The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-12-18

embers with fresh wood. threw an
Arabian cloth over the table and pro-
ceeded to lay the feast.
She sat up and allowed him to feed
her. The solitary fork gave them
much cause for mirth, for she insisted
that they share 1t, and before the meal
was finished they were playing like
children.
Pedro's moods we're generally ire
eistible, and he was determined that
she forget and forgive his thoughtless-
ness. AS he sat opposite, seeing her
cameo-like beauty, he thought for the
hundredth time that Hill had chosen
well. Small wonder that the latter had
been driven to despair by her! And
she-did she still care for the absent
painter? She seldom spoke Of him,
and that argued we'll for Hills cause.
And what had parted these two? Some
silly, silly quarrel, he again assured
himself. How well matched they
were. how admirably suited to each
other! But how about the girls atti-
tude toward himself ;? A subtle
smile crept to the corners of his mouth
at the thought, and he hastily took his
eyes from her face, looking intently at
the glowing cigarette between his fin
gers instead
What Is the matter?" she asked
"A second ago you were merry. Now
you look quiet, wise-dangerous How
you changed"
Dangerous! Far from it," he ex-
claimed, pushing back his chair, that
is. unless you call overwhelming curl
osity dangerous. Personally / think
1t less dangerous than lack of curl
osity; to the individual, at least"
."And what makes you curious?" she
asked.
Then Pedro, who did not know how
to lead gently up to any subject,
plunged in.
Were you engaged to HIP" he
asked abruptly.
walked away to the window, where she
stood for several moments before re-
plying, her back turned.
Yes" she said at last.
"And do you still care for himT'
To her own intense surprise she
found that she could not reply at once.
"T.beg your pardon, Madonna said
Pedro softly.
"Oh, you don't understand" she
cried wildly, throwing out her hands.
II don't care, hate-oh! why did you
ask me?"
Il think l do understand" he said
very distinctly, looking straight at her.
A wave Of crimson flooded her
cheeks. What did he mean? Unable
to face him longer, she buried her face
In her hands. He came toward her
and stood where he could have touched
her.
"Sam Hill Is great SOUL" said he
softly. HE Is generous and good. He
is talented, he Is :"
"He is nothing to mel" she gasped,
looking up.
HE Is my friend" finished Pedro
firmly.
She flung her arms wide, and turned
to him with an appealing gesture. her
face revealing an emotion she made
no attempt to conceal. nor he .
ignore.
"Pedroi" she began passionately
you will think me mad for saying It,
but ali! cannot help it-you make
me! Pedro, / love :"
~ oh M hid
glass fell to the floor.
"Hush!" said he.
What is it," she asked, for the mo-
ment startled into normality.
"Nothing!" said he, "only you are
not to finish your sentence. Never
mind the glass, 1t was done intention
ally. Let us talk Of other things"
but, Pedro" she said Historically
81 cannot! am possessed! How car
you be so cruel2"
Please. pleased" he begged her
Madonna, am abject; am in tor
ture! Have pityl"
ct is akin to pity" she replied.
Pedro walked to the hearth ant
stopped to mend the fire. Then he
Strengthened up and spoke.
"Impoesible!" he said quietly. "Ut
terly impossible"
And she, watching him intently
knew he had believed her, although he
presented this denial. She felt, too
that her cause was nearly hopeless
you do not care. them" she said In
a low voice.
Madonna Lady," he said sadly, 81
care for you great deal, but not az
Hill does; not as man should, to be
your lover. You charm me beyond
words; you are lovely as dream, ant
| IL could love any woman, 1t would
be you-but you are not for me-"
why notT she asked sharply. be
tween her tortured breaths.
THE reason is beyond my power t.
alter" said Pedro.
Then" said she II suppose I ha(
better go. Shall you wish to finish the
picture?'
"Iris!" he criec In q suddenly
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