The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1891-02-27

lhat ~ exactly my excuse" he re-
joined NOW win confcs, not only
u being a fraud. in pretending We are
both what we are not, Int also 10 being
nm eaveSdrappcr: and don't know the
name for man who looks over d young
lady's shoulder and reads note not in
ten led fcr him.
- know" said Nan. quickly, ''acow-
ard and a Sncal<r'
The blood mounted 10 Warde's face.
and his whole appearance showed that
the thrust cnt. Nan turned as II no
such person as Mr.. Warlc had ever ex-
listed, and looked, hoping for her speedy
return, toward Mrs. Pcnmnn. who was
still in eager conversation with the
conductor
shortly II dawncd on Nan that she
was the subject of their remarks; and
10 her horror she saw them start down
the aisle toward her. She recognized
the fact with pang, that now was the
time for Mr.. Warde revenge here was
his golden opportunity for showing her
in her true colors. Would he take tho
advantage? With quick gasp she in
stinctively raised her imploring. white
little face TO his, and her lips moved.
though speech failed her. She met his
reassuring smile. and was conscience-
stricken; for Nan knew he would be-
friend her.
Here is the conductor said Mrs.
Pcnman, in loud whisper. .'iIe didn't
know who you was. and he wants to
meet you. you and the rest OF the
troop" glancing toward Mr.. Warde.
who straightway composed his features
and felt like composite photograph.
| The presentation duly finished and
Nan having recovered herself, she
thought of thanking her erstwhile
enemy; but when She looked for him,
he was sauntering out TO the rear plat
form. with an unlighted cigar in his
hand. Her ono idea now was to beg
his pardon for her unkind. her miscr-
able, contemplate remark. lie cow
/ ard. a sneak. Rather she, Nan, was
cowardly. and he all that was gentle
| manly and considerate. From one ex-
| tremc she rushed into the other, and as
she saw him departing she gave little
cry: oh. Mr.. Wardc, please watt
! But he didn't. No, not he, for resent
melit held him in momcntary posses
sion. To all appearances he did not hear
/ the pleading voice and Nan, feeling ut
4 terly crushed, collapsed, literally and
1 figurativciy. and her talkative compan-
( ion came 10 the conclusion that actresses
have moods. and Miss Davenport was
now indulging in one; 50 She settled
her shawls, and. making herself entirely
comfortable, was soon asleep, as short,
gurgling SHORES proclaimed
\ Nan had been thoroughly alone with
her sclf-rcproachful mcditations for
over an hour. when the door opened.
admitting Mr.. Warde. Instead of TAX
ing his usual place. he went to the
stove and lazily warmed his cold
fingers. fully conscious that the girls
eyes were following his every move
ment.
\ Men can be very cruel sometimes,
mean expcrimentally. and when taxed
with il. they generally give the excuse
that they didn't know she'd care. but
wanted TO see what shed do about il. :
And it was just that idea that made Ben
Warde pretend he didn't see the little
Y figure in brown slide out Of the seat and
when small hand was held out, with
the request to please overlook my
I mean speech and let rs be friends. for
You were so good 10 me when You
might have told the conductor and
taken your revenge. that just feel
awfully.r he forgot he ever resented
any thing this pretty. slender girl had
done. and forthwith assured her Of his
devoted friendship.
Mrs Penman. between what she
called .'cat maps saw the pair sitting
cozily by the fire. he talking. for the
most part. aud she listening. Ben told
Of his life at college. then his year
West. and how well he was progressing
as young lawyer in the lawlcss state
of his adoption. After all, men are con-
fidng creatures. give them a bright fire
and pretty girl with sympathy and
admiration shining ont Of her brown
eyes; and Ben found the situation high
" romantic and satisfactory.
Nan was not at all sleepy. she assured
Mrs. Pcnman. but that kind woman
insisted on wrapping he, up and placing
her on the seat she vacated for the pur-
pose. while She herself talked TO Ben.
But. somehow or other. that young man
did not find her as delightful a listener
as Nan. and conversation consequently
languished
With the earliest ray Of light men had
been busy at work. and now the drift
was cut through. and they would break
fast in New York. As the three stood
on the fcrry-boat crossing the river,
Ben leaned over, and said SO only Nan
could hear: II hope Aunt Kate will be
pleased to see us" Nan smiled. but
looked slightly confused. Because
am going there with you. In fact, !
think Of spending my holidays at her
house"
You are joking, Mr.. Waric'"
II mo- am in sober earnest"
.But. Mr. Warde-"
"Yes.''
"why. you can't. You knowles
pcratelv you're not invited"
"Oh. that doesn't matter"
Nan looked 50 genuinely distressed
that Ben. burst out laughing, and rs
soon as he could control his amusement
sufficiently, said:
.sShe's my Aunt Kate, too; at least
her husband il my uncle. Poor little
actress. Acknowledge: am ! not the
better actor Of the two?"