The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1901-11-15
CHAPTER XII
Continued.

Continued.
The worst of it was that the serti.
mental little old maid, under the pre-
taxi of curing her pfotege Of hes unfor
tunate attachment, by diverting her
thoughts to a moro appropriate chan
eel, took Jem Stickels In hand herself.
promised him every assistance with
Nell IL he would promise TO reform
and encouraged the fisherman to per-
secute Nell more tran ever. 1t was she
Who persuaded Jen to WOO with a less
Arrogant air. with offers to turn over
q new leaf" for her sake, and other
similar Establishments.
And although Nell guessed who it
was that had inspired this alteration,
the girl was obliged to take q different
attitude to her unwelcome wooer in
consequence. 1t is easy to be naughty
and studiously frig1d to q presumptu-
ous person; but when that person be-
comes meek and almost servile in his
endeavors to make himself useful,
EVEN in the humblest capacity. when
he insists upon chopping your wood
and carrying your water. then It is diff
ocult to maintain a properly freezing
attitude.
The climax came one afternoon
when Nell was invited to tea by Miss
Bostal, and was let in on her arrival
~ the detested Jem.
Nell looked quite shocked when. on
entering the house. she learned frcm
the young mans lips that he had been
invited, too.
The young girl turned to the door Of
the dining-room. where a small fire
burned in honor of the occasion, to go
h search of her hostess. Jem. who
was In his Sunday clothes. in which he
presented a stronger contrast then
ever to the refined. delicate-handed
girl. said awkwardly that Miss Bostal
would be down directly. As Nell, TAX
ing no notice of this intimation. was
about to leave the room. he suddenly
found courage to place himself before
the door.
''Its done a-purpose: she done it s.
purpose" he explained. growing more
rustic than usual In his speech under
pressure of his excitement. $50 might
have q chance of speaking to you"
Nell looked angry and anxious; hut
the looked him in the face with an ex-
preston which daunted him a little.
"She don't know what want to say
10 you," he went on in a hoarse whis-
per. "She thinks I want to ask you
10 marry me. as il should be such q
precious fool! No. what I want to say
r. that the chap Hemming 10 still
about: he's staying at the Bell
1t Stroan. and he's offered me a i've
pound not II I'll tell him what I told
rou. and I've refused. THERE
And. fairly overwhelmed by the con-
Of his own greatness Of
poul. Jem slapped his chest and made
his eyes round.
Nell listened. with fear and repulsion
in her breast. Should she
brave the nah. with the knowledge
which she knew that he possessed, or
should she conquer her own loathing
md temporixe? Miss Bostal had nd !
rised her to brave him: but. then. Miss
Bostal did not know what she knew.
Nell shivered a. the man came q step
Doward her.
II don't understand you." she said at |
asst what do you want?"
Il want you TO give me q kiss" The |
Elrl started and made q gesture of alb |
lorrence. Come" persisted Jem: at |
ut much. considering. specially ~
could take one myself II I had q
.iS9"
And - he spoke he TOOK another |
~ threatening to fulfin this menace.
But Nell was too quick for him: she
Ras at tie other side Of the table be
'ore the words were wen out Of his
mouth.
~niso Bostal," she said. quietly. 40 II
- peoposition had been unworthy OF /
emark. advises me to let you make
That he Of your information you
leease. She says no one would believe
o."
"And Do you think thaty' he asked,
nth IN indescribably cunning leer.
TIE sudden anxiety which over
pread her face It the question showed !
lna his opportunity.
Look here" he went ON. in q tone
Thich was meant to be persuasive. but
rhich was to Nell repel;ant In its
oaree assumption OF familiarity. II
eu't want to rush you into anything.
'ou know what I have to sen, and you
nov what the price ID. II you don't
nrU 70 pay Il well. you know how
Al pay myself In coin Of the realm.
;ew In give you TIL tomorrow night.
yOuu - me tomorrow. down Mt
our own garden-fence. where you'll
: quite SAFE mind. for mean quite
llr and above board. and II yoa'n
Yak % me fair and be civil. III bold
y tongue. and Wild horses nor all the
- - Lea'on shouldn't make me !,
1scA: bat * you don't choose to do
~ and IT. . precious small thin:
} uake sueh fuzs about. why. tles.
N ~ - - RnoSrn}u~ ~~~a 80 49, 49,. 4 ,