Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1902-12-24

Madeleine rose at once and taksng
his arm, with an apology 20 her part
ner, she moved away. Msrrydsw led
her towards the garden, where hun
dreds Of fairy lights we're scattered
about the sward, outlining the path
ways to many q coy eorner for mer
~ couples, who sat whispering sweet
nothings under the moonlit sky.
SIS my mother out heref" asked
Madeleine, ~innocently enough. Does
she want me to go homer"
ITO go home7 No, the night IL
early yet. But she told me I might
bring you here" he said, as they
stopped before q tiny arbor with just
enough room for two.
Where Is my mother2" said Made
leine, h~eSitating to take a seat inside.
II lefs her here, but perhaps she
thought two's Sompany'-you know
the rest, and I agree with her. Shall
we conc in2"
Madelino's instinct warned herj
yet, with the Inclination strongly to
refuse, she yielded and sat down.
"Well, what do you think Of your
first ball? You must feel exceeding
ly elated. II must be a proud mo-
nent ir your hfe."
II am enjoying myself immensely,
for I love dancing. But why elated3
1 should hardly call II that"
"You must know you're the pref
test girl In the r0om. Doesn't that
give you a feeling Of elation2 Il
would most women, / ahould say"
That's q compliment, Mr.. Merry
dew, and I hate them"
eyes, you say you DO. All womeh
profess 20 hate them, but they ap-
preOiate them all the same"
~Pardon me, I don't; they only
make me uncontottabie."
"Unccmfortabief How sensitive
you must be. Are you sentimental "a
wen ~ sensitive?"
II don't know. I hope not. I pre-
fer to be sensitive, II / must take
my choice. And / expect it's my
SensitiveneEs that makes me feel cold
just now. Perhaps we'd better 60 in-
doors again"
'-That's too unkind. You're chilly
because you keep me at q distance.
II I come closer you win be warm
enough" and he moved some inches
nearer to her. Nov, don't you think
you could be a little sentimental for
Onee with me2"
he leaned towards her, taking her
fan from her unwilling fingers, and
prepared to use It for their ioint
benefit. II waS q glorious night the
gardens looked like enchanted
ground, besprinkled with jewels Of
eOlored light; above. the blue vault
of heaven wa over them, shining
with bright giittering stars; an ideal
spot for lovemaking. But the words
this man had said had only served TO
bring an ache Of remembrance to the
girls inner consciousness. "f only
Jack were here" wal the cry Of her
End she turned almost angriIy
towards her tOrmentor.
Don't fan me, please. I told you ]
felt cold. And I An SURE I have not
the slightest grain Of sentiment IN
my composition"
"My dear girl, you only want to
learn. Let me teach you. I am =
professor with . large experience"
"Thank you, Mr.. MeFTydsw, I have
congratulated myself many times to-
day on having finished my education
don't want to learn any mor les
for a long while"
"But you won't mind hearing some
interesting factA I'm sure. Come
now, let me tell you that you are
beautiful, and that I want 20 have
you all for myself" he said, taking
her hand, and the next minute she
lelt his arm encircling her waist.
She tried to rise and draw her hand
lway, hut he only held her the tight
II.
Don't be angry, darling. Won't
7ou listen TO what I want to say?"
mo, I will not listen; and take
vour arm away. How dare you'll" she
.ried, struggling to get free.
The next moment his hand had
cached her shoulder and his lips
near her cheek.
II swear, I'll have one kiss, at any
ate" he muttered, close to her ear.
"You shall notl You shall mott
touch mel" she cried, despair
ngly.
A shadow darkened the entrance to
be arbor, and Merrydew's clasp re-
axed.
Madeleine sprang up.
"Ah, here you are. I'm afraid I've
ONE too late, Miss Montgomery; but
ave you a dance left, I wonder7"
20, Jacki" she cried, stepping for
ard and slipping her hand through
is arm, please take me away"
"Jack, dear" said MAdeleine-there
as q catch in her voice and she was
most crying "a she walked-"what's
you here to-night2"
81 never thought that I could pos
bly, get away, though I wanted 60
1er so much. But this morning I