The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1902-06-05


bv mail concerning it--and then he
would have resumed his work. Now
he hesitated.
"What is the nature of the article?"
he asked in what he fancied was an
Indifferent tone.
at isn't an article" said the girl.
sDo I look like a person who would
wlite an article?"
She seemed to challenge his scru-
tiny. Jasper couldn't resist the
temptation. He leaned little farther
back.
at isn't always possible to judge by
the appearance" he said.
"But 1 fancied article writers were
always old, and-and fussy, and-and
cranky said the girl.
"There are exceptions" said Jasper.
"There must be exceptions
81 suppose you know" said the girl.
"But it isn't an article
"You arouse my worst fears" said
Jasper as the girl spread out the
manuscript.
81 think l understand what you
mean" she said.
"I'm glad you do" said Jasper.
"And I'm afraid your worst fears
are confirmed" she said.
Jasper sighed.
Then it is verses?" he said.
81 supposed it was poetry" said the
girl.
"They always do" said Jasper.
The girl looked up at him with
pretty grimace.
you are not bit encouraging" she
said.
"It's the better way" said Jasper
"And yet you write verses yourself"
said the girl. "And get them printed,
too"
perhaps it is because l haven't a
friend honest enough to dissuade me"
said Jasper. ~ have had no time for
that sort of nonsense lately, how
ever"
THAT'S a pity" said the girl
Don't think to soften me in that
way" said Jasper.
81 like those lines beginning She
came upon me unawares, said the
girl. "I know them by heart. She
came upon me unawares, turned and
she was there"
81 beg your pardon" cried Jasper.
at is your lines that are under consid-
Grafton. Pray produce them"
The girl gave him sidelong glance.
ttn;l ha p'p
Mr.. Dane?"
Jasper caught the glance and slightly
flushed. His look grew troubled again.
81 live in hopes" he said.
That's enigmatical," laughed the
girl. at shows you are not sure
AZ must object to your manifest in
tention to throw me into a sentimental
mood" said Jasper. at will not help
you"
The girl laughed and passed the
manuscript to him.
81 know you will like IT," she said.
"Why are you SO certain?" Jasper
asked.
because l haven't written on both
sides of the paper" said the girl.
Jasper bent over the manuscript to
hide his smile. Then his look changed.
The smile faded. He read the lines
with great care. Presently he looked
up.
The girl had been regarding him in
tently. She met his eyes with an in.
curing glance.
you want me to be frank?" he said
"Of course"
'"The lines are quite too sentimental
They are of the old school where sen.
timent reigned. Nowadays we bluntly
call it gush."
"But it's not all bad, is it?" queried
the girl.
"By no MEANS" replied Jasper. "The
execution is good. If the fripperies
and Alterations were dropped it would
be very passable. If you would heed
my advice-they never do might be
tempted to ask you to try again"
lie folded the manuscript and hand
ed it to her.
Thank you," said the girl.
81 am sorry If my judgment seems
HARSH" said Jasper.
at doesn't" said the girl.
81 have tried to treat you as an hon
est friend should" said Jasper.
THANK you again" said the girl. 81
will admit that l hope to see my verses
in your paper"
"fry again." said Jasper.
The girl arose and put out her dainty
| hand.
81 am glad to know you, Mr.
| Dane" she said. az have n very dear
friend who has sung your praises until
am quite Jealous. Twas reallyanxious
to meet you. Good-by." Then she
swiftly added with charming smile:
81 am sure we shall meet again"
The smile and the words quite over
came Jasper.
IL hope So" he fairly stammered
as he arose to his feet and watched hel
| flutter from the room
AS he resumed his seat a card upor
the floor drew his attention. The Cir
had dropped 1t. He picked 1t up
| caught sight Of his name and at once