The Spectator., 1915-11-05
Rosamund. see here!" This time he

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. fly. Well, what?" Now her eyes went down. Her fingers worked nerv- ously. Very fine work. for that sort of girl.
 His arm frightened about her, he drew her head still nearer his. One in stant she protested mutely. then, with 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. Thsre were tears in them-almost. What do you want to kiss me for, Hall?'
 He kissed her again. Why shouldn't want to?"
 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 r." she choked a 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. 'I didn't mean"
 "Oh. care too much, I'm 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. The dedalian gods had granted her the superb gift of grace. She sat in limp, dejected 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 hts mind was free, might have had 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 1t 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 bis 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 Rosam1nd for his bride? She was ready. willing to be won, affectionate. a beauty whom he could be proud to exhibit as his wife. Mrs. Royalton might give him prestige. introduce him to a smart set. present him, as her dover. with infiu- ence and position; but where would she be beside the compelling beauty of tA 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 charmsi All this in a whirling instant-thee with swift rush. he had her in his embrace.
 "Rosamund. dear Rosamund!" he ex. claimed softly. 'I did mean it-I want you. dear! Let me love you!" How careful he was to be honest! 'I want you-for my wife. Rosamund! must have you!" He held her tight and close: he kissed her more and moro 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 a minute of demonstration.
 "Oh. Hall!" She ran her fngers through his hair.
 Hall had queer new sensation of pleasure. So far he had thought only of his marriage and his millions; but with Rosamund warm and soft in his arms, her hair in his eyes. her heart beating so near-Rosamund had made him forget, for minute. Fol the mo ment, if not in love with her. he was at least fascinated. She set his blood afire. His eagerness was not all dis stimulation, when he said: Then we must be married immedi. ately! cant wait, Rosanund. Whats the use of being engaged? I want you now-today!"