Smyrna times., 1902-09-24

~Aon' = ngure stood In the doorway
30 hKe bronson's that she thought It
some trick Of her tired, nervous brain.
She clutched the desk to steady her.
sen' but there was no question about
the voice. That was real. and If was
Bronson's. She gave a glad little cry
anu held out her hand. He took it in
both of his
MISS AshburtOn-Enid-fO me.
put wanted to be the last to say good
py' even II l had lowell, l couldn't
talk with that kindergarten about.
I've been trying to get a moment alone
with you for weeks but you've always
had the little fellows about as Tenders
1hey are all behind now. l counted
'em on the dock as we slid by. gave
them their chance, and now want
mine.'
Enid through force of habit looked
round helplessly for some avenue of
escape
Don't look so desperate" Bronson
murmured whimsically. "I'm not era
zy-at least not in the way you think.
But am very, very much in love with
you, and think you love me-a little"
lie ignored her gesture of protest. 81
loved you from the moment met you.
but your aunt has filled your head
with this notion that you ought to
nave your fling before considering even
an engagement. Enid, if you love me
half as much as 1 love you you would
not keep me waiting till you've stud
led the genus man as he is in Europe.
Ana l love you too well to let you go
over to Europe and buy a title just be-
cause some silly women tell you it's
the proper caper.
Maybe you don't know that YOU
love me. The social pace has been so
fast you haven't had time to think.
In ten minutes they will put off the
pilot. It's my last chance to go ashore.
Do go with him, or do l proceed to
Europe as your fianceY
For the first time he looked straight
into her eyes, to meet an expression he
had never seen there before. He held
out his arms. and when he raised his
head again he whispered tenderly:
You do love NE, sweetheart, and
now-yOu know it,"
She looked up, her face aglow.
Il knew it when you said goodby-
so-so-indifferently
He held her close and murmured
something that made her start back
| suddenly.
"Oh, you impetuOus bOyr'
do" he urged. Il have captured
you fairly and aboveboardv'
She glanced shyly into his strong,
eager face. Then she smiled saucily.
Indeed, sir, it's a good thing for you
that we are still in sight of land, or
this would be piracy on the high seas
Still-as you insist-and only for that
reason, why Her voice faltered, and
her glance fell. "It happens that Aunt
Beth's favOrite clergyman is on board
and if you are set upon saving ex-
| penses and making this our honey
moon trip
Another kiss checked the laughing
words. BrOnsOn's eyes were dancing
with mischief, and he spoke incau
tiously.
Eyes, know he's on board. Fact is
paid his passage with the proceeds
of a little haul l made last week OIL
the street. / thought he needed the
vacation, and / had an idea he might
come in handy. You see, am a mora
pirate. l believe in carrying a chap
lain"
Enid pulled herself free.
do you presume to tell me you were
so sure as that?" she demanded. Their,
was a flash of the old spirit The bat
tie had been too easily won.
'My dear, l did not presume" HI
said humbly. "Dr. Burton knows moth
ing-Of this. 1t was simply by tn,
force of my great love that l hoped Il
win, and with Cupid and chaplain
The vessel was slowing up for th
departure of the pilot Bronson turned
nervously, but a hand was laid gentl.
on his arm, and a tender voice whis
pered:
with Cupid and a chaplain! oh
the combination is too strong. Will
will you tell Aunt Beth? can't"
So the pilot went back alone.
Queer Fish.
| Which 7eh hava fha novvar Of float