The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1912-11-30

When Stuart reached the drive he
ali-htrd and walked slowly toward the
I3-vcuS palace. He had never been
here before. He had always avoided
the spot He smiled now at the child
iShnesS Of his attitude toward Nan.
The full moon had Just risen and
flooded the drive and park and river
with Silvery mystery He studied the
effects Of the building with wonder
and admiration. Evidently Bivens had
given his architects a free hand and
they had wrought a poem in marble.
SO fascinated was Stuart with the
beauty and perfection of the great
house he walked around the block be-
fore entering. viewing it from every
angle. What a strange thing. this
medieval palace. standing in stately
beauty in the midst of the hideOus.
ugly uniformity of the most modern.
unrOmantic and materialiStic city of
the world. What was its meaning?
Had new master of the world real
~ been born? Surely his like had
never been seen in the history of man
this modern money maniac. this
strange creature of iron muscles, al
ways hurrying, daring. scheming. plot
ting. with never a moments relaxation
Stuart was shown into the drawing
room by a powdered flunky whose cos
tune was. designed by one of the court
tailOrS of Europe. While awaiting the
arrival of the mistress Of the house he
looked about the room with increasing
of grace. elegance, quiet richness and
surprising beauty.
He began to realize for the first time
the triumph of the woman who had
bartered him for gold. His eye rested
on a life size portrait of Nan done by
the foremost artist of Europe. The
artist had caught the secret of her
in the poise of the superb form. the
incarnation of SensuOus, sOulless beauty
dominated by keen intelligence
He wondered if she really showed
the ten years added to her age. At
least be knew that she had not been
happy. There was some consolation
in that. Her ceaseless efforts to win
back his friendship had left no room
for doubt. He sank deep into the great
chair and silently waited her coming.
When Mans radiant figure appeared
in the doorway, her bare arm extend
ed, her lips parted in n tender smile.
Stuart knew that his face was red
The fact that he knew it increased his
confusion until the whole room became
n blur. Her hand touched his. The
shock was SOLDERING; he remembered
himself and smiled.
What a long, long time. Jimr'
"A thousand years. think. Nan" he
stammered.
Nine hundred. TO be exact. sir. but
better late than never. | began to
think your. stubbornness would post
pOne this call until the next world
Mr.. Bivens was detained downtown on
business. | am awfully sorry he's not
here to join in my welcome But
am disappointed in you"
"Why:"
My vanity is hurt. expected to
find you. after nine years. with deep
lines of suffering written on your face.
You are better looking than ever The
few gray hairs about your temples are
extremely becoming. Your honOrs have
given you a new repOse. dignity and re-
serve power"
ALLOW me TO return the compliment
by saying that you are even a more
startling disappointment to me- was
sure that should find you broken.
You are far more beautiful than ever
! The only changes | see merely add
to your power-the worldly wisdom
which marriage writes on every WON
ans face, a new strength, warmth
| and fascination and a conscious joy at
which l wonder and rage"
why wonder and rage?"
She drew him gently to a seat by her
| side, leaned forward and gazed smil-
! ingly at him.
when ! see you tonight in all this
| splendor, SO insoIently happy
| Nan sprang to her feet, laughing.
You are delicious tonight, Jim. and
| I'm so glad you are here. Come into
the art gallery. 1t will take you days
to see it; We'll just peep in tonight"
He followed her into a stately room
| packed with masterpieces of art.
/ Stuart gaZed moment in rapture.
You must spend days here. Jim
Now. honestly, with all your high