Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1921-03-17


room. She thought it delightful in ev-
cry detail of its unpretentous luxury.
Riches alone could never have Gre
ated 1t. The wood fire ready laid in
the tieldstOne fireplace would present
ly be grateful; already there was
hint of chill in the aromatic, rare air
of the hills.
She moved aimlessly to the middle
of the room and paused again. A long
breath sighed on her lips. AS she
turned uneasily toward the veranda
q duplication of the gesture made her
aware of a mirror on the wall oppo-
site. She inspected herself gravely.
She had walked up without shad-
ow of doubt upon her understanding
she recalled without a break every
link in the chain of events which had
brought her to this place; she was
acutely conscious of her anomalous
position in this household, profoundly
disturbed -.
A remote droning noise crept into
the stiffness of the evening so gradual
ly that she noted it without any as
constituent; but when, gaining in vol
ume, it became recognizable as the
sustained growl of a motorcar rapidly
climbing the mountain road, she began
to tremble.
The car swept swiftly across the far
side of the clearing, swung into the
drive that led to the garage, and dis
appeared. The throbbing of its motor
was stiled. Impatient footsteps sound
ed on the gravel walk.
Her body was vibrating now like a
reed. Almost the impulse was more
strong than her will, to fly back to
her bedchamber lock herself in, refuse
to see or speak to him #.
How could she face him and tell
him the truth? How break his heart?
And not his alone
Running up the steps to the veranda
he saw her waiting in the shadows
and cried out to her in the name of
Leonora. She could not reply. Men
tai rehearsal of what her attitude at
this meeting should be proved value
less. She had meant to guard against
his arms with a respect. an authority,
which must command respect and win
her time enough TO tell him; she was
captive and pOwerless before she
could lift a hand or articulate one
syllable of protest The passion of
l.. l. of Ia;
were overpowering The quickened tu-
multi of her pulses was like the storm
ing Of strong surf She loved
Stunned, breathless, quivering, hui
inflated, she found that she had some
how contrived to put him from her.
The panied perpeXity in his gaze cut
like a knife. She turned aside that
she might not see .
Forgive me-" he begged. 81 have
been incOnSiderate. thoughtless in the
JOY of having you restored to me !!
Forgive"
"There is nothing to forgive" she
Interrupted. you've done nothing
that wasn't right and natural. Only .
Oh How can make you understands"
He gave a helpless gesture. Tell
me what you wish me to understand.
I will try | love you so =. :"
Touched, she sought to smile kindly
through her tears. "Give me mo-
ment," she pleaded tremulous hands
busy with the dsarray of her hair
give me a little time, Mario"
The mellow booming of tubular
gong sounded. Mario turned impa-
tiently. Bowling and smiling, the Jap
anesa boy stood in the entrance to the
| dining room.
. Dinner is served"
BY a resOute effort she succeeded
in composing face and manner Mario
maintained an inquiring attitude, def
erential, puzzled, hurt. Somehow she
mustered a smile that only mystified
| him the more.
"DO something for me, Mario ;"
"You know you need but ask"
LET us have dinner. l think-I'm
sure I'm hungry. And let us not talk
during dinner; let's pretend nothing
has happened. Afterward, l promise
| you :"
"But it shall be as you wlsh--of
course"