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Show THE WEEKLY REFLEX. KAYSVILLE, UTAH cy cp ct cy An Unusual Love Story By E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM "it might lime been worse," he de- lien tie turned around. Louise hud part of that afternoon in a manner w holly strange to him. In pur :it least nerved herself to meet wind dared. "Stephen wnsn't pleuxed, of course. He hates women like poison, suunce of au order given to ills major she felt was imminent. , "You silly child ! Louise exclaimed. The prince approached her deliber- and he always will. That is bemuse domo lmmedlatelv on his return from Ko one told me you were here. Have la.-- dub after lunch, the great reecp ately. She knew what he vyns going he will liiM.Ni itiHiti dwelling UKn ceryou bad any lunch? tain unhappy incidents of our family non of the rooms I House, have picture to say. Seyre .Long ago, Sophy replied. n choir history." he were Louise," ballroom and the drawing began, pre ifceen finishing your accounts. gallerj 1 shall never forget the morning o her side, "I have found joyself Louise made a little grimace. pared a U for a reception. jor Charters asked you what you what? cull on me," Louise sighed. durto he a cattle deal about of you anI were hinkiiig You will great were doing this afternoon. First of all, John began, "Tell me the worst," she begged. swept aside, masterpieces replied all sorts of terrible threatened laM lie weeks." tew w ere uncovered the ing ashed were have and which were There overdrawn a swer tire are that at "You you sculpt you 'painting your bank, engaged. question I If not She did hint. hints not did She gl'e you up. Interrupt your bills are heavier than ever this several others present, and they began mo throe times since we started out tin- soft brilliance of concealed electric tell me about it?" didnt watched. you atid Why waited 1 1 corners. know liitlits ht up many (lark simply tills afternoon. You wanted to joined in month, and there are five or six special to chaff you. lerhups asked. determinJohn a come certain 'I to have 1 1 forty-onfitthat He old not were was goit bow out some think found that mik remember. one electric for dont that years .accounts you 1 one which, If thought It might worry you. she IV ell, here tiny . and the few words which John ation," he prnecedei: tings, another for the hire of a motor- Major Churters who asked you, to use ing to tea with the prince. uud It couldnt do any good. it will with replied, 1 your approval, you an hour ago grace asked the prince to had spoken to him barely his own words, whether your appoint- is the truth: car which ought to be paid. 1 ask me will great was Hint happiness. g,ve him laid realize to hitn. there made of visit in You a was with lady. change the day your Louise was looking up at the ceiling. ment replied Her fine, silky ejohrows cuinc a little mi! one tiling in lift' that he desired. you to forget certain things which the nflirmative. There was n loud volShe sighed. The sight of ills treasures merely have passed h tween us. 1 hnve come It would be. nice, she said, "to ley of chaff. You listened without con- closer together. concern"Y.m him that?" site repeated. soothed his vnulty. It left empty and to jou today to beg you to do me the have someone to pay ones bills and tradiction to many references honor of becoming m.v wife." enunsatisfied his fuller and deeper Joint nodded. afternoon's the and the one wasnt ing indy look after one, and see that She turned her head very slowlv of living. He told himself that And lie consented?" , gagement. too extravagant slit' was looking 1dm full In the until race come. Ids of his it time had Others will The prince nodded slightly. His face lain," John continued, "Well, you need someone badly, Sooj Her lips were a little parted, face. liml for a the a was most unfortunate remained circumstance, things great price paid quite expressionless. phy asserted. "I. suppose you mean her eyes a little strained. The prince laid coveted lti life, lie, too, must As a matter of fact," John conclud- hut In the cliih, after lunch, the subject to make up your mind to it some day. was leaning tow aril her in n convenfollow their example. "I wonder! Louise murmured. Did ed, I have discovered by the purest of spending the afternoon came up. tional attitude; his words had been drawing-rooHe in was be of The Louises un to is engagement, prince spoke jour you know that that terrible man from accident that Miss Maurel conlie was tied at home, lie said, from when she ret timed - Louise, with hair spoken simply anil in his usual someguest this afternoon at Seyre House. the hills John Strangewey's brother was There versational milliner. a i a little damp, hut with The prince inclined his head gently, four to six. Some of the men began and hecks has been here this morning? He frightto chaff him. and suggested that lie 'vwnd-'rfulight m her ejes and with thing about him. however, profoundly lie remained monosyllabic. ened me to death. was entertaining some lady friend, footsteps that seemed to fall Upon utr. convincing. What did he want? Sophy asked Well?; YoitF wife! Louise repeated. 1 dare say you fuvunto-wcl- l, 'Sum.' tea and a hath this moJohu frowned heavily. curiously. If you will do me that great honas site off. ment.Aline!" called out. she broke Cant you see," he went on bluntly, can imagine the rest, John "He was a trifle vague, Louise reor."Horll tigers plajed nervously far a run lightly up tlte stairs. Never mind that if any one of those men who I gathered that if I dont marked. It seemed at first ns If her nerves was said with tlte edge of the rug. She about dinner. I am so late. 1 will moment heard and what Were he's present, send JohrTback to Cumberland, were strained to the breaking-point- . Be some toast. have quick!" about your guest, found out afterward drew it higher up. going to strangle me. was one with which her situation The Aline began. Madame Well, when I left your house the that it was Miss Maurel. who came to Sophy leaned across the table. unable to grapple. She seemed brain 1 went Don't hoi her me about anything Are you going to send him back? see you well. I need not go on, need first time this afternoon, Theu she lind u set teeth her tightly. I will I? I am sure you understand. The straight hack to the prince. I pointed now,'' Louise interrupted, she asked. wonderful cleats Interlude of sudden "I am In an uncertain frame qf tilings which were hinted! at could not out to him that after what had been th' iw my tilings off while you get tin sight vdness. She was almost cool. Would you said, its it might become known that hu tli remlv." "I really possibly apply to mind, Louise confessed. Tou must forgive my surprise EuShe stepped Into her little room, you were his gu)st of today, It Would cant decide about anything." begged. "We hnve known be better for him to postpoue your throwing off her cloak as she entered. gene," she now I want to tell you this, Louise, for some twelve years, other each Then sin stopped short, almost upon visit. He agreed to do so. 1 believe that this we not? and Sophy said firmly. John Is getting to have Was that ull that passed between the threshold. The prince had risen Is know a great many people, and you first time you have ever hinted the to his feet. Her Lips Sought His and Clung to you? know how men talk at the clubs. ut anything of tin1 sort !" !" He Them. Not John Eugene replied. quite, Arent you sonjetlmes afraid that he "One gathers wisdom, perhaps, with me was concern of he as Even asked her. came toward what mine, it lie will bear things and misunderstand? I am forty-on- e lie believed he was doing hta duty.. he and 1 told him I hoped that some duy stooped to kiss her fingers, his eyes the years,"old replied.I hnve I aioexpectlng it every day," Louspent the John, you are sure about yourself, today. years seemed to take In her disheveled con you would be my wife. In reflec- arent ise admitted-Thetills afternoon of hours eurly you? She sat quite still, looking down ditiou, the little patches of color In end it? !" result you behold the und whyMont tion, He was n little startled by the earnfilled radiant was the her She the cheeks, huppluess lights. upon flaring Which way?Kx "You have Kjaiken to me before," she estness of her words. Khe seemed with a restless desire to escape, to which shone In her eyes, There was a silence between the. two said slowly, of different things. You pule aud fragile, her eyes larger and I am not an unwelcome Intruder, have offered me a start the motor herself, and rush women. The muffled street noises great deni In life, deeper than usual, and her 'mouth and London wet But how wet you hut never Into air I the through hope, he said. I do not under- tremulous. She was like a child with name. from outside became the hackground your ' safety. And side by side with that ure to a stillness which grew every mostand this sudden change! the shadow of aome fear hanging over desire she knew that there was nothThe fingers which he released fell ment more oppressive. Louise returned he declared, if I do not her. He laughed and held her tightly Louise, ing In the world she wanted so much nervelessly to her side. She stood tgll you the truth now, you will prob- to him. to her former attitude. She looked to stay Just where she wus, and to looking at him as If confronted with ns face supsteadfastly before her, her ably guess It. Besides, this Is the one Her lips sought his and clung to to a sudden nightmare. It wus as if this time was words she hear the Just going In their lives when a man and them. A hands. ported by her queer little wave of passion hear. life were being slowly woman should speak nothing but the Sophy grew paler and paler as the to scented have seized her. Half cry! So much for that John proceeded. drained from her veins, truth. It Is for fear of losing you minutes passed. There was something she pressed her half laughing, ing, And have I now You are overtired," he murmured, that Is why." . brought please listen. strange and almost beautiful In LouI do not want to Ids. face against you out here because under these con- leading her with solicitude toward an Her suddenly gave way. act tonight 1 do not want to play, ises face, something which had come ditions I feel more master of myself easy chair. One would Imagine, from She threw herself hack In her chair. to her lately, and which Bbone from even to tlte most wonderful audience and my thoughts, and of things I want your appearance, that I wns the bear- She began to laugh and stopped abIntervals. rare her eyes only at I do not want to shake to say to you. Something takes me by er of some terrible tidings. Let me ruptly, the tears streaming from her In the world. You care for him, I believe ! Sophy hundreds of people hnnds with many , assure you that It Is pot so. the throat In your little drawing-roomTou care for him ! . eyes. The prince leuned forward. He at that hateful reception. I think I cried at last. of with Its shaded lights, Its perfume He spoke with his usual dellbera took her hnnds In his, but ahe drew want Loulst did not move. nothing else in the world hot of perfec- tlon, hut she seemed powerless to and Its flowers, atmosphere them away. not? she ! whispered. Why , you herself. She wus still dazed You are too late, Eugene!" she There was a ring at the front door. The Things That Were Hinted Could tion. You sit enthroned there like the a moment; passive la She for lay, queen of a world I know nothing of, and white. She sank Into the chair said. I almost loved you. I was al- his arms. He smoothed her hair and Louise, from her place, could see the Not Possibly Apply to Her! nil the time letters and flowers and looked at him. and Alto do whatever you liked kissed her most car. yours of John's long, gray bonnet tenderly. Then he led her showered "Nothing, I trust, he went on! has with. But aomehow, somewhere, not- back to her place upon the couch. most before she could speak, he was mind sending a note to Miss Maurel and flattering invitations are withstanding all your worldly knowl- Her emotional mood, while It flattered aud asking her to have tea with youj upon you from the grealest men In hnpiened to disturb you? announced. stifles declared hast there she The London. ut all, atmosphere Nothing I to afternoon?' come, some edge and mine, we missed It. We do ldm In 'a sense, did nothing to quiet time other Its an atrocious I am tired. I ran upstairs not know the truth about life, you end the little demons of And why the deuce should I do me, Louise. Out here you are a woman Ily. know he began apologetically. qjirest that pulled, had Aline and a too other and I those a things little man, I at leust you do not, and I did not." quickly. now and then, at his heartYoure in time for some coffee, any- that?" the prince asked, a trifle paler, every to was best full away. I have tried my anyone not told me that there He rose very slowly to his feet. strings. how," Sophy told him cheerfully. And but entirely come a little way Into sympathy with here. was no visible change In his There I know Louise Is glad to see you, beWhat Is this reception?" he asked. John To oblige me," replied. afterto this now make to aw want I a had life. you a slight whitening of the save "I up you face fancy She made a little grimace. cause if you hadnt come, I was going The prince wiped his eyeg'ass care- your mind to come down a lifUt way noon," the prince explained, and, cheeks. your to make her go through some ac- fully upon bis handkerchief. It is a formal welcome from the mine!" Into And the sequel to this? he asked. English stage to the French company finding you out, I took the liberty of counts." , Mr. Strangewey, you are a very I have promised to marry John that has come over to She felt the sudden snapping of ev- waiting. If you would rather I went You know I am always glad to see amiable young man," he said equably, play at the new came for she told him. later, you and please nerve the her away in Strangewey," a passing body, ery she told him.. Sir some French show to theater, tried you, Louise murmured, pointing to whom have I to do not hesitate to say so. ... ....... "That, he replied, Is Impossible! Edward and I are to receive them. chair. Sophy and I have been having kindness lor Miss Maurels sake. I itway of all sense of will or resistance, I I have a prior claljn." Of course not! she exclaimed. You will come, will you not? X am a most Interesting discussion, but we really do not see, however pardon my She was conscious only of the little been have should The light of battle flamed suddenly the hostess of the I know not do movement toward the Involuntary him, why have come to a cul de sac. this business what evening. putting it plainly yielding of herself. She lay back In so silly. Aline, take my coat and la ber eyes. Her nervousness had not Then to refuse, am 1 really came," John explained, to Is of yours." likely lam his arms, and the kisses which closed veil," sbe directed, turnlng.Jo the gone. She was a strong woman, face I? he asked, Shall I come ask If you cared to come and see a smiling, Is my business, John declared, It her eyes and lips seemed to be work- maid, who wus lingering at the other to face with him now, taller than he, to the theater? collection of pictures. Theres au Italbecause I have asked Mias Maurel to In him over to tower am not wet end of the room. T seeming. Indeed,' Come straight to the reception at ian a futurist, of course Just un- be my wife, and because I am hoping ing some strange miracle, I will have the splendor of ber anger. She was here. tea in some Serve some In was She space, empty great them up that some day, before very long, she Whitehall rooms," ahe begged. Sir the packed his little lot and set to go to like a lioness threatened with the loss breathing wonderful things. She was my hath later, when I change ever a curiosity shop In Clifford street. will consent. Edward is calling for me, and Gratllot of the one dear thing. on the hilltops, and from the heights the theater." will go down with us. Later, if you He Is sending out cards for next week, defiantIn she was cried The prince sat quite still in his chair, she looked fear "Assert but It, then, She spoke bravely, down at herself as she hnJ care to, you caa drive me home." but I could take you today that Is, his She tried to tell herself ly. "Do what you will. Go to him eyes fixed upon a certain spot In been a poor little white-faceher heart puppet, can We It. If i Dont you think, he suggested, you would care about the not even aphad He the carpet this minute. If you have courage strutting about an overheated stage, in It would he rather a good opporthat go somewhere for some tea afterward." in well. to seems thought Claim, of If It engaged you being pearance enough. fetid atmosphere of adulation, with a to announce our engagement?" Louise made a little grimace. of tunity sort He seemed only steeped In a indeed ! Bight ! I have the one right a brain artificially stimulated, and a Not You What bad luck I she exclaimed. she pleaded. rose he a with tonight world sigh, possesses Finally, every woman In the heart growl ng col d wltb selfishness. to I seem toy-secannot believe It She stopped short. She felt that by passivity. know, to the and soul, to his to feet give herself, body She pitied herself as she had been. her hesitation she had. In a sense, comam I when with 1 you and except the only claim man she loves That My young friend," he decided, your Then sh opened her eyes with a start -wonderful Itveemstoo mitted herself. ltme; 'an-athe- situation, I did indTfcr only rlghrt'recoguizo, statement alter tea ofloy. oil Do have these years. T have promised to go and you know, not credit you with matrimonial Intengiving myself to him, when he after How wonderful it an is t she mur I am nearly thirty? that with the prince at Seyre House," she John, ! !" done be forever wants can what see me, must tions. I mured. Jou brought me here to teU He laughed. suid. It is an engagement we made She stopped suddenly. Neither of relaxed ever so slightly so me this? His Ups How pathetic! All the more realast week. at knock discreet a a heard them had showed only that And to hear something!" he Insistthey slightly I should say, why we should let son, coffee cup John set down his empty the door. Aline bad entered with the glimpse of his teeth In one straight ed. know about It as soon as pospeople silence. with a clatter. An Inexplicable but of moment tea. There was a line. He looked at John mildly, I have tried not to, John, she con sible. sud- Ijird have to seemed side. here my down dominating fury by Put It and his words seemed destitute of all fessed, amazed at the tremble of her There is no particular hurry, she and denly assailed him. He took out a offense; yet John felt the lightnings Aline, her mistress ordered, words seemed Her voice. low sweet a little nervously. Let me get said, it. Sophy, were cigarette and tried to light show the prince of Seyre out" playing around them. like the confession of a weeping child. to used I think you it dont a myself. For after watching him for a moment In door held open. the Aline I shall write a note to Miss MauI cannot help it I do love yon I will have to wait, long. Everything hesitated. moment the si astonishment, slipped out of the room. rel, the prince nude prince promised, as he made have tried not to so hard, but now-noLouise came over to his side. Then be picked up his hat and bowed. I have been used to doing and thinktoward the writing table, and his way I 8haU not try any more !" seems to be crumbling up around "Are you really so touch disappointPerhaps, be said, this may not ing ' ask her to visit ipe upon some other They drove quietly down the long me. Last night I even hated my work, I ed? she asked. word I am so sorry! If afternoon. last be the Yilll and through the dripping streets. or at least part of it I had known that you were coming for Not another word passed between El eyes lit up with genuine pleas-- , XIX. toe, I would have kept myself free. CHAPTER outside her XVI I L drew CHAPTER till up them they anure. "It Isnt that exactly," Jchn 4oor. She felt a new timidity as be I cant tell you bow glad X am to swered. . It' Something I cant altoJohn came back to town from his later handed her out. an immense gratitude and, rooms, to his Back again I hear I you say that, he declared. mind, that himself gether explain. If you dont Cumberland home, telling on. once more to Louises little house for his firm tone and Intuitive tact. over work hate Ive dont got your as had think I will be going. There Is he well expectas all had gone No, I wont come In, thanks, he dein Kensington ; a few minutes' masterthing 1 must put right ed.' He had done hi duty. He had that I dont think I am narrow about to time so Louise little success. have You clared. and then ful pleading, He left without another word. She told Stephen his news, and they bad It. I admire Graitlot, and. his play la and descended to rest and get ready for the theater, herself up wrapped s, Yet all the time he wonderful. But I think, and I always motornew watched him Step Into his she You vili be there' tonight an undercurrent of shall think, that tbe denouement ia car and drive away a little recklessly, the street by his aide. of conscious was drove asked. more John I Beg You to Do Me the Honor of or an hour For that third act Is abominable ! disconcerting thoughts. considering the crowded state of the He laughed as If there were humor She nodded understanding!. Becoming My Wife." and at the him met station, streets. He drew up, a few minutes steadily westward, scarcely speaking Louise more than a chance word. It was twi- In the suggestion of his absence. too. "I am beginning to realize how you Mall, tier that expression, fancied he Pall in outside club the lter, that this visit was a coincidence, that Of course!" when he brought the car to a him must welcomed feel, she confessed. "We wont gaily she where, as It chanced, he had lunched light she although time tbe all meant nothing, but In hli clntch and drove it raised her well and He Louise slipped standstill. anxions. about talk It any more now. Drive a was little that day with the prince of Seyre. enough, streets knew otherwise. off through the looked up. will you? 1 want his took to as me she tbe In she Well?" theater, He found the prince asked, and sitting The door closed behind Aline, the smile and air. of' a conqueror, with asked inquiringly.' she Veil?" limouwhere her to be there early tonight. Just to get the smoking room, reaflv.g a review, to they , were alone. The prince, a If arm and led him to terHe pushed back the thrpttle on Louise passed into her little house "What that did ever the top of which he glanced up was everything ready for changing afterwaiting. anxions to give her time to recover sine enfind a visitor waiting for her there. ward. of say? yours brother M John approached, and nodded non- Ids steering wheel and stopped the rible and window herself, walked to the CTO BE CONTINUED little a made grimace. gine. Then be turned toward her, chalant! out. John moments some looking for of Seyre. had spent j. be to Eugene, to prince yon," say 1 have something ptminT he murmured- CHAPTER XVII 1(V -- Continued. liuVe brought you here that I may say it in my own way and In my The prince laid down the review, own atmosphere. Louise murThis Is like you! keeping bis linger in the place. You hud to bring me out to mured. Delighted ! Not long ago, John went on, in a hilltop, on the dreariest hour of a this room, someone I think it was Ma- w et March afternoon, to tell me- I came back to have a word with you. prince. said. 1 : j Dust-sheet- j I e od de-sf- e 1 t lit-- t hi-lat- her' n ! new-foun- d self-contr- re-ov- er ier-hap- self-possesse- -- - - d 1 lf . , 1 -- ' r parted-YrTeud- . rain-gleami- 1 |