The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-04-20

he knew, who this must be. But why why?
 The interior was dim. A single lamp of the inefficient sort then in use serv- ed only to lessen the gloom. Present ly, however, he saw awaiting him the figure he had anticipated. Yes, 1t was she herself Almost his heart stood still.
 <Theodosia Aston arose from the spot where she sat in the deeper shadows and came forward to him. He met her, his hands outstretched, his pulse leaping eagerly in spite of his reproofs. He dreaded, yet rejoiced.
 "Why are you here?'' he asked at length.
 My father and I are on a journey down the river to visit Mir. Blennerhas- set on his island. You know his castle there?''
 'Why is 1t that you always come to torment me the more? Another day and I should have been goner'
 Torment you, sir?"
 "You rebuke me properly. presume should have courage to meet you al- ways, to speak with you, to look into your eyes, to take your hands in mine. But I find 1t hard, terribly hard. Each time 1t is worse, ,A because each time l must leave you. Why did you not wait one dayY'
 She made no reply. He fought for his self control. :.
 "Mr. Jefferson, how is hep he de handed at length. You left him weIl?''
 Interchangeable as flint. You said that only the order of your chief could change your plans. I sought to gain that order. I went myself to see MT. Jefferson that very day you started. He said that nothing could alter his faith in you and that nothing could alter the plan you both had made He would not call you back. He ordered me not to attempt to do so, but I have broken the presidents command. You find it hard! Do you think this is not hard for me also?"
 ''These are strange words. What is your motive? What is it that you plan? Why should you seek to stop me when am trying to blot your face out of my mind? Strange labor is that ito try to forget what hold most dear!"
 "You shall not leave my face behind you, Captain Lewisr' she said sud denly.
 "What do you mean, Theodosia ? What is it?''
 "You shall see me every night under the stars, Meriwether Lewis. I will not let you go. I will not relinquish you"
 He turned swiftly toward her, but paused as if caught back by some mighty hand.
 "What is it?" he said once more, half in a whisper. What do you mean? Would you ruin me? Would you see me go to ruin?"
 "No. To the contrary, shall I allow you to hasten into the usual ruin of man? If you go wonder, what will be the fate of Meriwether Lewis? You have spoken beautifully to me at times
 
 what images a woman may make in a mans heart. I have been no more to you than any woman is to any man the image of a dream. But, that being so beautiful, ought I to allow you to turn it to ruin? Shall I let you go down in sayagery? An, if thought were relinquishing you to that, this would be heavy day for mev'
 Gan you fancy what all this means to me?" he broke out hoarsely.
 "Yes; can fancy. And what for me? So much my feeling for you has been-oh, call it what you ike-admira- tiOn, affection, maternal tenderness-I do not know what-but so much have I wished, so much have planned for your future in return for what you have given me-ah, I do not dare tell you! I could not dare come here if l did not know that I was never to see or speak to you again: It tears my heart from my bosom that I must say these things to you. I have risked all my honor in your hands. Is there no reward for that? Is my recompense to be only your assertion that l tor ment you, that I torture you? What? Is there no torture for me as well? The thought that I have done this covertly, secretly-what do you think that costs me?"
 ''Your secret is absolutely safe with me, Theodosia No, it is not a secret! We have sworn that neither of us would lay a secret upon the other. swear that to you once more."