The Washington herald., 1914-09-27
MOCK ROSE

MOCK ROSE
ploycd BY seneca Trins private OF ysnEeanes
which through the agency Of his dHusn1er 'nGn; Alan
Law. the Cnow dead who was innoSenty ; re-
cripple Alan is in love with Rose Igdhs Twin
sisn's 5"ath but he saves her life dramatic
circumstances and unwittingly and unwilnsy wins
old hatred. the new love, and Jealousy of Rose
I-MAKEBELIEvE.
For UPWARDS of threequarters Of an hour Of that
golden morning which followed the night OF his
return to New York. Mr.. Law was permitted to
esteem himself the happiest of moTtals.
The beginning of the period synchronous
with the slam of a taxicab door that shut away
superfuous world from the company of two who
loved.
That sound spelled safety as we'll as success in
Alans understanding. Furthermore, it proved a
signal for the taximotor to chant the opening meas
ures of a song Of a single sweet-tempered note.
To this the car slipped smoothly away from the
curb. pursued only by little gust OF semiironic
cheers from the little company Of working men
who had witnessed as well as measurably partici-
pated in the putative eopement from the house OF
Trine.
VigiIant for any indication that their evasion had
had a witness in that strange home Of deathless
hatred Alan watched it through the little window
In the back Of the cab until q corner blotteo out
the vision of it: then with a sigh of relief sank
thought impulse and emotion were dedicated.
Rose" he whispered. and tentatively touched
one of the hands that lay clenched in her lap
She responded with never sign to indicate con
seriousness either of his touch or his whisper.
And reminding himself of the strain imposed
upon her by the experience through which they
had lust passed Alan excused her unresponsive-
ness on grounds of reaction and for the time felt
constrained to let his sweetheart rest and regain
her normal poise: there was bliss enough for him
in the consciousness that he had won her safely
away that nothing more than a short hours
drive across town and by ferry across the Hudson
stood between them and the marriage that should
prove the consummation Of all their trials
Barring accident!
Alan had too often suffered the penalty Of DIS
appointment for over-ndulgence IN this falling OF
his for depreciating the unforeseen, not to make
the mental reservation, Barring accidents! with
a little shiver of dread.
Had any Of Trine's household been cognizant Of
his daughters escape, Alan argued, interference
must have been instant.
Despite the reassurng aspect, the preoccupation
of his companion so upon him that he was
presently no longer able refrain from disturbing
her.
"Rose!" he begged again. closing hand tender
lv over hers Dearest girl. don't worry another
instant! Do calm Yourself remember we are safe
now: we fooled them handily-thanks to your faith
and bravery sweetheart! and everything is going
to be we'll with US from Over in Jersey
the minister is waiting to marry US; and down
at the White Star dock the boat is waiting that is
to carry US off to England the moment we're mar
ried Think Of that-and that love you. Nothing
can possibly break the strength of that combina
ton"
Alan" she breathed gently 1T can't be true!
I'm trying so hard to believe-but all the while
know it can't be true!"
He converted a skeptic with the mute eloquence
of his lips
Head upon his shoulder the girl clung passion
ately to him. Tell me again that you love me-"
she prayed Promise me you'll never let anything
come between US. Promise me, Alan-promse me
you'll be kind to always dear"
Can you doubt I will be kind" he murmured
reproachfuly.
u am afraid " she whispered
How could be anything else, loving you as
do?"
You can't be sure What If you were to find
you'd been mistaken" She caught her breath and
added hastily. That you didn't really love me, I
mean"
oh, that's ridiculous"
'I can't be sure. Nothing in life is permanent.
What is love? Illusion Of the senses! What is
happiness? A will-o-thewisp! What is life? A
makebelieve!"
Dearest" He held her mere closely still You
are nervous and overwrought You don't know
what you're saying. You can't mean what you're
saying. But say that it's so-that life is all
make-believe. Then make-believe you love me"
oh but | do. do
And make-believe for little we've caught the
wilo'the-wisp-only for little-until you wake
Up and realize that it's all real and true"
She closed her eyes again: Yes" she breathed,
you are right Let's makebelieve it's all true for
q little longer and forget :.
He could by means account for this strange
humor; but he did his best to comfort her, none
the less tenderly because of his mystfcation. And
for a long time she let illusion blind her. resting
quietly in his arms making believe
1.-THE RING.
Theirs was the last vehicle to swing between the
gates before these last were closed.
And this quite well; for Alan, rising for
one last backward glance through the rear window
started involuntarily and choked upon exclama-
ton when he deserted a powerful touring car tear
ing madly toward the ferry-house its passenger
half rising from the front seat beside the driver
and exhibiting countenance purple with congested
chagrin as he saw his car barred out Of the car.
riage entrance.
Quickly sensitive TO his emotion, the girl caught
Aervously at Alan's hand