Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1902-03-07

strated with her about this also, But
she replied that we must be careful
not to overdo our parts. and as | did
not in any way wish her 10 think she
was being compromised by me, had
to acCuiesce in this. while tacitly
writing with a desire to kick Rodg-
ers. 1t was impossible too, for me to
take him into my confidence, because
apart from the fact that it was not my
secret, he might then openly declare
that he did not recognize the game or
my right to monopolize Miss Delayne
if l had no serious intentions.
Was it possible that Mrs, Carruthers.
having despaired of me, and being
determined to make up q match for
Miss Delayne, had put the captain on
after all? If that was the case would
thwart her at all costs, and so | made
every effort to forestall Rodgers on
all occasions.
But the more | tried to be with Miss
| Delayne the more she contrived to
| keep out of my way; neither could l
get any satisfactory explanation from
/
not see that she was not carrying out
her part of the agreement. Her man
ner to me had gradually become more
/ reserved than it was at first; there
was not the confidence and feeling OF
equality which | had found in the be-
ginning, and OF course, it was all
through that COMPOUNDED Rodgers.
began to see that the game was not
! going 60 come of. and the sooner l
left and ended it the better, as much
| a triviality was not worth the disturb
ance of my peace of mind. According
ly | made my preparations, and that
/ evening told Miss Delayne about my
| intentions.
Il find that I shall have to leave to-
morrow morning" | replied.
Indeed" she replied. q am very
sorry"
She certainly appeared most con-
cerned.
Why are you soriy?" l said, feel
ing my way on to. sentimental ground
Well, because you are going before
me, and am afraid that Mrs. Carruth-
ers will ask me the fatal question"
Is that all?" / asked disappointed
ly. Il was hoping"
Il see you think it is rather selfish
of me-" she interrupted, but l always
think epigrams are so near Toto"
ITO what?' l asked.
ITO the truth: at least" she hest
tated.
Well, you should surely not be
afraid to say it if it is the truth" l
said.
No. but then. you see. an epigram
is supposed to be oh. dear, | do
not know what l mean. Why. how late
it is. Suppose we join the others
All of which was most unsatisfac-
tory.
was to leave in the morning soon
after breakfast. and when the hour of
departure had come round l went in
search of Miss Delayne to say good
by. Now that l was on the point of
going | felt sorry about it; indeed, it
seemed to me that whatever pleas
ure might derive from Mrs Carruth.
ers' now very problematical disap-
pointment would be more than coun-
terbalanced by the uncertainty into
which l should-drift as to Miss De-
layne's future movements. For, to be
truthful, | was rather nervous about
mentioning the subject to her since
this reserve had come between us. |
found her reading in the conservatory,
the place where our plans had been
sown and where their fruits were
about to be gathered. Perhaps
she had thought | should look for her
there; certainly l was not surprised to
see her.
Il have come to say good-by," l said
awkwardly. She closed her book and
got up with a smile.
We'll, do not say good-by: rather
let it be au revoir." she said.
You do not mean that" ex-
claimed. Il thought"
But why not? We are sure to meet
in town somewhere"
And you will let me know if Mrs.
Carruthers says anything to you?" |
asked indiiferently.
Now that it was all over, the plan
seemed to have fallen to dust in its
very feebleness. What had it effected?
1t had tied me hand and foot, and
knew, now that | was leaving her,
what had it wrought for me.
"Of course l will if you care" she
said. I'VE have had very nice times
together, haven't WEI"
Il shall not forget them" said "if
only you"
Phil, Phil, whore are you?. The
carriage is here" called Mrs. Carruth-
ers as she ran into the conservatory.
"Oh, here you are; | am so sorry you
must CO."
well. good-by." | said, taking Miss
Delaynes hand and holding it for the
benefit of Mrs. Carruthers, who was
looking curiously at us. | felt the
hand pulled but | retained it in my
grasp as Mrs. Carruthers said
Now Clare, now. Phil, you naughty
young people, you are not going 10
keep anything from me. Come. tell
me all about it before you 60"
l still retained the hand; it was so
convenient for the denouement.
Which of US should speak? looked at
Miss Delayne, but she gave me no en-
couragement.
Il hope you won't mind, Mrs. Car
ruthers," | began. apologetically, 'but
but" ! had forgotten my part.
I'VE found out at the beginning"