The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-08-02
nave triCG1l rot Fl so hard, but now
NOW T shall not trv any mOrc!"

nave triG11l rot To so hard, but now
now I shall not try any more!'
They drove quietly down the long
hill and through the dripping streets.
Not another word passed between
them till they drew up outside her
door. She felt new timidity as he
handed her out, an immense gratitude
for his firm tone and intuitive tact.
"No, won't come in, thanks,' he de-
clarcd. you have so little time to
rest and get ready for the theater.''
"You will be there tonight?" she
asked.
lie laughed as if there were humor
in the suggestion of his absence.
"Of course"
He slipped in his clutch and drove
off through the rain-gleaming streets
with the smile and air of conqueror.
Louise passed into her little house to
find visitor waiting for her there.
Eugene, prince of Seyre, had spent
the early part of that afternoon in
manner wholly strange to him. In pur-
suance of an order given to his major
dOmo Immediately on his return from
his club after lunch, the great recep-
ton rooms Of Scyre House, the picture
gallery and the ballroom were pre-
jared as if for reception. Dust-shcets
were swept aside, masterpieces or
painting and sculpture were uncovered,
the soft brilliance of concealed electric
lights lit up many dark corners.
d He was forty-one years old that
day, and the few words which John
had spoken to him barely an hour ago
had made him realize that there was
| only one thing in life that he desired.
The sight Of his treasures merely
soothcd his vanity. 1t left empty and
uns;ltStied his fuller and deeper de-.
sire of living. He told himself that
his time had come. Others Of his race
had paid great price for the things
they had coveted in life. He, too, must
follow their example.
He was in Louise's drawing-room
when she rcturned-Louise, with hair
and checks little damp, hut with a
wonderful light in her eyes and with
footsteps that seemed to fall upon air.
"Somc tea and bath this mo-
ment. Aline!' she called out, as she
ran lightly up the stairs. "Ncver mind
about dinner, I am so late. l will
have some toast. Be quick"
"AIadamc-" Aline began.
"Don't bother me about anything
. now" Louise interrupted. Il will
throw my things off while you get the
bath ready"
She stepped into her little room
throwing off her cloak as she entered
Then she stopped short, almost upon
, the threshold. The prince had risen
to his feet.
: "Eugene!"
He came toward her. Even as he
stopped to kiss her fingers, his eyes
seemed to take in her disheveled con
, diton. the little patches of color II
her checks, the radiant happiness
, which shone in her eyes.
81 am not an unwelcome intruder
, I hope" he said. But how wet yol
I are!'
The fingers which he released fel
nervelessly to her side. She stoot
looking at him as if confronted will
$ sudden Nightmare. 1t was as if thi:
$ nrw-found life were being slowl!
4 drained from her veins.
"Iou are ovrrtired," he murmurcd
n leading her with solicitude toward ar
h easy chair. zone would imagine, from
n your appearance. that | was the bear
!. err of some terrible tidings. Let m'
;. assure you that it is not So"
t He spoke with his usual delibera
ton, but she seemed powerlcss to re
:. cover herself. She was still daZet
II and white. She sank into the chat
and looked at him.
+. "Nothing I trust he went on, cha
happened to disturb you!"
= Nothing at ALL" she declared hast
~ lily. II am tired. ran upstairs per
d maps little too quickly. Aline had
!. not told me that there was anyone
here. -,.. az. .-.-- ,..-..