Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-04-22
.THEFOUR OFHEARTS
SERIAL YOUTH ROMANCE
By VIRGINIA VAN DE WATER
fOUTH AND ROMANCE

| nerve her to the attack. She plunged
in boldly, almost desperately.
| Gerald" she began, Uncle Ste
phen and Aunt Amanda want us to
be married at the same time that
Dora and Milton are. They want
double wedding. What do you
say to the idea?"
The young couple had started
across the street and an automo-
bile, swinging suddenly around a
corner into the avenue, almost brush
ed them in passing.
Take care!' Gerald exclaimed
seizing Cynthia's arm.
His grasp was like a grip of iron
She attributed this to the fact that
he was startled by the automobile
She did not suspect that her state
ment had anything to do with his
action. Nor, when he released her
and spoke again, did his voice be-
tray any perturbation.
What do you say to the idea,
Cynthia? You are the one to be
considered, and your wishes must
! be respected"
A Promise
His manner was so confident, SO
calm, that, as often before, she felt
a throb of thankfulness for his good
ness. And, as at Q1her times, it was
! followed by a pang of regret at the
knowledge that the sentiments he
awakened in her heart were only
gratitude and liking-not love.
; Nevertheless, she was comforted
lby his sane presence, and she spoke
with genuine feeling ..e
How good you are, Gerald! You
always seem to be thinking of what
my wishes are, and put your own
in the background"
Should not my wishes be yours?"
he queried, lightly.
| She tried to smile, but failed. "In
| this case, l do not know what ]
ought to do" she confessed, anX-
| iously. You see, the double we'd
ding would be less expensive to uncle
For that reason 1 wanted to pay
for my own wedding, but he will
not allow it,
Perhaps he considers it a plea
sure to discharge that obligation as
your nearest male relative" her COM
panion suggested. But in this, also,
1 feel that you should have your
own way"
II thought I should, too-until ]
consulted Mr.. Blake awhile ago,
she rejoined. He agrees with Uncle
Stephen"
Indeed" Gerald mused. IT sup
pose you understand why he takes
that view of the matter. 1, myself
do not quite understand just why
he does"
| II will explain it all to you some
| time, Gerald" Cynthia promised. 81
cannot do so yet. 1t would not be
quite fair. But later 1 will-after''-
She stopped, and he waited foI
her to continue.
"After what, Cynthia he asked
softly. rs it so. hard for you to
finish the sentence? Were you going
to say, After we are married."
She nodded in silence. Gerald
Stewart took her arm again in his
strong grasp.
A Confession
Listen, dear" he said, his voice
vibrating with feeling she did mo-
interpret Alright. "I have noticed
how you hesitate to speak of the
time after our marriage. If it is
only girlish consciousness tha
causes you to shrink from talkinE
of that period, 1 have nothing tC
say. But if, on the other hand, i
is any other sentiment that make.
you shun the subject, in justice t
us both you must tell me. Dear
l want you to be happy; that is m!
only aim in life just now. If
have been mistaken in thinking tha
you care enough. for me to trust
yourself to me, please say so befor'
it is too late"
The pair had turned into eros
street where they were more Sc
| cluded than on the avenue. Gerald
tone was tremulous as he pleaded
and by the electric light the gir
whose arm he held could see hop
pale he was.
Compunction and pity smote he
as she looked up at him. Now sh
was making this man who loved he
suffer! He had always been so goot
to her! She must Danish his fear
Dear Gerald" she said impul
sively, forgive me If 1 have startei
such doubts in your mind! / trus
myself entirely to you. Can't yol
believe that 1 appreciate all tina
you are, the honor that you hav
conferred on me in asking me to b.
your wife. 1 will marry you thi
spring if you wish"
In her earnestness she had lai
her hand on his, and his finger
closed tightly on hers.
THANK you, dear" he said hoarse
ly, for speaking so frankly. ar
answered, and l will not misunder
stand again.
"And now" with a sudden chang
of manner, we must ride uptown
we are to reach the Livingstones
time for dinner. Here comes a cal
We will take it."
70 D4