The Washington times., 1924-01-08

She stopped, coloring and hest.
tating. She had an intense desire
20 make this man understand,
but she shivered, as II her proud
reserve were a visible garment
that she had torn off and flung
ct his feet, leaving her naked to
his ironic gaze.
He was leaning forward, regard
ing her through his yelled eyes.
Their light was not ironic, but 1t
was very penetrating.
"And what Is that something,
&arie?" he asked softly.
"I-you know those things can
not be put into. words"
II fancy they can. 1t is merely
one more delusion Of the senses.
One Of the fInagination's most
devilish tricks, had it for you
and you for me-for a time! In
the intimacies of either a liaison
or rnatriamony that supreme de-
fusion i IL soon scattered, ma
chOre."
But I believe IT," She spoke
Obstinately, although that brawl-
ing stream seemed to take on a
note Of derision.
do you? Not in the depths Of
your clear brain. The mist on
top is dense and hot-but, alas
for those mists!'
II refuse to discuss it," she
said haughtily. "Why do you
wish to marry me yourself?"
Because I need your partner
ship as much as you need mine.
Even If you returned to Aus
tria unencumbered, you could ac-
complish less alone than with a
man Of equal endowments and
greater power beside you. Two
strong brains and characters with
similar purposes can always &C.
complish more together than
alone. I intend to rule and to
save Austria, and I need you,
your help. your advice, your sub
city, your compelling fascination
and your great personality"
do you intend to make your
self king?" she asked insolently,
although his words had thrilled
her.
you know that is a foolish
question. 1 do not even use my
title there. But I intend to make
Vienna the capital Of gerat
and powerful republic, and there
fore ask you to renounce, be-
fore It is too late, this common
place and unworthy dream Of
young love, and stand beside me.
Youth-real youth-and the best
years Of maturity are the seasons
for love. You and I have sterner
duties. Do you suppose that I
would sacrifice Austria for some
brief wild hope Of human happi-
Tess? And you are only two
years younger than I am. Moth
ing can alter the march Of the
years. Moreover, you owe to Aus
tria this wonderful rejuvenescence
Of yours. Stomach is not an
American"
She stamped her foot. "You de-
Gcend to quibbling. And I have
more than repaid Austria all that
! owe her."
"You have given her money
and service, but she expects
moro, and Won pledged your
self to her before you left. And
don't forget that she is the coun.
try OF your deliberate adop-
ton. A far more momentous
thing than any mere accident Of
birth. You did not return to
America when Zattiany died. You
never even paid her q brief visit
after your marriage. You would
not be here now but for the imper-
alive necessities Of business. You
are Austrian to your marrow"
II had a role thrust on me and
] played it. My parents came to
Europe every year until they died.
When Zattiany went there were no
ties to draw me back and habit is
strong. But--underneath--I don't
believe that have ever been other
than Mary Ogden"
She blushed as she said it, and
he looked at her keenly.
ST think I understand. He Is a
very clever young man--of an
outstanding cleverness, ! am told.
Or 1t may be that he is merely in
love, and loves decisions are in
finite--for a time. I doubt if a
young man with so brilliant an
intellect would, II he faced him
self in honest detachment, admit
that he believed anything Of the
sort. Nor do you. my dear Marie,
nor do you"
She twisted her hands together,
but would not raise her eyes. He
bent forward again and said
harshly:
marie! Glance inward. DO you
zee nothing that causes you to
feel ashamed and foolish? Do YOU