Middletown transcript., 1915-07-24

Aeo5AAAuAus DSO ASAOt ANS NAAAS 1O
couch.
OF course he followed her. "Now,
Rosamund flung herself down on the
succeeded in getting her hand. You've
simply got to come. Why, youll 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 a second, then permit
ted a closer contact, arranging it SO
that she could look up at him dream.
lily. "Well, what?" Now her eyes
went down. Her fingers worked nerv-
ously. Very fine work, for that sort Of
q girl.
His arm tightened about her. he
drew her head still nearer his. One in
stant 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 TOT"
The time had come. She jumped to
her feet. Hall, I'm going! can't
ever come here again. You've spoiled
everything7 It's only fun for you,
but-but L" she choked a sob-"but
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, I'm afraid" :"
she sobbed, and sat down mournfullyr
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, 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 a woman who loved
= him tenderly, and on whose emotion
he had carelessly played. A wave oi
tenderness for her swept over him
regret for his having touched hel
, keen nerve; but 1t was colored, also
with the pride of the male in his con
. quest. The chase had already excited
t him. She was there, beautiful anC
fond, his victim-conquered by hi
force of personality. Try as he nigh
+ to subdue this baseness, his egotisn
t rose triumphant over his sympathy
I The woman was his!
:, Then, with the thought, lightning
flashed In his brain. Here was tn
o thing to do! He must be married be
g for his bride? She was ready, Willing
b to be won, affectionate, beauty whom
he could be proud to exhibit as hi
wife. Mrs. Royalton might give hin
prestige, introduce him to a smart sci
present him. as her dover, with Unfit
ence and position; but where woul
she be beside the compelling beauty G
nj
l. was better fitted to be his mate-sht
too, was of the socially elect, and sh
| had youth. Youth? Had not Ross
| mund the full fragrance of its charms
Il All this in a whirling instant-the
with swift rush, he had her in hi
embrace.
"Rosamund, dear Rosamund!" he e.
claimed softly, 81 did mean it-I war
you, dear! Let me love you'll" Ho
! careful he was to be honest! II war
| you-for my wife, Rosamund! mui
have you!" He held her tight an
close; he kissed her more and MOI
fervently.
Slowly, slowly, she lifted her blu
" eyes to his. Really, Hall? Really
= Smiling through her tears, she nestle
y close.
Then you do really love me, Ros
mund?" Hall asked, after a minute I
demonstration.
"oh, Hall!" She ran her fingei
through his hair.
. Hall had a queer new sensation
U pleasure. So far he had thought on
of his marriage and his millions; bu
te with Rosamund warm and soft in r
arms, her hair in his eyes, her hea
beating so near-Rosamund had mat
"a him forget, for a minute. Fof the m
ment, if not in love with her, he was
=. least fascinated. She set mis- blot
~ afire. His eagerness was not all di
W stimulation, when he said:
" "Then we must be married immeC
ately! can't wait, Rosamund. What
the use of being engaged? want "
. now-today!"
- CTo BE CoNTINUED)