Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1894-12-19

sometimes.
How that one word in her rich
tones thrilled him!
May | accompany you to-dayp"
She lifted her eyes.
THANK you, but | shall be other
wise engaged, Mr.. Rutherford"
He closed the door and re-entered
the dining-room, where the squire
was still reading his paper. He
looked up.
Rutherford, do you shoot?"
Sometimes"
But how differently the word was
spoken from the sometimes" that
was still thrilling on his ear.
"You don't speak very enthusias-
tically. However, when you feel
like it, just help yourself to any
thing in this closet" rising and
opening a door.
"What deadly looking little
room!" calculated Forest.
contained everything that would
delight sportsman.
This is Clare's."
The squire took up an elegant
shotgun. Forest reached out for
it.
"How cruel it seems for lady
to use this"
The squire glanced up quickly.
"Do YOU think so? Don't dare
to tell Clare that" Then he added,
IF you see anything in Clare differ
ent from other girls you must over
look it, and lay it to her mode Of
living. Her birth cost her mothers
life, and she has grown up entirely
without woman companionship;
has never been to a boarding-school
nor had a governess. She has had
the best masters for teachers, and
has been like a son to me; rode and
hunted by my side till she can equal
me; in fact, is as near being boy
as a girl can be-"
He laughed again as he took t he
gun and replaced it in the closet,
then hesitated with his hand on the
door.
"You won't take one of these?"
Eyes, | will" Forest suddenly re-
solved, and fitted himself out with
gun, game bag, powder and shot.
Down the leafy lane he went,
past the little shop; but the door
was fast shut. No glimmering
curls and bright brown eyes were
visible this time.
Going into the woods, a little
brawling brook stood his course
He sat down on a messy log and be-
gan casting pebbles into the water.
An impatient exclamation surprised
him. Looking hastily up, he caught
sight of a white dress and broad
brimmed hat.
miss Clare! he exclaimed.
But Miss Clare was slowly wind
ing up her line.
IL am having no luck to-day"
she said, "ard shall fish no more"
She rose, taking her empty bas-
ket on her arm. He stood up be-
fore her, distressed.
II am angler enough to know
that | disturbed you"
mot at all, she interrupted. II
see you have your gun, and will
not detain you. wish you success. "
Bowling slightly, she left him
staring stupidity after her. Here
was queer girl! Any other wom-
an acquaintance of his would have
been glad of an hours rambling
and perhaps Irritation with him.
n
1t was high noon, and Forest
Rutherford was just appearing at
the edge of the lane that skirted the
wood. His game bag looked woe
fully fat, and his duck trousers as
spotless as when he left the house.
Evidently his hunting expedition
had been as unsuccessful as Clare's
piscatorial exercise.
"Ah! the temple is open. Is it
symbolical with the temple of Janus,
wonder-open in time Of war and
closed in peaceP | will venture in,
at least"
He neared the little house.
"Good-morning, Miss Clare. May
enter?"
The girl at the bench very coolly
turned and said, -
mo admittance--ah, | beg your
pardon, Mr.. Rutherford"
Can | not be of some assistance
to YOU" he asked.
Her clear eyes met his without
faltering.
"Ifyou please, lprefer being alone
when | am here"
He made low bow, All amused
smile about his lips.
81 beg your pardon for this in
trusion, and beg you to pardon
it, if you can"
She coldly replied
ION condition you do not repeat
it,"
He went out, mentally wishing
that some one would kick him, and
styling her ''stiff little prude."
1"He thinks me foolw she told
herself, but calmly went OIL with
her saving.
He resolved to 60 away the very
next day, but summer waned, and
he still fingered. Finally the end
came. He proposed, and was prompt