The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1901-04-04

llSten TO rev polite inquiries as to
whether she had suffered any incon-
venience from the accident, then rose
land asked leave to retire for the night.
You can go If { you WISH" said
eClarice; "but please don't imagine that
Harry and always need to be left
together. lam generally down in the
drawing room in the evening. To-
night was an exception, Goodnight.
Tell me If you are not comfortable"
Captain Merivale rose and opened
the door.
Then Janetta bethought herself that
1t would only be courteous to return
downstairs and wish Mrs. Mortimer
goodnight. She found her seated be-
fore the fire. reading novel.
The interview was long one, and
therefore l conclude successful" she
said, laying down the volume.
Miss Seymour is quite delightful.
and kinder than words can say" an
-swered Janetta eagerly.
And you feel the world beneath
your feet? So it may be for time.
You will be the reigning favorite, just
because you happen to be blessed with
a handsome face and figure. Prize
them whilst you have them; when you
lose them the world will pass you by.
The world, perhaps; but not those
whose love one has won already.
shall think poorly of myself if have
not made single friend"
It was the second effort Janetta had
made in their brief acquaintance TO-
reach Mrs. Mortimer's sympathy; ap-'
parently it failed.
Shall you like it when you see an
other step into your shoes?"
Janetta rose. l am very tired. Will
you think it rude Of me if go to bed?"
she said, not answering the question.
Mrs. Mortimer's attitude towards her
did not greatly disturb her. She had
bright, wholesome nature, and felt
1t possible to outlive the lady's un-
spoken jealousy.
Besides, the days that followed were
SO full Of delightful and exciting ex-
periences that she had no time to
trouble her head with what Mrs. Mort
inner thought about her.
Clarice Seymour had taken an i'm
pulsive liking for her new companion,
and poured tokens of her favor upon
her. The very difference of character
between the girls possibly made them
greater friends.
Janetta was strong, self-reliant, and
;elf-contained, even-tempered, and ac-
customed to give help rather than re-
ceive it; Clarice was capricious as the
weather-one day all smiles and sun
shine, the next at war with herself
and the world, railing at the fate that
kept her helplessly tied to the sofa.
Yet through all her varying moods
she possessed fascination for all
about her; and Janetta condoned her
fretfulness and waywardness for the
grace and charm that peeped out con
stantly. even in her most irritable
moments, like specks of blue sky on
cloudy day.
How old are you?" asked Clarice
suddenly, when Janetta had been with
her for about a week. Il believe you
are years younger than l am, and yet
you have kind of motherly way with
me when I'm wicked and cross, as l
am today"
Pm -and-twenty," said Janetta,
with laugh.
"And l am four years your senior,
and yet feel as if l were child and
you woman; you are so tall and
strong, and you make me feel COM
Portable even when you are sitting
in the room. You are making me n
monster of selfishness. Do you know
you've scarcely been out of the house
since you came?"
81 don't want to go out. I'm never
dull with YOU
I've told Harry it must not go on"
said Clarice. I've sent him off to
hire bicycle for you, and he'll take
you out; it will cheer you both up.
wonder sometimes if Harry will get
tired of waiting for me-do you?"
I'think the very fact that you are
delicate, and need so much petting and
Iove, would make me love you. all the
more" said Janetta.
''Ah! that's woman's view. I won
der if it's Harry's. I often want to
ask him, and I'm such coward dare
not If he wants his freedom he must
ask for it; will not give it him"
81 think" Janetta said, rising to-
rearrange Clarice's cushions, ''if you
fret yourself over imaginary ills you
won't be down tonight"
II shall if you leave me quiet!" cried
Clarice, who had not ceased talking for
the past hour. you'll promise that
you'll go out with Harry?"
ooh, yes; I'll go if you like" said
Janetta, who was learning that the
. simplest way OF managing Clarice was
to humor her whims.
She looked such a picture of grace
and strength when she came down
ready equipped for her ride, in neat
ly-made coat and skirt OF some dark
material. relieved only by bright
colored ribbon in her sailor hat. that
Captain Merivale gave her an involun-
tary glance of admiration.
my mistress orders are that I'm to
!. take you for good long ride" he said,
wheeling round Clarice's bicycle. 4
She says she has kept you too
\ tightly tied to her sofa"
st is the place where like b.st
+ to be-" Janetta answered, with perfect
sincerity.
Yet the swift ride through the bright
sunshine OF the February afternoon
l8...- IL.