The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-11-17


step nearer; she was standing at the
piano with her back to the light, do
you think if | had come in us | did
through no fault of mine-and seen
that poor chap making love to you and
hadn't asked you what it meant, but
had taken it for granted that it was
your usual custom of an afternoon,
that that would have pleased you2"
1T would have been less eccentric;
but perhaps | ought to be grateful for
the interest you take i'll my affairs.
In speaking her voice broke, the
sprig Of sweet brier which she held
was trembling and he saw it.
I'm aWfUlly sorry, Helen,' he said,
gently. II beg your pardon. | had no
right to bother you, but, upon my hon
or, couldn't help it, was SO angry.
He stood in silence and watched her;
he was thinking how fair and stately
wife she would be; he postponed for
one moment the words that should
bring her to his arms. During that
moment she recovered herself; with a
sudden and yet unhurried movement
she seated herself on the window seat;
table of some dimensions now inter
Yened between herself and him.
s'We are making a very great noun
tain out of nothing, Mr.. JONES' she
said, lightly; lin your agitation you
even forget my name. Would you
mind opening the door? The heat in
here is horrible, and draught will
blow away the scent of the flowers;
they are SO oyerpoWering they make
one breathleSS."
He did not open the door, nor did he
answer. She did not look at him, but
II
She could bear anything just then rath-
er than silence.
eve will go out" she went on, quick
ly; sit is cooler in the garden. | must
fetch my hat and order tea We will
have tea under the trees"
She was passing him on her way to
escape through the door; how clever
was her ruse to get away! Her hand
was close to the handle when he
stepped forward and barred her prog
reSS.
Zone moment" he said. II want to
speak to you"
mot now" there was wild petition
in her voice which startled him; "Wait
--presently-not now"
Its all right, darling. / don't want
to brighten you, but the truth is,
can't get through an hour without you.
When l am not with you, l think of
you. | dream of you every night l
want you to marry me, Helen
He paused. She was confOunded at
this honor which he had thrust upon
her; the lashes concealed her eyes; she
did not move nor answer.
'When will you marry me-?
''Neyerr'
Mr.. Jones' smile failed 'Look here,
Helen, / am i'll deadly seriousness. [
tell you that / am most aWfully fond
of you. can't put it strong enough.
love you with all my soul, 1 swear
do. VIII you marry me?'
NO." in a low, firm voice; II will not
marry you-''
.'You don't mean that?"
81 do
"That is your abswer|
'Yes''
''You have nothing more to say to
me?''
''Nothi 90
He was stunned. 1t was not her
words alone, but her hard, set face
that confounded him.
us there some one else, Helenv
"No."
''You are not" unsteadily, sin love
WITH some Otl0r 10IlOW r.
'sNo.'
He caught her by the wrist, pulled
her into the full light of the open win
dow and stared into her white face.
81 could have sworn you liked me-"
he said, ''as no doubt that other chap.
who was here this afternoon, could
have done. I suppose this sort Of thing
divertS you; it's q variety entertain7
Of
dancing to your pipe. I'm afraid 1
don't understand women; for, on my
life. [ don't know what kind of gratifi-
cation they get out of this form of
amusement. | never guessed you were
making fool Of me, Helen. | would
not have believed it, I swear would
not, unless I'd heard it myself and
seen the parsons face just now"
Her face did not express much
amusement, certainly, but she tried to
back away from him into the shadow
of the curtains, and he let her go, with
an impatient sigh. At this juncture,
for the third time, the gate bell tinllled
it's warning of an arrival, and Miss
Elizabeth Milford crossed the grass
plot She caught sight of the young
mans face at the drawing room Win
dow, and Immediately approached
him.
How do you do Mr. Jones? knew you
were here; your cart is outside. How
is dear Helen?'
'sShe is here to answer for herself"
''I am quite well, auntie.''
81 left her lying down, Mr.. Jones. I
told her to rest; she was tired out and
it is such hot day Really" peering
at her, ''she looks terribly pale. Come
out into the air, love; come out, both
of you. and we will have tea under the
tulip tree. l will tell Betsey to bring