The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1915-07-23
ROsamund. see hereI~ Thia 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 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 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
| / want tor
The time had come. She jumped to
her feet. Hall, I'm going! can't
ever come here again. You've spoiled
everything? It's only fun for you,
but-but T." she choked 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. II 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 a 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, touch of the gro
tesqueness of despair, something Of
convincing intensity Perhaps Hail
himself, at any other time, when his
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 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, a 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 infiu-
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 it's charms!
All this in whirling instant-then
with a swift rush, he had her in his
embrace.
"Rosamund, dear Rosamund!" he ex-
claimed softly. Il did mean i'll want
you, dear! Let me love you'll" How
careful he was to be honest! 81 want
you-for my wife, Rosamund! / 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 a minute of
demonstration.
"oh. HALT" She ran her fingers
through his hair.
Hall had a queer new sensation Of
pleasure. So far he had thought only
of his marriage and his millions; but,
with Rosamund warm and soft in bis
arms. her hair in his eyes, her heart
beating so near-Rosamund had made
him forget, for a minute. Fof the mo-
ment, IL not in love with her, he was at
least fascinated. She set his blood
afre. His eagerness was not all dis.
stimulation. when he said
"Then we must be married immedi.
ately! l can't wait, Rosamund. What's
the use of being engaged? 1 want you
now-today!"