The Minneapolis journal., 1902-07-28
LOVES INTUITION
By MARY WOOD

ting to overcome her fears, and even harder
to drive out Of her heart the unreasonable
jealousy OF the older woman that somehow
had crept into 1t. The time had been when
she would have scorned her as rival, but
love had made her humble. Youth and beau
ty seemed of small weight to cast into the
scales against years Of scholastic training and
study.
Cousin Alex came. He was slim, dapper
young man, with an important manner
rather at variance with his size. But he had
way of retailing old jokes that made them
seem new, and stock OF compliments suited
to every age. and was, therefore, greatly In
favor among the guests at the sleepy old
farmhouse. AS beatting his pretentions
journalist, he ratified on increasingly about
books and literature. He knew this man
and that book, and, above all. he was one
whose name should some day stand fore
most In the world of letters. The date was
not yet set, but he spoke of "his novel; myB-
teriously, even reverently, and his feminine
audience was accordingly impressed.
More or less unwillingly Jane was com.
PEELED to listen to many OF these predictions,
for Cousin Alex" at once developed fond
ness for her society. Perhaps certain giances
that Staunton cast in his direction added zest
to the chase. Perhaps it was the elusive
fashion IN which the girl received his ad-
yances. Certain 1t is that weeks time had
y
shadow
Yet to Jane herself each day seemed to
bring more unhappiness. Staunton came as
often as ever, but at sight of Alex by her
side he left the laughing group to chat with
Miss Maybrick in intimate aloofness. And as
the girl saw the door to the beautiful new
world closing because the hand OF him
who held 1t open was Withdrawn the pain
and weariness of her old frivolous life seemed
almost past bearing.
Her eyes were more wistful than she knew
one evening she TALL muscular figure
swing up the walk with the easy, confident
stride OF the man who was master of his
fate. Staunton's face softened as he met
them. and, though Cousin Alex Hamblin was
on hand as usual, he settled himself on the
top step with the air OF a man who had come
to stay. The brown eyes were downcast now,
but shy blush Of pleasure still flushed her
cheeks.
There was always visible air Of con-
strant between the two men, but Hamblin
rose manfully to the occasion. Here was q
most longed for opportunity to prove to Miss
Jane that Staunton was but boor OF a
| farmer, after all, and no match for a man OF
the world like himself.
| If the older man detected his half yelled
| tone of patronage, he only smiled quizzcally.
| Indeed hts position soon grew more unten-
able than that OF his adversary. AS the con-
versauon ranged from books to men and back
to books again Jane saw, with thrill Of
pride, that Staunton more than held his own.
What Is more, he held his temper, precau-
tion neglected by the other.
AS last the talk fell upon one of the recent
novels, a book of unusual strength and
breadth OF view. Jane had read it several
times, for it had seemed to point her to the
| new life she longed to live. Staunton was
| silent, as though In unspoken condemnation.
Thereupon Hamb1in became an enthusiastic
defender and openly scoffed at his lack Of ap-
probation.
A shadow crossed the moonlt porch. but
the three did not see Miss Maybrick till her
voice broke in on the controversy.
"You would not expect Mr.. Staunton to
crticise his own book, would you?" she said
I calmly. Then, as her ear caught James low
exclamation of wonder, she added in a tone
of surprise: Had you not guessed that he
was an author, Miss Carew? I heard that
you defended him very eloquently one after
noon in the orchard and said a good word
for me, too. Fer that want to thank you -
! Staunton's face was turned toward the
blushing girl, and in full moonlight Miss
Maybrick could read his secret. II 1t sounded
1.-THE deathkne1l to some hope Of her own heart,
l gratitude to her: champion made her lead the
bewildered Alex for a walk down the lane
and a gradual restoration OF his seh-con-
lfdence
"And I have to thank you, too, Jane, .
Staunton said tenderly.
But he took her down to the orchard and
told her in his own way.
How did you guess that I was not the
farmer pretended to be?' with hint OF
wonder under his gladness.
| Jane raised a face radiant with the realiza-
ton that the new world was opened forever
more. "Just because you are you,' she said
joyously. Love is not always blind"