Welsh Journals

alone on an island, for the other two were lovers and sought solitude. Side by side they sat together, staring at the sunset before them and listening to the cool plash-plash against the river bank. It was very still, and neither had spoken for a time. "Happy?" she said. looking up at him; but she saw his face and knew that he was troubled. What's up ? she said kindly, and seemed to wriggle like a kitten at his side. He did not answer her at once, and she stroked his hand gently abruptly he took it away. I don't know he said. I used to mean to do big things, and now and now What ? Her voice was low and gentle "I'm not working don't want to work I can't think of anything now. It's all going." The sun was sinking in the distance and the world seemed tense with expectant sadness. Is it me?'" she whispered. I don't know, yes, I suppose it is. I He could not finish for the lump that was rising in his throat. And the sun sank behind the coloured clouds, I see," she answered. Without speaking they stared moodily before them. Suddenly and half timorously he put out his arms towards her for the moment the barriers were broken, and she nestled close to his embrace. She was crying now, and as he kissed her his lips were salt with her tears. After a time she drew away from him and again they sat without speaking. He saw the cross roads clearly now she could never rise with him, would never want to rise. And then he turned and saw her by his side, and passion surged over him. He could see nothing but the set of her head upon her shoulders; the wonderful curving lines of her young body bit deep into his flesh he„shut his eyes for the sheer glory of his vision. It was good to be alive it was magic to be young. Suddenly he put out his arms and drew her towards him roughly passionately he kissed her warm lips over and over again she lay gasping in his arms. He could have swooned away with her lying so soft and still in his arms, and death would have found him happy. But that night a revulsion came upon him. He thought that he had done wrong and he was fright- ened. He could not trust himself. This passion was a terrible thing it would be the master and swamp him utterly and he was ashamed. His mind was awhirl with shame and remorse, because he was afraid. He had known passion and was ashamed. She saw it all clearly enough next day, as soon as her eyes met his. And the glory that was in her died. But she determined to make one last stand. Tike me a walk this evening, Tom ? she asked him and the appeal in her voice made him tremble, but he answered nervously without looking at her. My mother does'nt like it." The answer was grotesque. Like what? She won't like me to go a walk with you at night." She looked grave You'd better come," she said seriously, and for the sake of peace he agreed, for he almost feared a scene." But it was an ill beginning. She made him take her into the park, and sat down beside him on a seat in the starlit darkness. Away in the distance the little lights were twinkling and sky signs flared against the night. Now Tom," she said, and her voice trembled as she said it, kiss me." He shivered feverishly, and once more he felt the passion in him rising. But he held himself in check and kissed her gently on the forehead. Not like that," she whispered. Love me­ kiss me like that other time so as I may know you love me." No," he answered. "Why?" I can't, I won't," he almost shouted, for he was afraid. She drew his face towards hers, and the warmth of her arm was like a drug to him, but angrily he shook it off. He saw the two paths more clearly than ever, and knew that at last he had to choose. No, no he said, and she knew that the words were final. Very well," she answered him at last, and her voice was stern and cold. Slowly she got up, and without another word she left him. Without a word he let her go, and watched her fade into the night before him. He was alone he had conquered. And suddenly as men do, he loathed his victory with all the pent-up feelings that were in him he was alone and he felt that he would always be alone, and he cried bitterly and hopelessly. But when at last he wearily arose, he knew that he had passed the finger-post and had chosen his road. And in course of time he tasted all the wealth and honours that are the industrious apprentice's just reward, but she married beneath her and was happy. R. F. Wright.