The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1896-09-25

Il
while looking the picture OF careless III
attention. she was in reality curious y
know how long her companion lh'e 800
to continue staring ahead o. nm. 49,
he finally did speak his remark was u
different from what she expecteu 'n'
she almost started.
II suppose you know you are Wy
he said. Doubtless your
mirror has told you that already, 50
need not worry you with repetitions'
mt feel sure that you do not realize
how absolutely charming you are.
She looked at him wonderingiy' ~
was a feavorite method OF hers, ana usu-
olly worked well, but now 1t 1alied 70
produce the effect she intended.
"Don,t look like that" he said, or l
shall think you are not sincere, ana !
don't want to think that. l want 70
carry away the kindest thought OF YOU.
.You have changed" she said. Ten
days ago you told Mary Far was
thoroughly heartless."
ibid L? Well, that only shows was
fool. ] know you better now; ana What
is more, I understand you"
A slight pause.
"Iheard up at the house that you We're
engaged to your cousin, and while the
news could not but hurt me, it was in
one sense n relief, for knew at once
why you had avoided and almost ignored
me. You wanted to save me pain. EA-
perience has taught me that II man
saw much of you he generally cared LOT
you, and you. tried to ward me on. bu1
YOU cannot keep the moth from the
candle, and loved you in spite OF your
GOODNESS. Italmost looks as If there was
something in your theory, doesn't ~
Miss Doane gathered herself togetner.
Stewart did not know it, but she was
summoning courage to tell MIN the
truth about herself She loved to be
well thoeght of, and it was genuine
sacrifice to speak, but she could not IN
common honesty, allow him to remain
under his delusion.
.You must not think too well OF me,
she began.
81 could not" he cried. Zone rarely
| sees so much youth and beauty ana
simple goodness united as find in you.
Simple goodness! The words scorched
her. y,
"You are all wrong!" she cried, with
burning cheeks. II am not the least
bit like that. Don't you see? Can't
| YOU understand? 1t vexed me to have
you laugh at my theory, SO ! deter
mined to make you an example OF its
| truth. 1t was from no good motive
| not to ward you off, or to save you
| main, but with the distinct intention
of making you care for me, that ! pre-
| tended to be Indifferent
Stewart got slowly to his feet.
"And So" he said, "in support OF :
theory, for. the sake of proving yoursel
| in the right, you. could play with
mans heart and make havoc of his life
Fool fool that. I was, not to under
stand," and he struck one palm sharp
" against the other: well" with sar
castle courtesy, ''the point is gained
the poor dupe at your feet. ! hope yo'
are content?"
"Content!" she cried. Il was never s.
sorry in my life. It seems strange
should care, doesn't it? As you say,
have gained my point yet"
eyes" he said, land yet?"
Instead of replying she turned he
head swiftly away, but not before q
had seen that her eyes were full OF tears
He stood irresolute, overcome by SUI
prise; then he approached her.
Don't cry like that" he said. "Yo
never meant to hurt me; it was pre-
ty bit of acting to you, and ii wa
stupid and overdid my part you are ne
to blame. There, look up. What WI
YOUR cousin say if he learns ldistresse
your"
what is it to me what my cousi
, | thinks?"
Mr.. Stewart stared. "Pardon me, b'
thought that, being engaged to him
Lam not engaged to him. Nothing
further from my intention.
silence followed. Then Miss DoaI
. rose to depart, but Stewart, whose mir
u had been adjusting itself to the change
8 situation, put out OBTAINING han
i kate" he said, "if you are not going
marry your cousin, perhaps there mig
y be chance for some one else"
perhaps.
d He drew nearer. 81 know I'm pc
feet fool to rush on my fate, but what
worth having is certainly worth askii
So for. Kate, will you marry me@' (
She smiled. but her eyes were We
ID tender. II believe you do love me" S
III said.
~ well, little"
If "And if 1 marry you, know l sh
: be happy. You are SO strong and tr'
ri and have my confidence so utterly, b
I have been horrid to you-so rude a
dsrnorrnnnl HE that / don't see how Y