The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1912-12-26

When Stuart reached the drive h,
alighted and walked slowly toward the
Bivens palace. He had never beer
there 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 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 II 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.
unromantlc and materialistic city of
the world. What was its meaning?
| Had new master OF the world real
| ly 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 burrylng. daring. schemlng. plot
ting. with never moments relaxation
Stuart was shown into the drawing
room by a powdered hunky 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
amazement He found the perfection
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
character and expressed it with genius
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 he 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 tender smile.
Stuart knew that his face was red
The fact that he knew 1t increased his
confusion until the whole room became
a blur Her hand touched his The
shock was SOLDERING: he remembered
himself and smiled
what a long, long time. jim"
"A thousand years-I think, Nan" he
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
I'm disappointed In you"
WHY"
my vanity Is hurt | expected to I,
ind You. after nine years. with deep )
ines OF suffering written on your face ,
iou are better looking than ever The ;
ew gray hairs about your temples are =
extremely becoming Your honors have \
tven YOU new repose. dignity and re-
erve power" v
ALLOW me 70 return the compliment
y saying that yOn are even a more n
tartling disappointment to me. | was "
ure that | should find you broken. n
on are far more beautiful than ever N
he only changes | see merely add
, your power-the worldly wisdom 6l
'hich marriage writes on every wom- a
us face. a new strength. warmth hi
nd fascination and conscious joy at ga
-hieh | wonder and rage" ht
why wonder and rage?" ht
She drew him gently to a seat by her
de. leaned forward and gazed smil-
gly at him. eli
when | see you tonight in all this bi
'lendor. so insolently happy en-
Nan sprang TO her feet. laughing.
You are delicious tonight. Jim, and
m so glad you are here. Come into =
10 art gallery. 1t will take you days il
see 1t; well just peep in tonight" &C
He followed her into a stately room =
cked with masterpieces Of art.
uart gazed moment In rapture.
n a