The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1902-08-15
Bv II. s. cANFIELD

Give me my answer tomorrow, or
the day after tomorrow, or a week
from tomorrow. can wait; I will be
patient; I will choke back fear, Lois!'
His voice had died almost to sound
lessness. His stern face was softened
in his passionate pleading. He breathed
thlckly and quickly. He had dropped
her hand and now her fingers were in
terlaced before her. To her clear
cheeks warm blush had arisen. Her
llmbs We're languorous, so that she
swayed slightly. 1t was sweet to be
wooed so, sweet to- know that she was
all In all to one older, wiser, stronger
than she. The tremendous force and
earnestness of him had it's effect upon
her. Yet through it all ran the con-
slant thought: II do not love him; +
can not love him; I am afraid that I
Tear him, but I have for him no softer
feeling; do not even want him for
my friend; can not give him the an
swer he wishes, yet he is a brave,
strong man and some woman must
have loved him WE'LL it is not to be;
1t shall not be-" She spoke slowly,
hesltatingly, her deep voice expressing
Kindness, regret possibly, but nothing
warmer.
Il will do as you wish, Mr.. Maude. +
Will give you your answer tomorrow
Will consider carefully all that you
have said. !. do you the justice to be-
heve that you are sincere. That
weighs with me. If, however, that an
swer Is not what you wish, remember
that a girls heart is not her own to
give or to take away. We do not direct
or govern these things. I tell you
frankly that have never seen the man
to whom would surrender my life. 1t
may perhaps be your due to know that
nave more interest in you than in
any other, but do not love you. I
know that am far from loving you.
I wish to return now.'
He said not another word but fell in
by her side and walked slowly toward
the house. His face again was steeled
against the outward showing of emo
ton. AS they reached the steps, he
paused, whispered Tomorrow, them"
bowed gravely, and turned toward the
bachelors quarters.
Lois, feeling thoroughly unstrung
and much troubled by thought of the
task which lay before her, entered the
hall. There were lights in the draw
ing room, but no sound of converse
ton. Evidently the happy family had
retired. She was surprised therefore
when she heard her name called and a
moment after Allyn appeared in the
doorway. She stood with the light
falling full upon her as he said:
II have missed you and supposed
you were walking with Maude. 1 have
something to say to you; have felt
that I ought to say it for some days."
He looked at her curiously as he
spoke and then directed his glance
past her toward the night which
showed through the narrow windows
on each side Of the hall door. Ponder
ing to herself, Lois mentally asked:
"Can this be another proposal? l am
not equal to two in a night" and a
smile fiickered upon her lips. A look
into his frank blue eyes, however, re-
assured her. Plainly he was earnest
and plainly he was not thinking of
marriage. She liked this man very
heartily. In fact there was strong
element of comradeship between them.
why, of course" she answered cor
daily. "You can tell me anything you
wish and will be glad to listen.'
She did not suppose for a moment
that the matter concerned herself. If
she had any well formed idea, it was
to the effect that he had some boyish
confidence to repose, something about
the folks at home, with whom he was
in continual stew over remittances,
or a subject of like Importance.
1T is late now he returned, little
DULY. 1T is time was getting my
beauty sleep. The unholy hours they
keep here knock me up awfully. I'm
a nine o'clock man and have been since
childhood. But may I come to you to-
morrow in the school-room? You can
let the youngsters run for awhile. This
thing is really of Importance, or I
would not ask to break into your work
hours"
Certainly" Lois answered. Come
to the school-room when you will. /
shall be ready to hear you, though I'm
afraid I shall have difficulty in getting
rid Of the children when you are there.
/ Good night"
She shook hands with. him and
passed on to her room. Allyn leaning
against the wall looked after her stead
lily. His face was little pale, but had
a shade Of determination on It. ut
may not be exactly the right thing Ito
do" he muttered, "but she's woman
and alone in the world and I don't
know any one whom / like 90 we'll. 2 n
4 CHAPTER v. " Z, n
a Leaf from the History, Of Maude. Y
In the School- room next morning, the
i two boys having been driven out and
Palomitay having dsfta 1t a whisp1 ned
request. Allyn ~ looking ct Miss Eng