Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1900-07-05
CHAPTER X.-(Continued.)


The crowd was hurt and indignant that
their lion had left them thus: they would
have liked him 20 talk to them little,
TO roar for them a bit, to tell them all
about himself, who he was, and where he
came from. But he and the tall girl in
the serge dress were already far away
down the parade, and almost out of sight.
For some time they walked along at Il
brisk pace, battling with the wind, at
least Esme was At length she came to
a full stop under the lee of a boat, gasp
Ing for breath.
Yes, I'm going too fast said her
companion, apologetically. Hold on a
bit, and fix up your hair" which was
hanging down below her waist in one
thick, shining plait. \ few vigorous
twists made it once more a compact mass
at the napc of her neck, and, turning to
her companion, who was engaged in tying
up bleeding hand with his handkerchief,
she said, very humbiy, Miles, will you
forgive me for last night? tears swelling
up into her eyes as she spoke.
For heavens sake" nervously, don t
cry, Esme; of course l will; it was all
the fault of my own vile temper; I'm
afraid that I am an awfully jealous fell
low-worse luck; and l can't bear TO see
you speaking to or noticing anyone.
That's the truth in plain English"
No, no, no! 1t was all my doing, in
terrupted the young lady, not to be out
done. Il was provoking; was IN a rage;
l would have told you, and will tell you,
although it is not my secret-
''Then don't" he exclaimed, emphati-
cally; never mind it now; if it is another
persons secret, keep it. l know L can
trust you, Esme," determined to show
how magnanimous he could be, and to
make amends for his foolish suspicious
for Esme's wild, distracted appearance
had told him more than her lips had ever
uttered, and he felt that he could afford
TO be generous.
And what can I say to you for risking
your life, just now?" she said, tremulous-
ly.
POOH nothing; it was not half so bad
as you thought; any other fellow would
have done the same"
''And pray why did they not|
'Those lubberly cats of boatmen, afraid
to wet their feet, choked them off. L
would not insult a brave race of men by
calling them sailors"
But it was touch and go, Miles; an old
naval officer said so. We never expected
to see yOu back, and you went to please
me. How am l to thank you? What can
/ say?'
That's easily answered" he replied,
moving few inches nearer to her. III
tell you what you can say-say Yes
This was a strange place in which to
decide such a momentOus question, under
the lee of an old fishing smack, in the
midst of a high gale which was blowing
about the sand and spray, and almost
drowning every sound but the thunder Of
the waves breaking on the shingle. ESme
leaning her back against the boat, bare
headed, endeaYoring to repair the elastic
of her hat, which she held in her hand.
As her cousin leaned over and suggested
this one word, the color returned like
flood to her pale face, and rushed up to
the very roots of the little curls, which
were frolicking merrily about her fore
head in the breeze. For fully two min
utes she made no reply, but kept still
mechanically twisting the elastic in her
hand, not once raising her eyes, but her
color and her quiVering lips betokened
chat she was not absolutely Indifferent.
We'll, Esme," exclaimed her cousin,
little impatiently. Il suppose you know
the old proverb, Silence gives consent
What am 1 to think?' he asked, with i'm
petuouS insistence.
Esme made no verbal reply to this
somewhat impervious hesitation, but af-
ter a moments hesitation she put out her
hand very shyly.
Dearest" he said, seizing it eagerly,
but almost ere he had touched it she
snatched it hastily from his grasp, ex-
claiming, in a hurried whisper.
'Oh, here are the Clippertons"