Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1911-Jan 1912)

A WESTERN MEMORY 103 carried on this way before. There ain't anyone else, is there, Violet ?" Still no answer. Only sobs. "She's got histericks, that's what's th' matter," announced her father at last, with a tone of finality. "She's been over-het in the sun today. Violet," turning again to the girl, "now you just shut up and behave yourself. You're goin' to marry Don Antonio an' there ain't no two ways about it, nother. D 'y understand ? ' ' The girl understood only too well. With a low cry she turned suddenly, and rushed from the room, out of the house, down the street and into the Chapel of the Lady of Sorrows. There, where only that morning she had placed a blessed cardie, she knelt and prayed for help and strength for the struggle which was before her. Then, glancing up, she saw that the candle — her candle — was still burning. Was it the faint shadow and reflection from the candle, or was it imagination ? — as she looked, the sweet, chaste face of the Blessed Virgin seemed to smile down upon her with the assurance of safety and protection. ' ' My prayer will be answered, ' ' she murmured. Kneeling there in silent adoration, she became conscious of a slight touch on her arm. It was Tom, there beside her. Clinging to him, she reached the nave of the tiny chapel before she spoke, lest the sound of voices disturb the solemn silence of the sanctuary. "It is Antonio," she whispered. "My parents say I must marry him." Again that solemn, reverential hush. Then the boy spoke. He was not so thoughtful of the respect due to sacred things. "Do you love him?" Tom watched the face before him intently. "No!" For an instant the beautiful eyes looked straight into his, then the long lashes drooped over and hid them ; but in that instant each had read all that hearts feel and lips fail to utter. He clasped her in his arms and vowed that never in this world or the next would she belong to any other. Of a sudden came the recollection of a letter — that letter just received and the summons of which he was powerless to ignore. Slowly he unfolded the crumpled paper. "Can you bear to read this now?" he asked. "I hope it wont grieve you," he added, handing her the paper. "I can bear anything now," she said, smiling thru her tears. ' ' Sorrow cannot come to us now." Then she looked at the bit of paper and read: "I am pleased to hear of your complete recovery. Prepare to come home. Will arrive Thursday. — Father." The blow was heavier than she had thought. If Tom went away how could she avoid the marriage with Antonio ? "My parents will have it," she sobbed. ' ' They wrill never give it up ; but I will not — I will not — I'll die first ! I have asked the Blessed Virgin for her help, and she has promised." Tom looked at the girl in wonder. He did not understand her faith. Then he took from his pocket a tiny locket and tenderly placed it about her neck and pressed her again to his breast. "It shall not be 'till death us do part,' my darling, but 'for all eternity.' " And again the Blessed Virgin seemed to smile. Next day came the end of the romance. Only the tragedy lived on. The time of parting had come. Violet, from her position on the porch, saw them drive away — Tom and his father. It had been but a formal leave-taking, for her parents were beside her, and Antonio was not far distant. Nobody noticed the sad, drawn face. They saw Tom turn and gaze wistfully into her eyes, but none knew what was passing between those two hearts. As the stage, bearing the one person in all the world who could stand between her and the dreaded marriage with the Mexican, turned down the winding valley road, Violet felt, intuitively, that she had looked into her lover's eyes for the last time. As the stage was lost to view behind a