The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-06-02

muttered Cecil, as the bell rang for
play
When it rang again for changing
tables he was obliged to remain at
the jacktable, because, in watching,
he had Numbered stupidity. Bessie
and the author won the game, and
though they were not partners i'll the
next the merriment between them
continued, and he saw her dart per-
feet coquette's smile at him as at the
next he went down to the kings.
Tom Potion was her next partner,
but her sparkle was gone. She scarce
ly spoke.
Hump" muttered Cecil, .tquite a
descent from literature to -four. Plot
ton and will surely agree, for he is
undoubtedly getting the cold shout
der"
Yet, despite himself, doubts would
break into the adverse decision. err
haps she is true after all; her spirits
may be her way OF entertainment. /
may be making fearful mistake"
Finally good luck advanced him and
he became her partner for a game.
She was all life again; exactly as she
had been to the author. He believed
he detected her wish to draw him on
to loving her, and though .fattered,
the old doubt grew stronger. The du-
ties of the hostess did not necessitate
action: she had tried to draw the au-
thor on; she was trying him now. The
only result would be that she would
reject them both in ridicule.
Music and promenading through
the spacious house followed cards.
Cecil FASTENED to engage Bessie as q
companion; the author forestalled
him. He walked angrily into the con-
servatory and stopped before a palm,
ostensibly examining it, but in reality
analysing his state of mind. Was he
Jealous? If so, he really loved Bessie,
but could not ask her to be his when
all he had seen confirmed her coquet-
ry? s- -
Bessie and Hughes came near and
stopped before q large plant, but with
their backs toward Cecil, who was
we'll screened from them. -
miss Fallington," said the author,
in the unmistakable voice of devo-
ton, "do you like literature?" ~
81 love it," she replies. "Let me
tell you little secret that you must
never reveal. have lately had quite
a number of poems published-anony-
mously, of course"
"Adorable," she cried, enthusiastic
cally. "You must show them to me"
"By no means you would criticise
thep poor little attempts."
Not for worlds. They could not
help being full of fire and genius. But
would you not like to devote your
lie, yourself, to literature?" -.
ooh! Mr.: Hughes, my humble talents
wouldn't last fortnight"
81 don't mean in that way; though
your talent would. I mean would
you not like to live always in q liter
airy atmosphere-in fact, Miss Falling
ton, as the wife of an author?"
pardon me, Mr.. Hughes" she ex-
claimed, "but do believe this rare
plant is dying. Unjust tell father at
once"
Don't turn me aside" pleaded the
author, trying to catch her hand. II
love you TO-"
Hush, hush, Mr.. Hughes, "she whis-
pered. "Here comes some one"
The some one was Tom Plotton,
and he was coming directly for them.
.'Mr. Hughes" he said, "they are
asking for you in the parlor. They re
discussing the authorship OF a. late
anonymous poem. They want you
to help them out"
Very WE'LL" replied Hughes, gal
T IT
good decision on the latest and di-
rectest information"
Don't you dare" exclaimed Bessie,
with a light laugh, the meaning OF
which came in words as soon as the
author was out of hearing.
"Oh, I'm so glad you came, for,
his love for me-" ~ :
Both broke into a hearty laugh.
Conviction struck Cecil. If this
wasn't an evidence of heart]ess
coquetry, what could be? He sin
cerely thanked his good fortune that
his doubts had kept him from de-
claring his own love several months
before in a similar place.
"And have no doubt" he heard
Plotton say, "that if were now to
say that / love you, you'd thank
some one for interrupting, and laugh
as heartily over my Stiffness, wouldn'
your"
perhaps I should"
Though you have given me some
encouragement, Bessie"
"Have L? Come, 1 want to tell
father this plant is dying"
They moved away, and Cecil re-
turned to the parlor, thrilling with
pleasure at this narrow escape. He
reJoiced greatly that Bessie Fallington
had never had chance to laugh at
him: He shortly withdrew elated,
but in the night, doubt of his decision
troubled him. The heart and head
would not agree. The stronger be-
came the latter, the fuller was the
former Of regret that he could not
have Bessie Fatlington.
Next morning he FASTENED to Plot
tons establishment and found that
gentleman in his glass office looking
quite happy.
Happy commission stroke7' asked
Cecil.
"Yes, an unusual one. Well, 4 sup
pose you have come to compare notes
about Bessie FallinrtOn -