The Princeton union., 1900-03-29

ths preston that / yielded to the
indignity without q murmur. That, /
see, must bear; but / assure you, in
your refusal TO fight me, you have re-
slieyed my mind. for no coward can in
suit me. =
Wrinkle Ink began to breathe more free
#ly;; he even allowed defiant smile to
play about his lips as he took a match
from his pocket and relighted hiscigar.
As You please he said, with a slight
suggestion Of a sneer. 1T cannot fight
,yop. ,o
But | am not through with you,"
Ronald burst out, flaming up again.
'.4ou are an officer in the pay of my
country" He had taken a penknife
from his pocket when he restored the
reyoiyers to their places, and he now
deliberately grasped Wrinkles coat and
cut cut, off the top button.
What are you doing?" gasped the
officer, pulling back.
Taking a 6rmer grasp on the lapel,
Ronald jerked the captain back to
where he had stood. "Stand still" he
,thundered. "You are unfit to wear the
uniform uniform Of any country. You'd make
gallant soldier in time of need, would
n'tsyou?" .,:@
Without another word Wrinkle stood
still and allowed Ronald to sever from
hlseoat his buttons and shoulder straps.
Nov good morning, captain" was
the parting injunction, IF you ever
dare to drive over me again, shall sim
ply strangle you"
As II afraid another word might fur
ther @ @enrage his antagonist, Wrinkle re-
treated towards the house, taking long,
swift strides.
Ronald stood for a moment watching
the walk towards the house, then still
holding the buttons and shoulder
straps in his hands, he sank on rus
tic seat near the spring. His passion
had already spent itself, and strange
revulsion Of feeling came over him.
He had drawn back his hand to
throw the buttons and shoulder-straps
into the high grass, when he heard
clear, ringing voice behind him.
Don't throw them away" and Eve
lyns Hasbrooke, her big white apron
filed with maiden-hair ferns and wild
foWers, emerged from behind thick
hedge.
Before her words had died out he
was on his feet, speechless with sur
prise.
Il heard every word," she said, with
sigh, .'and at first I was almost
frightened to death. was going to
Interfere if he had-had accepted your
challenge, but when saw that he did
not intend to fight you I remained
SILENT was an eavesdropper-I con-
Tess that-but I simply had to listen.
1tfwass really terrible-your voice
Your looks!''
He was overwhelmed with confu-
sion.
Il feel as if could never be par
doned> Miss Hasbrooke," he managed
to- say, after a little pause. IT am on
your grounds and Capt. Winkle is the
guest of your house.
She, shrugged her shoulders and sat
down on the seat he had just left.
II am going to say what I really
would not say if it were not all set
tied between you, Mr.. Fanshaw," she
was putting the stems of her fern
leaves together in her left hand, land
that is that I do not blame you
much"
'You do not really?"
For moment she gave him full
glance from her deep sympathetic
eyes.
II did lot sleep wink last night,
Mr.. Fanshaw. was so angry with him
that I could not close my eyes. I
came near asking my father to send
him away. From a mans standpoint
l presume you have done all that can
be done.''
He'sat down by her.
Il never let my temper get the pest
of me, Miss Hasbrooke, without feel
ing dissatisfied with myself. 1 re-
trained from striking him when I
found he would not fight, but what I
finally did was just as bad" He was
looking at the buttons and shoulder
straps in his hands.
Evelyn laughed softly.
He may not have any more buttons
here in the country" she said, "and he
may have to discard his favorite suit
for awhile''
Il did it in a spasm of uncontrol-
liable anger" was Ronald's defense.
He deserved more than that slight
humiliation" she smiled; land yet you
must not try to conquer the divine in
clination you now have to pity him.
1t shows you are truly noble-noble!"
Ronald blushed to the roots of his
hair.
When he refused to fight me,'' he
said, Il ought to have left him. I think
l could if his reasons for not fighting
had not been quite SO exasperating."
II am going to help you about the
buttons and the shoulder-straps," an
swered Evelyn. II have maid who
can hold her tongue. I am going to
get her to borrow the captains coat
from his room, an d shall restore his
plumage."
Hn 4Sn1iln1 n now, Erht =, 1,;e o,.oe