Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1888-01-26

However, ere she had time to continue
her reflection, the hat was replaced, and
Arthur Fairfax came forward, and smiling
| " said:
This little fairy has dragged me. Willy
nilly into the presence of a stranger who, j
trust, appreciates my situation, and Will
pardon this seeming intrusicnl'
What a pleasant voice. Natalie saw
on closer inspection that he was much older
than at first sight he had appeared. She
now overshot the mark, and called him
| thirty.
In reply to his remark, she answered,
simply and quietly:
Il think you must be the gentleman who
has captured Dolores heart
''Ah!" queried he, laughing, ST can't say
as to that. But do know thIt I'm one of the
individuals whose heart Dolores has capt
ured."
Natalie smiled, and Dolores turned her at
tention to Max. having overcome her fears
OF that large animal
EYES," continued the stranger, I'I came
here day or two ago 10 hunt for roll OF
music that I lost somewhere about here,
and while was searching, met this young
fairy
'.Was it manuscript eagerly interrupted
Natalie
1T was,'' promptly responded the other,
feeling that his ruse was succeeding.
''Was it called Stella Meaf"
SIT was,'' again he replied, affecting Il lit
tie well-feigned establishment at her ques-
tons and manner.
Then 1 have it." G ntirued she, with
evident delight. 81 fou I'd it here, and, do
you know, l like it very much. indeed. Did
you really compose it, You are musical,
then, as well as poetical ~
Verify, Mistress Natate was overcoming
her man-hating proclivit les.
Still this was not at al surprising. When
| this young man resolves. TO win the good
will of any one, male or female, few reason
able mortals could resisT him. That frank
ness, that apparent simple-mindedness,
| threw strangers on IL cir guard, and ere
| they knew il, the citadal II their reserve had
quite capitulated.
Il am glad you like it, ndeed,'' answered
| he, with slight bow, looking very much
pleased. SHOW fortuna ;e / am TO have met
| you'll For, strangely er ough, 1 have been
unable to recall all of ei her the melody or
the words May retI m with you to the
house and get it!''
Certainly, replied n talie, falling quick
ly into the trap; 'Im VI ~ glad to have dis
| covered its owner"
| The ice was now brolo n.
| Fairfax had once me re plotted success
| fully. Natalie, had she only paused to re
| fleet upon her course, m ght have been sur
| prised, to say the least. She was chatting
away as gayly and unconccrnedly with this
| stranger, of whom she knew absolutely
| nothing, as if she had known him for years.
| They walked together up toward the cot
| tage, Dolores between them, holding the
| hand of each in her tiny fingers, while Max
| followed demurely behind.
Fairfax (quite naturally let slip the re-
mark that he was located in the pretty cot
| tage across the fields-Natalie had often
seen it and admired its charming situation
and quaint architecture-''and,'' he added
II have rented it for the autumn months.
Glen Gore is its name.''
Fairfax refrained from making any per
sonal remarks whatever to Natalie until, as
| they approached the house, he said:
II think must have heard you singing
when 1 passed along the shore recently
| You sing, do you not!'
"Yes,'' answered she, simply. "Do your
'No, 1 am sorry to say do not. l some
times play for my own amusement, but
there is such a wretched piano in my cot
| tage that take little pleasure in perform
ing upon it. Havc you good piano!"
''Yes,'' said she, readily and unsus
piciously falling into the second little trap
he was laying.
He had SO timed his question that they
now stood on the porch, and Natalie, before
she realized what she was doing, had added
courteously:
'Win you come in and Try it?"
''With pleasure" respor ded he, immedi
ately stepping in through he door.
| At first Natalie felt IL lie alarmed, wher
she considered that she I I'd introduced ar
absolute stranger into he defenseless and
''maleless' home. FART (, however, gave
her no time for reflect .on. With easy
| grace and the utmost q olness he moved
| quickly toward the instr nent, uttering, as
he nearcd it, the pleased xclamat on:
'How delightful KIN Y the ms Ike wellr
So saying, he sat dow before the key
board and began a soft. sweet prelude OF
| Chopin's. Natalie imme lately recognized
the touch of a musician, and stoned witt
| increasing pleasure.
Fairfax now decided upon a bold couE
d'e.at.
TO BE CoNTINrT D.
| HISTORY OF LOG.