St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1902-12-13
Very! Did you send me these?"

alterns arm. AT supper Mrs. Mont
gomery sat opposite her daughter
with Merrydew as her companion
He had evidently taken her in.
About an hour later, when Made
leine was sitting out chatting be
tween two dances, she suddenly fouri
Merrydcw at her side.
Pardon my interrupting you, bul
Mrs. Montgomery sent me. May
take you to herr" he said. ~
Madeleine rose at once, and, taking
his arm, with an apology to her part
ner. she moved away. Merrydew lee
her towards the garden, where hur
dreds of fairy lights were scattered
about the sward, outlining the path
ways to many a coy corner for mer
ry couples, who sat whispering sweet
nethinss under the moonlit sky.
us my mother out here?" asked
Ma'ei cine, innocently enough. ''Doe;
she want me to go home?'
ITO go home? No, the night is
early set. But she told me l might
bring you here" he said. as they
stopped before tiny arbor with just
enough room for two. .srt ~ 7se
''Where is my mother?" said Made
leine, hesitating to take seat inside
II let: her here, but perhaps she
thought 'two's company'-you know
the rest, and I agree with her. Shall
we como in?'' s5z 4-z asug .-
Madeline'ss instinct warned her;
yet, with the inclination strongly te
refuse, she yielded and sat down.
SWELL, what do you think of your
first ball? You must feel exceeding
ly elated 1t must be proud mo-
nent ir your life
4 am enjoying myself immensely
for love dancing. But why elated!
I should hardly call it that"
'You must know. you're the pref
test girl in the room. Doesn't that
give you feeling of elation? II
would most women, l should say"
'That's compliment, Mr.. Merry
dew, and / hate them" --ss..s
Eyes, you say you do. All women
profess to hate them, but they ap'
preciate them all the same"
pardon me, don't; they only
make me uncomfortable
Uncomfortable? How sensitive
you must be. Are you sentimental as
well rs sensitive?" a.sn
II don't know. I hope not. I pre-
fer to be sensitive, if must take
my choice. And 1 expect it's my
sensitiycness that makes me feel cold
Just now. Perhaps we'd better go in
doors again." 4..s ......
'sTha+'s too unkind. You're chilly
because you keep me at distance
If I come closer you will be warm
enough" and he moved some inches
nearer to her. "Now, don't you think
YOU could be a little sentimental for
once with me?"
He leaned towards her, taking her
fan from her unwilling fingers, and
prepared to use it for their joint
benefit. 1t was a glorious night, the
gardens looked like enchanted
ground, besprinkled with jewels OF
colored light; above, the blue vault
of heaven was over them, shining
with bright glittering stars; an idea!
spot for lovemaking. But the words
this man had said had only served to
bring an ache of remembrance to the
girls inner consciousness. IF only
Jack were here" was the cry OF her
heart, ind she turned almost angrily
towards her tormentor.
''Don't fan me, please. I told you ]
felt cold. And am sure l have not
the slightest grain Of sentiment in
my composition"
'My dear girl, you only want to
learn. Let me teach you. 1 am a
professor with large experience"
."sThank you, Mr.. Merrydew, I have
congratulated myself many times to-
day on having finished my education
I don't want to learn any more les
sons for long while" VI
.'But you won't mind hearing some
interesting facts, I'm sure. Come
now, let me tell you that you are
beautiful, and that want to have
you all for myself" he said, taking
her hand, and the next minute she
felt his arm encircling her waist.
She tried to rise and draw her hand
away, tut he only held her the tight
er.
..Don't be angry, darling. Won't
YOU listen to what I want to say?'
'sNo, I will not listen; and take
YOUR arm away. How dare you!" she
cried, struggling to get free. 5--
The next moment his hand had
reached her shoulder and his lips
we're near her cheek.
81 swear, I'll have one kiss, at any
rate" he muttered, close to her ear
"Yoa shah not! You shall not!
Don't touch mel" she cried, despair
ingly.
A shadow darkened the entrance to
the arbor, and Merrydew's clasp re-
Taxed. SO I-.a..s. t..-ra.
Madeleine sprang up. -..N.@..
"Ah, here you are. I'm afraid I've
come too late, Miss Montgomery; but
have YOU dance left, wonder?"
30, Jack!" she cried, stepping for
ward and slipping her hand through
his arm, ''please take me away"
"Jack, DEAR" said Madeleine-there
was a catch in her voice and she was
almost crying as she walked-"what's
brought you here to-night?'
81 never thought that could pos
sibly get away, though I wanted to
ever SO much. But this morning
had a glorious stroke of luck, and
hope I've made pot of money. So I
rushed home at six o'clock, dressed
and took the late express down, to
tell you my good news, and to see
you on this memorable occasion. I've
been Iof liking for YOU everVWhere for