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

WANT SUBJECTS; he could lind no small
talk with which to respond to her
many remarks. But just at the last he
stammered out that ''he understood .
he knew ''he hoped she would be
happy" 'he hoped that he loved her as
she should be loved" And then, refus-
ing to enlighteh her in reply to her
quick question as to what he meant,
and shaking his head sadly at her hot
denial of the imputation-whatev it
might sfgnify-he turned abruptly
away and left her.
1t was no wonder that ~she looked
pale as she retraced her steps to the
house, for the blazing sun streamed
down on her bare head. AS she passed
the SWeet-briar tree, she paused to
gather a spray on which one of the
fragile blossoms bloomed; but as she
picked it the petals fell, one by one, to
the ground, and the resisting thorns
tore her fingers The crushed leaves
left their scent upon her hands, for she
held them as in wise as she re-en-
tered the drawing room.
Mr.. Jones was standing up by the
window as she came in. She looked at
him gravely- She had cause for gray
ity; the change in Lis mien frightened
her. She hardened her heart and sent
her thoughts co rising back to past
events, by the memory of which she
could brace her determination. He re-
turned her glance; his eyes were grave
and steadfast; his attitude was alert;
his careless, gCod-humored smile was
gore.
The fact was that, for once in his
life, his emotions were stronger than
his will. He had, at the Rivers Meet
picnic, made up his mind that Helen
should be his wife. Systematically and
deliberately he had set himself to win
her love. If the task had not been
easy, it was none the less to his taste
on that account; neither was the re-
suit less likely to please him. Size had,
against his better Judgment, subju-
gated him; he, recognizing her disad-
vantageS, overlooked them.
Until this moment he had been in NO
hurry; he could not precipitate mat
tiers; on the contrary, he would pro-
long his Wooing until her feelings fully
reciprocated, if they did not exceed his
own: that would be his revenge for her
Cbduracy.
He had promised himself a delight
full time; he had laid capital plan,
but
''The best laid schemes of mice and
men
Gang aft a-gley."
The advent of his rival was unlocked
for; it upset his calculations and his
self-controI; it maddened him.
He would not beat about the bush;
he would go straight to the root of the
matter. He would not have any nom
sense, he told himself, angrily before
she returned. But when he saw her,
looking, in her faded pink gown, as
fair and delicate as one of those sea-
convoIvuI that grew intertWlned with
thrift and sea lavender ON the cliffs,
and bunch of which he had gathered
for her only the night before, he felt
with sudden qualm of heart what it
would be to lose her, and he Softened
his words.
81 hope I did not send your friend
away"
'sHe was just going when you came"
us he staying in this places?
81 don't think so.'
Game over from Ilfra combe, per-
haps?
No"
as he an old friend +"
81 have known him for six months"
Her way of answering him displeas
ed and surprised him; it was reluctant
and constrained; it was-oh, disquiet-
ing thought!-as though she had some
things she wished to hide from him;
this hypothesis was unbearable and
should be dismissed at any cost.
'.Are you going to marry him!7
There was pause. A pause so long
as to be alarming; then she answered:
MOP in defiant and distinctly I'M
friendly tones. He was annoying, but
not to be deferred from gaining his
point by her manner.
You don't think have any right to
ask you that question: he said.
Amy one has q right to ask any
question, / suppose; but it is always
unpleasant to be catechised.''
when / found that parson alone
with YOU Misunderstanding your
hands what was to believe?
Every atom of color had forsaken her
face and lips; it returned In a flood,
her eyes blazed. her lips We're COM
pressed.
Don't be angry, / only wanted to
make sure; for a moment was AFRAID
T knew you would have told me long
400 if YOU had been engaged. was
= fool to doubt you. I understand; if
I had not been a bit annoyed should
have seen the whole thing at once.
MI Jones was taking great deal
for granted. If Helen was ever to
Quarrel with him it would be easiest to
do so when he plumed himself on his
security and his rivals defeat. A
mans vanity is coarse and unattrac-
tive. no matter with what justice 1t IS
owned.
.syNhat would YOU have SEEM she in