Here Alfonso offered his hand and heart--to a coquette--who rejected him.
He was astonished, almost stunned. Recovering from his dazed condition,
she again chilled his heart by the utterance, "You have not learned in
this practical world of ours that gold marries gold; that society plays
for equivalents. You once admitted to me that your father wanted you at
the head of his large business, and disapproved of your choice of a
profession. As an artist you seek fame. How can you divide it with me? In
asking my hand you seek to divide my gold, thus securing both fame and
gold. Alfonso we have enjoyed each other's company as friends."
"Yes, Christine, though you have been cruel we can separate as friends.
Sometime I may be able to match gold with gold. Till then, adieu."
Saying this Alfonso left the De Ruyter mansion all the more resolved,
however, to win Christine. For a moment her deceptive heart rebuked her
as she watched Alfonso's departure. In the papers of the following
evening an announcement frightened Christine. The head lines read: "Mr.
Alfonso Harris, a young American artist, drowned this morning in the
harbor."
Later the police brought to the De Ruyter home detailed news.
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