He broke OF abruptly. II
= was like a swimmer in treacherou
waters. He could not think clearl,
!, Dared he pursue this infatuation I
i its irreyOcable termination? Could b
indeed settle himself to marry TIL
9 companion. dearly as he loved he
:, without some further proof of her d.
. votion? Suppose she, too, had trie
. 10 trick him into his proposal?
., By revealing his knowledge OF ht
secret he had shown in the cleare.
possible manner that he loved her Il
herself alone. But, If he defied his +
Their and married her-considering b
q past experiences in love. might he N
o be justified in proving her also? An
c since she had deceived him in Ii
testing, would he not be justified |
q deceiving her in putting her to Il
o proof?
d These thoughts ran through b
u brain like lightning; hardly an Apr
o ciable interval had elapsed before
q continued:
E. You asked me why am sad"
. said. Constance, darling, will "
give me your word of honor that yC
ie love me for myself alone? That "