The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1912-05-25


tered the house for what well knew
was TO be the last time. My mind
was gravely troubled: | knew not
what TO expect, how far l might ven
ture TO hope. Why had she desired
TO see me again? Surely the public
reason she offered could not be the
real one Had she only been free,
maid whose hand remained her
own TO surrender as she pleased, /
should never have hesitated. never
have doubted her purpose; but now
that could not be.
AS | knocked almost timidly at the
closed library door gentle voice
said. Come" and entered. my heart
throbbing like frightened girls.
She stood waiting me nearly IN the
center OF that spacious apartment,
dressed in the same light raiment she
had worn without, and her greeting
was calm and friendly. yet tinged by
a proud dignity. | cannot describe.
believed for an instant that we were
alone, and my blood raced through
my veins in sudden expectancy; then
my eyes fell upon Mrs. Minor com
fortably seated In an armchair be-
fore the fire. and | realized that she
was present TO restrain me from for
getfulness. But in very truth my
lady hardly needed such protection
her speech. her manner her proud
constraint told me at once most plain
ly that no existing tie between us
had caused our meeting.
Captain Wayne" she said softly
her high color alone giving evidence
OF any memory OF the past, Il scarce
/ ~ thought that we should meet again
yet was not willing TO part with you
under any Misunderstanding have
learned from Lieutenant Cation the
full particulars OF your action In con-
nection with Major Brennan. wish
you 10 realize that | appreciate your
efforts TO escape hostile meeting
and esteem you most highly for your
forbearance on the field II was in
deed noble proof OF true courage
May ! ask why did you fire In the
air?"
Had she not held me so away from
her by her manner should have then
and there told her all the truth. As
II was ! burst not.
81 felt convinced that II my bullet
reached Major Brennan it would in
jure you. | preferred not TO do that"
II believed II was for my sake you
made the sacrifice" She paused; then
asked In yet lower tones: Was my
name mentioned during your conten-
/ tom mean publicly"
1T was not Cation alone is aware
| refrained because OF the reason
have already given YOU"
Your wound is not serious?"
TOO Insignificant TO be worthy OF
mention"
She was silent. her eyes upon the
carpet. her bosom rising and falling
! with the emotion she sought in vain
to suppress
II thank you for coming to me-"
she said frankly. Il shall understand
\ Il all better, comprehend your motive
better, for this brief talk. Whatever
/ you may think OF me in the future"
| and she held out her hand with some
thing OF the old frankness in the ges-
! ture, do not hold me as ungrateful
for a single kindness you have shown
me. ! have not fully understood you,
/ Captain Wayne; indeed, doubt If
/ + do even now, yet | am under great
/ obligations which | hope some day 10
be able TO requlte, at least in part. 4"
"a thousand times they are already
/ paid, ] exclaimed. eagerly, forgetting
! for the moment the presence Of her
( silent chaperon. You have given me
/ that which is more than life"
do not, Captain Wayne" she in
| terrupted. her checks ahame. II
would rather forget. Please do not
did not send 20 you for that, only
TO tell you ! knew and understood.
We must part now. VIII you say
/ good-bye?"
IF you bid me. yes, will say
( goodbye" / answered, my own self
control brought back instantly by her
words and manner, but retain that
which do not mean to forget-your
/ gracious words OF invitation 10 the
! North"
I N'hF HANCA Win IaiANh AADGt Au
though she struggled to force back
that which should not be uttered.
! Then she whispered swiftly:
1T Is not my wish that you
should"
Was there ever such another para
dox OF a woman? | knew not how
10 read her Alright. for scarce ever
found her twice the same. Which
represented the truth OF her charac-
ter-her cool dignity, her impetuous
pride, or that gentle tenderness which
beiltted her 50 well? Which was the
armor, which the heart OF this fair
lady OF the North?
AS we rode down the path to the
eastward, snowy handkerchief fut-
tered for an instant at the library
window. ] raised my hat in silent
greeting, and we were gone.