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Show Ube'f)srb.o ut!itHl tollome Glib "Rose ant> $tiller "That's what Aunt Francesca said, and Allison's father seemed to think more ai:)out my making Allison happy than he did about my being happy myself." "That's because the only way to win happiness is to give it," put in Madame. "The more we give, the more we have." Conversation lagged at dinner, and became, as often, a monologue by Madame. While they were finishing their coffee, they heard Allison's well-known step outside. "I wonder why he had to come so early," complained Isabel. "l wanted to change my dress. I didn't have time before dinner." "He'll never know it,'' Madame assured her. We '11 excuse you dear, if you're through. Don't keep him waiting." When the dining-room door closed, Rose turned to Madame. "Did 1-- " "Most wonderfully." "But the hardest part is still to come," she breathed, sadly. " 'I was ever a fighter, so one fight more. The best and the last' ; '' Madame quoted, encouragingly. Rose smiled-a little wan smile-as she pushed back her chair. "Perhaps," she said, "the' peace out of pain' may follow me." She went, with faltering step, toward the other room, inwardly afraid. Another hand 'lllllblte Glolles met hers, with a reassuring clasp. "One step more, Rose. Now then, forward, march, all flags unfurled." \Vhen she went in, Allison came to meet her with outstretched hands. He had changed subtly, since she saw him last. Had light been poured over him, it would have changed him in much the same way. "Golden Rose," he said, taking both her hands in his, "tell me you are glad--.,;ay that you wish me joy." Her eyes met his clearly. "l do," she smiled. "There is no one in the world for whom I wish joy more than I do for you." "And I say the same," chimed in Madame, who had closely followed Rose. "Dear little foster mother," said Allison, tenderly, putting a strong arm around her. He had not yet released Rose's hand, nor did he note that it was growing cold. "I owe you everything," he went on; "even Isabel." He kissed her, then, laughing, turned to Rose. "May I?" he asked. Without waiting for an answer, he turned her face to his, and kissed her on the lips. Cold as ice and shaken to the depths of her soul, Rose stumbled out of the room, murmuring brokenly of a forgotten letter which must be immediately written. Madame lingered for the space of half an hour, talking brightly of everything under the sun, then followed |