Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-09-10

narily he would have taken the manu-
script, and, hastily scribbling the writ
er's address on 1t, would have tossed 1t
aside with the remark that he would
communicate with the writer by mall
concerning it-and then he would have
resumed his work. Now he hesitated.
His pencil dropped from his fingers. He
Strengthened up n little.
what is the nature of the article?"
he asked. In what he fancied was an
Indifferent tone.
1T isn't an article" said the girl.
do look like person who would
write an articlei"
She seemed to challenge his scrutiny.
Jasper couldn't resist the temptation.
He leaned little farther back.
'It isn't always possible to Judge by
the appearance" he said.
But fancied article writer's were
always old, and-and fussy, and-and
cranky" said the girl.
"There are exceptions said Jasper.
'There must be exceptions"
Il suppose you know" said the girl.
but 1t isn't an article"
You arouse my worst fears" said
Jasper, us the girl spread out the manu-
script.
II think understand what you
mean" she said.
| I'm glad you do"
and I'm afraid your worst fears are
confirmed" she said.
Jasper sighed.
"Thcn 1t Is verses?" he said.
II supposed 1t was poetry" said the
girl.
"They always do" said Jasper.
The girl looked up at him with q
pretty grimace.
you are not bit encouraging" she
said.
Its the better way" said Jasper.
''And yet you write verses YOURSELF"
said the girl. "And get them printed
too"
perhaps 1t is because l haven't a
friend honest enough to dissuade me"
said Jasper. II have had no time for
that sort of nonsense lately, however"
That's 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. II know them by heart. She
came upon me unnwares, turned and
she was there"
II beg your pardon" cried Jasper
1T is your lines that are under consid-
GRAFTON. Pray produce them"
The girl gave him sldelong glance.
"Did she come upon you unawares,
Mr.. Dane?"
Jasper caught the glance and slightly
flushed. His look grew troubled again.
II live In hopes" he said.
"That's cnlgmatical," laughed the
girl. 1T shows you are not sure"
II must object to your manifest in
tention to throw me into sentimental
mood" said Jasper. ut will not help
YOU"
The girl laughed and passed the man.
uscript 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
Quiring glance.
you want ME to be frank!" lie said
"Of course"
"The lines are quite too sentimental
They are Of the old school where SEN
timent reigned. Nowadays we bluntly
call 1t gush."
But it's not all bad. is itY' queried
the girl.
by no MEANS" replied Jasper. 1.-THE
execution is good. If the fripperies and
nffectations were dropped it would be
very passable. If you would heed my
advice-they never dol might be
tempted to ask you to try again"
He folded the manuscript and hand
ed II TO her.
THANK you," said the girl
~ am sorry IL my judgment seems
harsh," said Jasper.
ut 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 hoped to see my verses
In your paper"
"Try again." said Jasper.
The girl arose and put out her dainty
hand.
81 am glad to>know you, Mr.. Dane"
she said. II have very dear friend
who has sung your praises until am
quite jealous. was really anxious to
meet you. Good-by." Then she swiftly
added, with charming smile. Il am
sure we shall meet again,"