Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1896-02-27

is that true?"
tbinl :, OF course. Why, you don't
u Jane stopped short. meet;1~
lle others searching glance. she knnu.
que was being cross-questioned. but for
object. ''' sec 1oi "nat
Jane" asked Diana, solemnly. edo
you "a mean to marry Mr.. Graeme:"
L! No. What an idear'-with tho
ghost of a smile "i'i4 '1e
Ihen -desperately-'w don't Won
see' -o' o'1ielS
Dlana, said Jane, demurely, us they
were SUN beyond ear-shot, Il don't think
l. snall nave much to explain after ALL
Inere was certainly nothing of Irritation,
hothlng even personal in our long CONVEX
satlon to-day. 1t had just struck me that
MI Graeme was talking nearly all the
time about you"
1here was no pallor nor pride in Miss
Nhollys lace now, she was blushing like
any schoolgirl as they reached Mrs.
Dehe side, and she could scarcely stam-
mef out suitable remark. An odd mix
ture OF shame and triumph made her
quite unlike herself. She was afraid TO
meet James eyes lest she should guess
Directly she could she took her leave.
only too glad to be alone to think.
And now Jane had something to con-
slider. Her thoughts lately had been con
centrated on her own affairs, and she was
weary of trying to solve the yexed prob
lem of how best to unrayel the tangled
skein of difficulties that beset her. 1t was
a relief to turn her attention to some
thing else, if only for a short time She
knew Valentine Graeme had admired
been near loving her, in fact, before her
engagement to Colonel Prnsep was an
nounced, and that again Of late his inter-
est III her had seemed to be reviving; but
she had known too much of really pas
slonate love, the love associated, alas,
With sin and sorrow, TO believe that his
affection was very deeply seated.
An opportunity to talk with Valentine
alone occurred later in the day. He had
stayed to luncheon, and afterward all
three were gathered round the fire, he
chatting to Mrs. Dene, and Jane deep i'll
thought as to how she could best bring
about an explanation. Then some house
hold duty called Mrs. Dene away, and
the two were left alone.
''How nice this idle time is." observed
Valentine, deamily; then, with one of
his flashes of fun, he added, comically,
Don't spoil it by trying to anluse me-
She laughed 1t was an old joke against
her that she took the verb Ito entertain
too literally. 1t must have been III some
measure due to her Scotch blood, or that
unconsciously some memory of the old,
more practical life in barracks remained
with her; at any rate she never allowed
the mind of any visitor to stay long I'M
N~.,l, q,
day with them as now, there was no
chance of his finding any leisure time to
miSapply.
Mrs. Dene had noticed first how Jane
provided all her guests with albums and
books of views, then sat near primly eN-
planning or descanting on their merits.
Since then it had become q universal
joke.
Now, however she wanted only to talk,
and said so.
II am afraid" said Val, thoughtfully,
II have exhausted my originality. [ don't
believe I have another remark to make.
You could hardly expect it after whole
days uninterrupted conversation"
"That's just it. Why do you come so
often?" blurted out Jane.
He pushed his chair back from the fire,
and sprung to his feet.
do YOU mean that [ am unwelcome-
that | come too often?" he exclaimed,
blankly.
Suppose" she said, with faint smile
lowering on her lips, that all this time,
while you have been fancying so differ
entity, you have been in reality steadily
but unconsciously falling in love with
some one ever so much prettier and nicer
than IAN obstinate shake of the head
from Val, which she ignored. Suppose
too, that she is beginning to care for you
in return. And suppose you should ne
fortunate enough to win such beautiful
bride, and there should be wedding
and l should be there, so glad Oh so
glad to see two such good friends happy.
Valentine flushed like a girl, and his
heart was boating quickly. Was it possl-
bic that what she said was true-that he
really did love Diana best: he thought to
himself. 81,
.And you, JENNY how is it to be with
you?" asked Valentine.
..Ivitb MOI oh. never mind me!'' she
ranlied. with her face still turned away.
..But I do mind you very much. Tell
me" he said, deliberately-for he had
weighed the matter in his mind. and con-
cluded that he was not so deeply IN love
with Diana, but that he had very reas-
enable chance of happiness with Jane IL
she decided to accept him; she had the
first claim upon his affections, and IT
would not be such q terrible sacrlhce
after alI--s.tell me- would you not be
happier ha1ge r' if you on raarred me: You know
mo better than nearly any one else and
| would take good care of you be sure
Don't you think yoa ceu.t be content
with me?"
She turned quickly and placed her ta hands
in his. She understood him at once ana a
saw more clearly than he saw himself
that he was offering 20 give Up hls own
aHow good yoa arc-how good yo'i
arer' she murmures:. Indeed, an very
grateful; but what You suggest could
never be. Never, se!ieve me-, she re,
peated firmly, as nc saaae movement
| to speak ,.
Roth remained silent for a moment
| then she spoke AGAIN.
.I must go and find Mrs. Dene now.
Il - r - ysx-t /, lrpfr% a