Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-22

tate" he continued; but as you have
no relative within reach"
II am my own mistress" she replied
kindly. Anything you have to say you
may say to me, but perhaps should
warn you--" she hesitated-- ST told
the princess-''
please" he INTERRUPTED. "She re-
peated your conversation. Yet have
hope that you viii do me the honor to
consider seriously chat I have to say to
YOU"
Dagger bit her lip. This was going
to be even harder than she had antici-
pated.
81 am glad to listen to YOU" she said
He bowed, with the stiff dignity
which 30 became him In moments OF
embarrassment.
You permit that I address myself
"If you wiz" she replied family. 81
am afraid that this wiz only make for
your unhappiness."
mo, no." he denied. ct find happi-
ness, at least, in being afforded the op-
portunity to tell you that I love YOU"
She closed her eyes, so poignantly did
she feel the light that sllone in his. He
did love her, loved her splendidly. WHY
was she unable to return q love so fine?
Must she live under an evil star, which
would lifelong deny her the happiness
which came to other women nc
worthier than she?
IF I might answer you as you wish
Raoull" she exclaimed.
Perhaps you will yet" he returned
undaunted. 81 have loved YOU since the
first afternoon saw you. Doubtless II
Is enough that say that, but If I may
will add that have never met q
woman I would rather offer nv name
to. You will not misunderstood me
Dagger. We think the same about these
matters. Rank Is an opportunity tc
you. not means Of gratifying social
ambition. And you and might achieve
more together than separate"
II am sure of it," she agreed. And a,
he started forward eagerly, mo, RaouI
that means only so much. You see,
cannot love you"
Perhaps not as love YOU" hi
amended; "but I will teach you to love
10 Will come. Our hearts shall kindle
mot mine" She strove for phrase,
not too cruel. II shall never love
again."
"Youa So young?" he was startled
But there are long years before Won ;
What have years to do with that?,
she retorted passionately. at is st,f-
Ier1ng. knowledge, that makes age"
De Senac regarded her uneaSiiy,
II have trespas8ed," he said. 81
must apologize. Your husband Is not
Not he" she denied.
There was another?"
Yes" And after an interval
De Senac looked away from her, and
she was at pains to keep her eyes down
lest they see the pain In his face.
might have known" he said, more
to himself than to her. "You have
spoken Of him. And you are of the
same breed" His heels clicked together
you VIII forgive me If I say one thing
She murmured her assent.
1t Is not easy to say. You will not
misunderstood me? Mercil I thought
much OF Howard. He was INV friend
SO I would not belittle your feeling for
him. But he Is dead"
mot to me-" she cried with q passion
OF conviction that shook her voice.
He Is as much alive In my heart as he
ever was. married Jack because ]
Gnougnt Jack was like him-and be-
cause ! wanted to forget, I suppose. ]
learned my mistake--it was mine. moi
Jacks. I won't make another one
Raoul. oh, believe me, should onIy
ruin your life. any mans life, If prora-
ised to marry again."
There Is no hope for me?" he asked.
am as much Blaine Howard's wife
swered.
mot thatl" De Senac shuddered at
Is unthinkable that one SO young and
alive should be united to q dead mans
memory. All, Dagger, think againl