Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-06-30

the topic on which she must consult
him. After they had chatted of vari-
GUS matters that had no bearing on
their own case, she summoned her
resolution to nerve her to the attack.
Z She plunged in boldly. almost des-
peratcly
Gerald" she began, vUncle Stephen
and Aunt Amanda want us TO be mar
ried at the same time that Dora and
Milton are. They want double we'd
ding. What do you SAY TO the idea :"
q The young couple had started across
the street. and AN automobile, swing
ing suddenly around corner into the
avenue. almost brushed them in
passing.
Take care. Gerald exclaimed. seiz-
ing Cynthia's arm.
His grasp MAS like grip OF iron.
She attributed this TO the fact that he
"ask startled by the automobile. She
did not suspect tina, her statement had
anything TO do with his action. Nor.
J when he released her and spoke again.
did his voice betray any perturbation.
What do you say TO the idea, C?n-
thia? You are the one to be considered.
and your wishes must be respected
\ Promi,e.
His manner was so confident. so calm.
that, as often before. she felt "A ;hrob
of thankfuincSs FOR his goodness. And.
as at other times IL WAS followed by
panE of regret at the knowledge that
the sentiments he awakened in her
heart were only gratitude and liking
not love.
Nevertheless, she was comforted by
his sane presence. and she spoke with
genuine feeling
How good you are. Gerald. You
always seem TO be thinking Of what
my wishes are. AMI put your own in
the background"
Should not my wishes he yours"
he quericd. lightly.
She tried to smile. but failed. I'm
this case. do no; know what | ought
TO do" she confessed. anXiousiy. You
see. the double wedding would be less
expensive to uncle. For that reason
wanted to pay for my own wedding.
h but he will not allow IT."
y Perhaps he considers 1t pleasure
to. discharge that obligation as your
nearest male relative" her companion
suggested But III this, also. feel
that you should pave your own way"
II thought should too--un;il con-
suited M Blake awhile ago" she re-
joined. lie agrees with Uncle
Stephen"
Indeed" Gerald muscd Il suppose
you understand why he takes tha, view
OF the matter. ] myself do not quite
understand Just why h" does"
Il will explain II all TO you some
time. Gerald" Cynthia promised. Il
II
quite fair. But later / wiIl--after-"
! She stopped, ana he waited for her
to continue
After what. cynthia" he asked
softly. us IT so hard for you TO finish
the sentence: Were you going to say.
After We are married'?'
She nodded in silence. Gerald Stew
art took her arm again in his strong
grasp.
A Confe,sion.
Listen, dear" he said. his voice
vibrating with a feeling she did no,
Interpret Alright. Il have noticed how
you hesitate To speak OF the time after
fself-conscic ..sness that causes you to
shrink from talking OF that period
have nothing 10 say. But IT, on the
other hand, ii is any other scntimcn,
that makes you shun the subject, in
justice to us both you must tell mo
Dear i want YOU TO be happy: tina, is
my only aim In life just now IL have
neen mistaken In thinking that Won
care enough FOR me to trust yourself
to me. please say so before il is 100
! late. T,. ., -
street where they were more secluded
than on the avenue Gerald.s tone
was tremulous as he pleaded. and by
the electric light the girl whose arm
ne held could see how pale he was.
conjunction and pity smotc her as
she looked up AT him. Now she was
making this man who Vowed her suffer,
he had always been so good 10 her,
She must Danish his fear
Dear Gerald" she said impulsiyeIv
forgive me II have started such
doubts In your mind! | trust mysclf
entireiy 10 you Can't you believe that
an that YOU are. the honor
,nat you nave conferred on me in ask
ing ME to he your wife viii morrv
you TINS spring If YOU wish
IN her earnestness she had laid b.r
mana on his, and his fingers closed
tightly on hers
~ Ihank YOU dear" he said hoarsely.
Tor speaking so frankly. I am ~
swered, and I>will not misundars,and
again. '"hu
And now with sudden cha,cs
OF manner we must ride uptown II we
q are to reach the L!vngstones in tims
Will take It,"
AN UNPLEASANT EPISODE MARKS
THE MEETING OF GERALD AND
DORAS FIANCE.
CHAPTER XLvII.
good evening. dear young nconler
Mrs Livingstone greeted Cynthia and
Ierald az they entered the house. n
was gust wondering where Won were
Ml'ton has been here for some time.
re d'u l'ofi- are In the library Drob
Paoly talkin over the new wedding
Z plans cyn'li;: has told you. of course.
gerald our scheme for n double we'd
cling. What do you think of it?"
Just what Cynthia thinks" the
young man responded
and she wants TO do just what her
uncle and want her to do Mrs
livingstone declared. patting Cyn,hjas
hand affectionately. Il know her well
enough to know that So il is ali
settled Cynthia. child. hurry and get
\ ready for dinner. Gerald suppose YOU
2 and have little chat in the drawing
room meanwhile We will not disturb
the lovers In the library"
CHANGING back from the turn OF the
stairs. Cynthia saw Gerald follow her
.iaunt into the drawing
~ What schcmer Aunt Amanda was,
she unused, and how she always carried
her point. What was her object i'm
fhurrying on this marriage Of her hus-
bands niece and Gerald stewart? The
9 double wedding would be saving OF
expense-but was that the only reason
FOL. the matrons haste to get her young
relative safely married?
Another idea occurred to The ghI as