Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-03-20

to hear what was said.
.'I'H go round by Rhoda's," he made up
his mind; and so he set off across the
woods by the path leading to the Ste
vens place. Rhoda was just starting for
singing school when he came out to the
road. in company with her 10-year-old
brother Ned. She said: fGood evening"
pleasantly 10 Dick, and he took the path
beside her, while Ned, glad to get
chance to get away. like all small boys
under similar circumstances, ran on
ahead and left them to come at their
leisure.
How do you get along learning to
sing?' asked Dick, presently, at loss
for anything else to say.
"Oh, ever so much better than | eX-
pected to-, answered Rhoda. Mr..
Wayne is so kind. He takes so much
pains to help me. IL wonder where
he has been all day"
And then Rhoda looked rather confus-
ed, as if she had come near betraying
secret.
Il don't know" answered Dick. why
do You ask, Rhoda?"
"Oh, l haven't seen him. and-and |
didn't know
Then she paused abruptly, for Dicks
| eyes were upon her. and she felt as If he
were reading her thoughts
Does he, come TO see you, Rhoda
asked Dick.
''Yes, once in while-to help me along
about my singing" answered Rhoda,
rather reluctantly.
us that all?" asked Dick. Are you
sure he doesn't come to say sentimental
things, and try to make you think he has
a particular friendship for you?"
Eve told you what he comes for said
Rhoda, with an air of petulance.' He
said that | have naturally a very good
voice, and with proper cultivation of 1t
/ can became a very fine singer. And he
offered TO give me extra lessons, aud |
think il would have been very foolish in
me to have let such chance Slip
BE careful, Ishoda," said Dick. sob
erly. HE isn't the kind of man I'd like
to have a sister of mine very intimate
with. You haven't any mother
Il know | haven't, but l think | am
able to take care of myself" burst out
Rhoda. Indignantly. You don't like
him, | know that, and | know why. You
blame him because Mamie has given you
the cold shoulder. Now | know that he
doesn't care a feather for her. but she
does for him. Boarding at her uncleS,
as he does. he has to be agreeable to her,
of course"
Il suppose he told you thisE'
at doesn't matter who told it to me,
answered Rhoda. Il know il TO be the
. truth. | think Mamie Boone ought to
| be ashamed Of herself.
"He has told you this story TO make
you think he is attentive to Mamie under
, compulsion,'' said Dick. Now she may
, have been TO blame in the matter-indeed
! know she has been-but | know, too
/ that he is not obliged TO be as attentiv,
10 her as he is. He is deceiying both Of
YOU. That's the long and short of It. 81
I long as he talks sweet TO Mamie he i
i sure of keeping her blind TO the truth
4 He tells you what you have told me (
! throw the responsibility of his going viii
Mamie upon her, and / presume he give
you TO understand that he would great,
Q prefer your society TO hers. but circum
I stances oblige him TO be more or less at
k tentive TO her, and in that way he thinks
; he throws dust IN yonr eyes about m
c attentions to her. Am l not right abou
this, Rhoda?"
I Il won't be questioned in this way.
{ cried Rhoda. MIR. Wayne is my friend
aud il | like kim it's nohody's bushes
Z hut my own. kaow that you don't lik
: him. but never supposed you would II.
( to work against him in this way. He
too much of gentleman TO talk aboc
:, You behind your back.
Il am very sorry that you are So bind,
: said Dick. earnestly. Il don't say
: word against Wayne because | don
- happen 10 be on friendly terms with hin
: but for your sake Rhoda. Its out o
= friendship for you"
\ You are quite sure about that. ash
!, ed Rhoda. with an incredulous smile
"Yes. quite sure" answered Dick Il
Mamie sees fit 10 throw me by and tax
Wayne. that is her privilege. She wa
bound TO me by no verbal promise.
st don't blame him for what she has done.
le blame him for ais own actions; and | Al
ID honest when | tell you that If there ha
IS been no ill-feeling between him and M
self, should feel that | was doing n
ia more than my duty 70 tell you what
X have. aud advising you 10 be careful {
er the influence you allow him 10 gain owe
YOU"
IL Dick Brayton. / won't listen 10 an.
to thing more Of that kind of talk frcl