The Forrest City times., 1889-10-19
arc nice little things, and I can not allow vou fo alander fhesn '

[ allow you to islander them"
 'I won't do so any more II you will give me one of these buds" indicating 2 the bouquet she wore in her corsage. 1t Is bargain, but the flowers are withered," she added.
 She unfastened one, but In trying to put it on his coat her fingers trcm- bled, and she murmured few words about her awkwardness. Suddenly i. her hand was seized and quick kiss fell upon it. Alice uttered a startled cry and ran lightly to the house. wav- ing goodnight from the doorway, and Gerald drove slowly home, not dis pleased with this display of maiden modesty.
 Miss Bailey was not charmed to fin Gerald's manner less lover like even than it had been before. She had been ut the hotel over two weeks, monopo- lizing his company as much as possi- ble, smiling her most engaging smiles. and using all the arts of which she was mistress to enslave him. But al- though he had been her companio n quite often in rambles through the grounds, and her escort to several places of amusement which the gay people at the house attended, hc had not taken advantage of his opportuni- ties.
 Tonight she came into the psrlor where he was seated at the piano light touching the keys; her faultlessly made costume of some clinging white material, relieved by bunch of vel vety pansies, set of her handsome figure to advantage, and sho looked very fair as she stood in the soft twi- light of the room.
 'I was sure you were here. I knew your touch on the piano. want you to try the accompaniment of song I received to-day, and tell me if my voice is equa! to rendering it. I can always rely on your opinion.'
 ''l am very much honored. and am entirely at your service. Where is the musicpn
 She gave it to him. but said; Wait until they light the gas. will sit here while you play for me-"
 Sinking gracefully into large chair near by she closed her eyes, and Ger aid. with few laughing remarks. con. tnucd his playing. He had been thinking Of Alice before Miss Bailey entered, and now, while that young lady was so obligcingly silent his thoughts sirayed back to her, How sweet shc was, and so easily startled. She had been even more shy than usual since the night of the drive, but she could not hide the confiding light in her bluc eyes. He was sure she c red for him. Little pet-she was not equal to her hard life: he imagined she looked tirci lately, not doubt the hot weather and
 Here a movement of the occupant of the chair recalled him to the present. Miss Bailey had opened her eyes Il few minutes before, expecting 10 find him admiring her clear profile against the becoming background of crimson velvet; but she was doomed to dis appointment, for there he sat, playing away, seemingly forgetfnl Of every : thing hut tho music. He did not per ccive her chagrin,
 My efforts to entertain did not put you to sleep, ,hen?"
 No; but judging from your rapt expression, l think you nearly played yourself into dreamlaud., Confess the subject of your thoughts, and l will find the penny for you. V
 He reddencd slightly.
 No, no. 1 trust so little in ladies' promises that 1 must receive the money before parting with my precious thoughts"