The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1915-07-23
Rosamund, see here!" This time he

COuCu.
OF course he followed her. Now,
Rosamund flung herself down on the
succeeded in getting her hand. you've
simply got to come. Why, you'll make
that crowd stare! There isn't one of
them that can come anywhere near
you. for looks. I'll be awfully proud of
YOU
"Why?" Her hand moved in his.
with the slightest possible caress. She
put something into her blue eyes that
made them burn with tenderness.
Hall drew her gently toward him,
and whispered: Come over here, and
I'll tell you"
She hesitated second, then permit
ted closer contact, arranging it so
that she could look up at him dream.
lily. We'll, what?" Now her eyes
went down. Her fingers worked nerv.
ously. Very fine work, for that sort of
a girl.
His arm frightened about her, he
drew her head still nearer his. One in
slant she protested mutely, then, with
a sigh she shut her eyes and shivered.
Hall kissed her once, twice-thrice.
She clutched his hand tightly.
When she did raise her lids, it was
to look at him with big, pleading, won
dering eyes. There were tears in
them-almost. What do you want to
kiss me for, Hall?"
He kissed her again. why shouldn't
l want tor
The time had come. She jumped to
her feet. Hall. I'm going! l can't
ever come here again. You've spoiled
everything? It's only fun for you,
but-but /" she choked sob-"but
l can't play at it, that way!" She
turned and walked to the window.
"Oh, I'm sorry-really." Hall walked
toward her again. 81 didn't mean"
oh, | care too much, Pm afraid"
she sobbed, and sat down mournfully,
refusing to look at him.
You mean - Rosamund!" He
stopped, bit his lip and looked at her
keenly. Rosamund could not be awak-
ward or ridiculous. TIE dedalian gods
had granted her the superb gift Of
| grace. She sat in limp, detected but
| perfectly graceful attitude, a picture
of grief and wounded pride. A keener
! man would have looked for more aban-
don in her woe, a touch of the gro
tesqueness of despair, something Of
convincing intensity. Perhaps Hall
himself, at any other time, when his
mind was free, might have had a sus-
picion that all was not genuine. But
| now he saw only woman who loved
him tenderly and on whose emotion
he had carelessly played. A wave Of
tenderness for her swept over him
regret for his having touched her
keen nerve; but it was colored, also,
with the pride of the male in his con-
quest. The chase had already excited
him. She was there, beautiful and
fond, his victim-conquered by his
force of personality Try as he might
| to subdue this baseness, his egotism
rose triumphant over his sympathy.
| The woman was his
Then, with the thought, lightning
| flashed In his brain. Here was the
| thing to do! He must be married be-
| fore midnight. Why not Rosamund
| for his bride? She was ready, willing
to be won, affectionate, beauty whom
he could be proud to exhibit as his
wife. Mrs. Royalton might give him
prestige, introduce him to smart set,
present him, as her dover, with influ.
ence and position; but where would
| she be beside the compelling beauty of
Rosamund Gale? Carolyn, perhaps,
was better fitted to be his mate-she,
too. was of the socially elect, and she
had youth. Youth? Had not Rosa
mund the full fragrance of its charms :?
All this in whirling instant-then
with swift rush, he had her in his
embrace.
"Rosamund, dear Rosamund!" he ex.
claimed softly, 81 did mean i'll want
you, dear! Let me love you'll" How
careful he was to be honest! Il want
you-for my wife, Rosamund! l must
have you'll" He held her tight and
close he kissed her more and more
fervently.
Slowly, slowly, she lifted her blue
eyes to his. Really. Hall? Really?"
Smiling through her tears, she nestled
close.
Then you do really love me, Rosa
mund?" Hall asked. after minute Of
demonstration.
"Oh, HALL" She ran her fingers
through his hair.
Hall had queer new sensation Of
pleasure. So far he he'd thought only
of his marriage and his millions; but,
x,;tb RocornuOd warm and eoff In h;c