The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-11-03

I'VE have been so happy-why spoil 1t thus
he pleaded, as he returned to the sofa where she
still sat crouched among the pillows. He would
have clasped her in his arms. but she shrank
away ~
caresses! There is meaning in them when
the soul of them is dead. For me always they
were but the expression of that fair thing with
in. Do not touch met would hurt.
The man shrugged his shouders-a little
movement of exasperation-and then. overcome
by her charm, he flung himself passionately upon
his knees before her and buried his face in her
Lob, of course 1 love you. have you not
every proof Of it-from the moment heard
YOU sing at my aunt, the Princess de Reuvll-
lier's. Did not lay my very life at your feet
Grand Dieu hours of despair l spent until
had persuaded you to give up everything ana
love me in return-and what JOY we have
had-and you refuse me your sympathy
when | must consider litte-my famliy'
when things have become difficult for me-My
mothers religious views-Oh! II you loved me-
YOU Would think only of me now and nothing
else"
THE gentle creature stroked his crisp, dark
L hair, and the tenderness OF an anger came
II have never thought but OF you, Andre
Do you imagine it has not cost me something
L. who never had anyone in my llfe-to see So"
in secret like this-to be unacknowledged in any
wav-when you free and l am free: While
YOUR father lived--I saw the reason but now
And vet l say nothing. l would not hold you
bv any bonds but by the chains of love- If these
bind YOU no longer, then you are free to go
surely you know that.
There a time when each must thlhk
of himself" and he rose from his knees ana
walked restlessly away again. MY mother pro-
noses for me the hand of Mademoiselle de bols-
gelin, and my refusal to consider the matter IS
causing much unpleasantness-surely you see no"
l am placed: Cherie' Pauline-why 90 you
stare at me so. If you loved me really as you
have so often told me you do. you would De
willing to make any sacrifice for me-"
IF l loved you!-Ah, WE'LL: she said' and
she sang her ballads trembled in her voice
What do you ask? Name it, dear one, and you
know l will consent.
But he could not put what he desired into
words his impulses were too conflicting; she
looked SO alluring and fragile with her attrac-
tive, slender figure and fne dark head For the
moment again, he could only respond 10 the
magnetism in her strange eyes-wh'ch SeeHleu
to hold all the mystery of the East, for all their
northern blueness. He flung himself once more
on the sofa by her side
Il adore you he burst out, 'but what am
to do?" ,n,uo- cha said
land tell me the truth. l will part from you
at once, if that is what you wish. .
ut is not so-no, really. my Pauline, ne
protested. 81 would wish to see you-stlii-
even if / must marry MademOiselle de Bois-
celin there are moments when only you can
soothe me: but you understand-before ali
selfish thoughts there comes my duty 70 my
mo,her-her religious convictions must not oe
woundetI-you see that, of course, do you not,
with your fine soul.
there was no bitterness in her voice. we
who have TO work in the world and are alone,
must accept what fate sends us-untl we are
strong enough 10 get beyond it; but give me
little time to think. The six months since we
have loved each other have seemed to have ab-
sorbed nv life and my powers L shall be. so
lonely again-when you are gone.