The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-08

/ library table"
| I slid unwillingIy from the rail of the
vcranda. where had been sitting indus
triously watching the sunbeams caressing
Mans hair as she sat sewing. ArdentIy
I wished that I might follow their exam
pie. but this my little lady would not suf-
| fer.
For months I had laid steady siege to
her heart only to meet with repeated re-
fusaIs from her Had it not been for
certain something in her manner would
have been as utterly discouraged as she
seemed to wish me to be.
Without being afflicted with great con-
ceit. I was yet almost sure that She was
not unmoved by my pleadings; some
emotion. some response they woke in her
that she could not always conceal. nor
had she ever told me outright that she
did not love me When I put the ques-
ton 10 her point blank. she always evad-
ed it in skillful fashion. Once when
pressed her very hard she had limited at
some secret that was keeping US apart,
but never again had been able to lead
her into any reference to it. To all my
questfontngs she remained silent: to all
my vows to win her in spite Of any or
everything. she listened, smiling rather
YEARLY and saying that if she gave M
time enough would tire myself out In
the meantime she was glad to be my very
good friend; more she would not be.
Today We had been having a discus
sion concerning the wording of quota
ton, so her challenge put me on my
mettIe. I assumed an air Of confidence
equal to hers and entered the house in
search Of the book. leaving the sun
beams for the time being master Of the
situation They made her hair look so
pretty that id not grudge them their
short supremacy. I had heard Nan
speak of her father. though had never
seen him, so when saw a white haired
man seated at the library table I felt
sure that it vas he. He was writing
and did not look up.
Il beg your pardon. sir, but your
daughter"
Yes. yes, my daughter he inter
rupted eagerly, and I was startled by
the melancholy Of the dark eyes that he
raised expectantIy
Miss Nan sent me-"
The light died out of his face. He
pushed back the snow-white hair from
his brow with a gesture OF rgeat weari-
ness, then drumnsed idly on the table
with his thin fingers
All. you mean Nan-yes, 10 be sure,
he said, duly Then suddenly, with an
accent Of apology, "But pardon me, sir,
you are looking for somethIng-what
can I Go for you? Won't you be seated:
! You see. I forget. now that Alma is not
here to remind me. and I am so en-
crossed IN writing her life. That's odd,
isn't it, She is dead, yet here is her
life" pointing to the closely written
sheets Of paper which were strewn about
him. He paHed budget from long
envelope.
Here Is fair copy" he said, turn
ing again to NE Wont you read it.
! It's only a sketch
I took the paper mechanically, feeling
vaguely uncomfortable. but not knowing
what else to do He leaned eagerly to
ward me.
sit down. sir, sit down" he com
manded, queruIousIy. Fearing the re
suit Of opposition upon his apparently
overwrought nerves. I again obeyed-
Il want an unbiased opinion Of it," he
told me. conndcntially-
They all tell me it is good. and some
times I think that It is yet" mourn
fully, i know I am not capable Of do
ing justice TO the subject hers was
such a beautiful life"
Il shall be glad to read it, sir. and
will let you know what I think OF il"
I made answer. hoping thus TO effect
my escape. But was not to be let of.
No. no. he replied quickly; read
it now; read it''-cunningIy-' aloud"
Loath as I was to pr into any mat
ter not intended sor me I knew that
must humor him. Ny hands trembIed.
and / was strangely agitated as I IN
folded the pages, for 1 was possessed
If o FeaTfUu that almost amounted To