The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-08-28
: u : Y
The Story Of a Wait.
Copyright, 1892, by Bret Hsrte.
CHAPTER V. Continued.

Sh hE Len v. loohlAHucol'
The young fellow tried to echo the
laugh, but felt as if he had received
blow. Fer the first time he was conscious
of the truth; this girl whom he had fondly
regarded as child had already passed him
in the race; she had become a woman be-
fore he was yet q man, and now stood be-
fore him maturer in her knowledge and
older in her understanding of herself and
him. This was the change that had per-
pIexsd him; this was the presence that
had come between them-a Susy he had
never known before.
She laughed at his changed expression
and then swung herself easily to sitting
posture on the low projecting branch of a
hemlock. The act was still girIish, but
nevertheless she still looked down upon
him in superior, patronizing way.
Now, Clarence" she said, with half-ab-
stracted manner, "don't you be big fool!
you talk that way to mother she'll only
tell you you must wait two or three years
until you know your own mind, and
she'll pack me OFF TO that horrid school
again, besides watching me like cat
every moment you are here. If you want
to stay here and see me sometimes like
this-you'Il just behave as you have done
you don't care to come. or are satisfied
with Mary and mother. Say SO, then.
Goodness knows! I don't want to force
you to come here"
Modest and reserved as Clarence was
generally. fear that bashfulness of ap-
proach to the other sex was not one Of
these indications. He walked up to Susy
with appalling directness and passed his
nrI he. 4
but remained looking at him and his in
truding arm with a certain critical curios-
ity as if awaiting some novel sensation.
At which he kissed her. She then slowly
disengaged her arm, and said: Really,
upon my word, Clarence" in perfectly
level tones, and slipped quietly to the
ground. He again caught her in his arms,
encircling her disarranged hair and part
of the ber,bboned hat hanging over her
shoulder, and remained for an instant
holding her thus silently and tenderly.
Then she freed herself with an alb
stracted air. half smile and an I'M
changed color except where her soft
cheek had been abraded by his coat collar.
You're bold, rude boy, Clarence" she
said. putting back her hair quietly and
strengthening the brim of her hat.
j
ners," and then from q safe distance, with
the same critical look in her violet eyes,
II suppose you think mother would allow
that-if she knew it?'
But Clarence, now completely subjected.
with the memory of the kiss upon him and
heightened color, protested that he only
wanted to make their intercourse less con-
strained and to have their relations-even
parents. But still he would take her adj.
vice. Only there was always the danger
that If they were discovered she would be
sent back to the convent all the same. and
his Punishment, instead of being the pro-
baton of a few years, would be perpetual
separation.
1--WE could always run away, Clarence"
responded the young girl calmly. There's
nothing the matter with that"
Clarence was startled. The idea of desc.
lating the sad, proud. handsome Mrs. Pew
ton. whom he worshipped, her kind hus-
band. whom he was just about to serve.
was grotesque and confusing; but he said,
hopelessly: Yes"
''Of course" she continued, with the
same odd affectation of coyness, which
was. however, distinctly uncalled for, as
she eyed him from under her broad hat.
you needn't come with me unless you
like. can run away myself--if want to.
I've thought of it before. One can't stand
everything"
''But, Susy," says Clarence, with a
swift, remorseful recollection of her conf
dence yesterday. lis there really anything
troubles you? Tell me. dear; what is it ?''
''Oh, nothing-everythingl It's no use:
you can't understand! You like it.
know you do; can see it; it's your STYLE.
But it's stupid, it's awful, Clarence! With
mamma shopping over and around you all
day, with her Dear child, 'Mamma's pet
and What is it, dear p and Tell it all to