Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-12-13

noyed youp"
"Oh no." Beatrice answered hastily,
recovering from her confusion. clad
! known you were there, though, l
uhould have left of long ago
Then / am glad you did not sec
me. II is years since | have heard
The Princess.' and your sweet voice
gavo it an added charm.
Thank YOU" Beatrico murmured,
and little demure smile curved her
red lips. You are more compliment
airy than truthful"
Il assure YOU" Stewart b"gan
hurriedly; then broke OF and 6t his
lip.
The three pairs Of blue eyes were
fixed intently upon him, and IN each
there lurl<ed CLEAN OF suppre' Sod
mirth difficult to nee, without smil
ing.
"Never mind. Wa forgive you,"
Beatrice broke in softly. "But YOU
must not listen again, else we shall DO
obliged to hang our hammock in an
other part Of the garden. y
Stewards face fell, and an expression
of deep disappointment entered his
eyes. He had been anticipating much
enjoyment from the delightful lowncss
of the fence and the knowl-
ledge that this was favorite spot Of
the girls.
'Mayn't | listen if | ask permission
frstP' he pleaded.
Yes; OF course you may. Don't
J L 4 hot
she says Nance added, lifting her
saucy face to look at him.
Thank you, Miss Nance; you arc
kinder than your sister,
"How do you know my nane?"
Nance asked rather fiercely. ''Who
told you?"
Stewart laughed. then let his eyes
rest pensively upon the blue sky
above.
.I.et ne see" he began thoughtful
ly. "Some little bird must have told
me, and have not forgotten. Bea-
trice Stanley, aged nineteen; Avice
Stephanie Stanley. aged seventeen and
half; Nance Helena Stanley, sweet
sixteen"
The girls grew reddcr and redder as
Stewart spoke, repeating his words
like newly learnt lesson.
Suddenly, however, Beatrice broke
into a light laugh, and turned towards
him.
"How stupid of us! Avice, don't you
remember the day we carved our
names and ages on the old bridge9n
she said merrily. You must think US
terrible childish"
Not at all, and TO prove the truth
Of my words, you have only to look
beneath your names TO discover mine.
could not resist the temptation"
What is yours Nance asked
shyly.
stewart Lindley."
"A pretty name, and one that suits
YOU she added patronisingly.
Now the ice was broken they chat
ted freely, the girls grouped together
in picturesque attitudes, Stewart rest
ing with his arms folded on the top OF
the fence, and his eyes fixed upon
Beatrice.
They hardly noticed the darkening
shadows falling softly around them.
1t was with n violent start Avice at
length aroused herself from the hap
Ply spell.
"Bee, Nance, il must be past tea
time, and mother does not like us 10
keep her waiting she said hurriedly.
Not TO be tempted TO stay a moment
longer, she gathered all her working
materials together and stood on one
side to await her sisters.
There was a naughty pout on Nances
red lips as she rose and shook herself.
but she babe Stewart very smiling
Goodbye"
The two girls walked on little way
leaving Beatrice alone with Stewart.
For an instant they both remained
silent. gazing respectfully into each
others eyes. At last, with an uncoa-
scious sigh, Beatrice picked up her
work and prepared to leave him.
"Good-bye," she said softly.
Goodbye. Miss Beatrice You
will not prove hard-hearted if come
again to this charming spot?"
No" the girl murmured, and a
lovely flush came TO her cheeks.
He hesitated, looked at her entreat-
ingly, then held out "A strong white
hand.
For a moment Beatrice remained
immovable, the shy light in her eyes
deepened; then, half reluctantly, she
laid her hand in his clasp.
At that warm tremulous touch botn
felt something thrill through their
veins. Not another word was uttered
but the silence was more eloquent.
"How sweet she is, my pure bright
princess." Stewart muttered, when she
had gone from him. 81 will win her
yes, in spite OF all, will win her for
my very own"'
TO BE CONTINUED.
Five Anarchists Dine.