New-York tribune., 1912-01-21


that coins its own gold from the brown ore
of life. Between the acts, Don murmured
bits of grave criticisms and comment. The
girl blushed when he mentioned that he had
read the book, "Ben Hur,' and thought it
great; she blushed when he remarked that
he had seen this actors portrait in a New
York paper, and read jolly good account
Of the manner in which the play was staged;
though whv she should have done so, let the
heartless. who can analyzc the coloring Of 4
flower or the bloom upon a grape, explain.
The time passed, lovely, animated vision.
At last they were walking on clouds down
n the aisle, among the smiling, well
dressed people, and everybody was looking
with ewes Of love at Champe. Was that
Bartv Hazelton approaching with 50 deter
mined an air? Did he think to have an in
PRODUCTION to Champe: What besottcd
presumption! Barty was good chap-JuSt
among the boys. And he could put curve
on a baseball that But candidate for
Champe's acquaintance Well, Don guessed
not
He was glad to shut her in the carriage
where he had her all to himself. She gathered
the big white wrap about her and Shlycrcd,
in sheer nervous rapture. Eagerly misun-
derstanding, Don snatched OIL his oyercoat,
and swallowed up the pink and white in It's
cozv folds. The stiff sleeves rcbcllcd, and
his arm remained about her shouldcrs-to
hold the coat. Bending her head Shyly, her
check brushed his hand.
"Oh-I-I beg pardon she breathcd,
moving from the clingng hand and mad
vertently sinking against broadcloth Shoul-
der. Instantly the arm around her ughtcned.
"You-you re not mad at me: whispered
Don in time honored formula. How many
dear, dead women have been wOoed with
that sacred emblem sentence:
"Oh. no-oh, no.7 she whispered, and sat
very still, lest he imagine that she shrank
from him in unkindness.
Then no more was said. He was intent on
sustaining the coat in place, she engrOsScd
in the problem of his arm and the hand al
most beneath her chin. II seemed TO the
two that they sat thus long time, in a
silence sweet but terrifying. Dear children,
they scarcely dared entertain this wonderful
guest that had settled down in their hearts,
Drcening its bright feathers, looking about
with glowing eyes, softly stretching strong
oh strong!-wings, whose touch set both
hearts thrilling and vibrating almost to pam,
and made them strangely light. The wheels
whirrcd ike rims of silver.
"What makes him drive 50 fast!" COM
plaincd Don.
Were almost there" she sighed.
"Are YOU Sorry-Champe:'
Her dropping brought the warm, soft chin
full into his palm.
"Look at mc-dcar-Champe, he muir
INJURED brokcnly. The great, dark liquid
ewes flashed full into his. Her exquisite
trcmulous mouth was raised, and the boys
lips, no less trcmulouS. met it. For one long
moment there was nothing in life but this.
Don held all his world to him, with that
strong young arm; Champe poured out her
heart in a rapture Of worship that acclaimed
him its king. But presently She drew back
little, remembering girls teachings.
"Oh, Don-wc-yOu mustn't. she
breathed confuScdly; and upon the instant
a black face, wearing dcprccatlng smile,
announced At the little windQw:
dis vo' corner, MarSc Don
With a wild start, both young creatures
sat erect. The carriage halted, and they got
out. The dream still held them. Silently
they walked together round the corner, with
the street lamp shining on the light crust Of
snow tha, notified grass and bushes. And
there before the old shop they paused in dis
may The front windows glarcd with light,
and on the blind Of one they got the ST.
houcttc of a familiar, Sharp-noScd profile.
Their dream lay shattered about them.