The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-20
The Defeat Of the Nimbls Man.

Elsa Tneditatirgly chewing her fan Tell
me. does not Mr.. Emmett impress you as
being 'nimhle' man.
Nr. Emmett certainly did.
Vow IN be honest with yon." John j.
Emmett was wont TO say. 10 preface his
remarks. raising a lean brown finger in
I,lsa-s face Emmett. claimed it was his
kentucky blood made him dark-skinned.
Elsa said hers made her fair.
Now III be honest with you he began,
as she parted his advances for the twen-
tieth time.
Oh. please don't be honest with me.
Mr.. Emmett pleaded Elsa, you're always
50 disagreeable when you're honest"
Vow III be honest with you he pro-
ceeded, regardless of her protest ''You
are a very nice young lady. and am very
favorabIy impressed with what I've seen
Of you; but all L really know about you
i. that you have pretty face"
Exactly" retorted the girl promptly
sand 1 do not know even that much about
YOU with a sweet smile that reminded
John j. Of an imminent bald spot, an en-
phaucally plain couRtenance. and scant
altitude OF five feet, five in his boots. His
only admirable feature. indeed. was a lip
and jaw. whicA. protrudirg in a habit at
once cynical and aggressive, could yet, on
Il rare occasions. be gentle, even devout. He
was rarely gentle with Elsa.
II know that you have g pretty face" he
said, lifting his eyebrows with an apprais-
Ing air.
I'm sure it isn't necessary you should
know more" said she.
Has any other man explained to you
how pretty you are?"
"Oh yes quite number"
His eyes cleaned in appreciation Of her
II uncOncern, but he turned to the stage as
if suddenly absorbed in the play 1t was
one OF those modern war dramac in which
Il the spectacular is much enveloped in the
smoke Of battle.
II like the lighting" volunteered Elsa,
4 leaning forward, as the histrionic blue
bodies came down upon the boards with an
audible thud and the other girls in the
box shuddered appealingly at Emmett and
his companion.
81 DON'T" said Emmett, with disgust. AT
that moment he intensely approved Of those
other girls and hitched his chair little
nearer theirs.
4 That he heard Elsa saying philosophy
oaIly, lis because. being a coward your
self, you are Jealous of the spectacle OF
Fl bravery In otheT~s"
do you thinS I am a coward, Miss
Grant?"
Yes"
'And you do net like cowards?"
NO" with slow Indifference. turning hel
shoulder to him.
The occasion was her third encounter
Their fourth was disastrous. 1t was a
s Mr.. Vane's fete Elsa saw him approach
ing down the long rooms. and inspired will
4 corner screened by palms and barricad.
of chaperons Into this fastness Emmett
penetrated with his usual arlomb and sue
ceeded in routing her partner.
That accomplished, I'm surprised h
announced.
Dear met exclaimed Elsa petulantly
sis that your normal condition? If yol
mean me, should think you'd have learne,
better by this time"
I'm surprised" he repeated aggravat
ingly.
He had trick OF clipping his first syl
tables and drawing the last ones that KEEP
the listeners always pleasantly at sea
Elsa felt the fascination of this trick anc
struggled with it.
I'm surprised" explained Emmett, in
diligently, because you said the last tim
! saw you that you would not be here"
Well, that was last week. You surel.
8 don't expect me to think the same wa,
two weeks running. do you? I'll tell yo,
now L never do it.
We'll, like consistency"
Then / will not be consistent"
you don't want me to like you?'
mot especially"
But 1 want you to like me-"
yes; that is why won't do it,
81 Won will drarvIad
easily. You don't know very we'll yet
but the longer you know me the bette
You will like That has always bee
Il my experience. Women always like m
better after a long acquaintance"
I'm not like other women"
"No; that's true. Still, I repeat whe
you know me better you will like me bet
ter"
Il suppose you mean I Will fall in low
with you" scornfully.
Well it has happened before"
II shant. But if 1 should feel inclined Il
would try with all my might to stop, an
I'd succeed"
May 1 ask why you should object I
falling in love with me?"
Because you want me TO so much"
Her ir1pudence entrsnced him. but tn
Il dowagers were looming
81 Come. let us go outdoors said he
The lawn was mistily illuminated by lon
chains Of japanese lanterns swinging
the night breeze Couples anc groups c
guests stood about or occupied seats i
the shadow. Elsa, feeling her spirits ris
with premOnition. paused az the brink
an old well whose walls stood a few inche
above the level and peeped under the lid
ii Give me something to throw in It," sh
"a said Il like to make a splash"
"a But Go they not drink the water?'
Il can't help that. must make
splash"
Throw yourself in. That would make
nice little splash,'' Emmett replied wit
an amused glance that swept her lower
pink bodice and the chiffon ruffles ths
trailed behind her
Certainly" she agreed. eff you wi
jump In afterwards and rescue me"
Emmett stepped upon the well. TIL
gave him the advantage OF looking dow
upon her.
But you remember / am coward"
ravrr ind h.