El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-04-28

She wanted him to become reconciled
to his father, who must long ago have
repented his harshness, whose heart
must be ready with welcome for him
no less warm than that given the other
prodigal to whom he had Hkened him
self. She would have him renounce this
rough life and take the place among
men to which by birth and breeding he
was so justly entitled. There was a GER
tain unacknowledged sweetness in the
thought that to her it had been given
perhaps to shape this mans life as
seemed to her best. She did not own it
to herself that it might be to test this
power, to give herself the subtle pleas
ure of moving him to her will, that she
was waiting to see him now.
But Paul Brown, far from being a con-
ceited young fellow, was too much in
awe of Miss Ellery to have dreamed of
actual invitation in her passing glance.
AS he saw her go through the kitchen
the daring fancy crossed his mind in
deed that he might by seeming accident
put himself in the way of word with
her, not too soon, however, lest she per-
ceiye the design and be vexed at his
presumption. He sauntered undecided
ly along, planning a little detour which
would bring him by the kitchen door
after awhile, but scarce had he advanc-
ed a dozen steps when he met Artalissa,
hurrying back from the improvised
dressing room at the milkhouse.
Come to get breath of fresh air,
too" she called out gayly, pleased with
the fancy that he had come on purpose
to meet her. Ain it hot in there? I'm
about melted If it was leap year be-
ieve I'd invite you to go for a walk
and get cooled off. -
but since it isn't perhaps I would
better invite you,' he returned, with
what grace he might, seeing no other
way out of it. He could ill afford to
offend Artalissa, who had it in her
power to mete him out swift retribution
through his appetite. Moreover, he had
a fattered consciousness that he had
been advancing rapidly in the girls
capricious favor, and manlike the idea
inspired him with all good humored in
diligence toward her.
And where have you been corralin
yourself all evening" she asked as they
strolled along. II amt seen you dane
in.
"You have been SO surrounded, natur-
ally you could not see me- he laughed.
81 have been doing nothing but stand
and admire you from a distance, of
course. What else could 1 be doing?'
Artalissa coquettishly tossed her head,
giggling with delight. ''Oh, quit your
foolin! S if I didn't know bettern to
swallow all your nonsenseH' she coyly
protested. more like you've been over
To fh0 ~ Ill
evenin.''
''Boozing? All, Artalissa, how terri
bly, suspicious you are! Are all the girls
in Nebraska as sharp and cynical as
you? Because if so L shall never dare
venture beyond the line fence. " He was
not paying the least heed to what he
said. He was thinking that they had
gone far enough and was wishing that
the girl would take hint from his
tagging step and propose their return.
'To accuse me of boozing! 1 don't
know what evidence l can offer to clear
myself
I'VE can generally take the evidence
of mans breath i'll such a case,'' the
girl demurely rejoined, her white teeth
glistening as she looked up, tempting
him. daring him. There was something
almost internal in the glow of her dark
beauty at the moment, the man reflect
ed, nOnchalantly studying the bold,
passionate face SO clearly revealed by
the light streaming out through an open
window.
''And will you take mine for a wit
ness?' he laughingly murmured, bend
ing over her until his mustache fairly
grazed her cheek, when, lightly blow
ing in her upturned face, he drew back
his head quickly. rs that enough?''
He must have been dull indeed if he
had not cOmprehended the audacious
if he had not understood the
flash of modification and anger in her
black eyes now, but reckless of results
he was only amused. There was even
a wicked note of teasing in his careless
laugh as with seeming Inconsistencies
he turned back toward the house.
Its enough of stumblin over this
no account trail t any rate" said the
girl, distinctly out VI temper. Il guess
I'll be gettin back to the house, where
mebbe I'm wanted more'n / am here. "
''Ah, how coald that be possible?''
ne cried, with mocking fervor, but his
steps gladly quickening while he utter ,
ed the perfunotory protest.
a few moments later, hurrying around
the house alone, he met Edith Ellery
face to face, but she passed him by with
'uch unseeing hauteur as froze the words
IF greeting upon his lips. She went
straight to where her brother was stand :
ing among group of men by the door.
Hugh" she said in clear tone
which somehow to Paul Browns ears
strange, II am tired. If you
lon't mind, think we would better be
,oing'
"All right, " returned Hugh cheerily,
'as soon as 1 can bring the blackboard