Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-27

pious horror at this ingratitude but John
Mercer was undfsturbed. Good humoredly
Selling her hands and holding them fast in
his while he looked down with bland affec.
ton into her face, he asked kindly:
us 1t a little bit too much of a surprise
for you, dear, Ell? Praps I ought to have
prepared you a little, eh7''
Yes" answered Piety, in a low voice
trembling violently. It's a great deal too
much of surprise. Please-please take it
on. Mr.. Mercer. I don't like jewelry, and
besides"
mot in general way, perhaps" said
John, silencing Aunt Faith, who was begin
ming sharp protest against her niece's un-
graciousness. But to please me I hope
you'll wear this And look sometimes at
the portrait inside, which is that of your
future husband"
At that Piety. with a vigorous effort, un-
fastened the chain, and hastily thrust 1t
into Johns unwilling hand.
mo, thank you. Mr. Mercer; I don't care
to have my husband chosen for me-
should like to have a voice in the matter
myself
why, SO you have had, so you have
had! retorted the imperturbable John.
you've shown me every way as you had
no dislike to me, and nobody can't saw
haven't shown pretty plain what my In
tentions were with respect to you No, no
Miss Piety, coyness is all very well and
very pretty, but you don't mean for to
make fool of man that loves you true
right well, / know!"
Sensitive to any touch of real feeling. the
girl had tears in her eyes in a moment It
was true, as he said, that she had shown
him kindness enough for a man of his type.
and in his circumstances, to feel sure of
her. And although she had never cared for
him with any feeling stronger than friend
ship. she had undoubtedly at one time un-
derstood with what aim in view he paid her
such constant though undemonstrative at
tention. stit
Overcome by an acute sense of the ter
rible position in which she found herself
for the thought Of being John MERGERS
wife d1d at that moment seem terrible in
deed-Piety sank upon the nearest chair and
covered her face with her hands,
Aunt Faith few. to her side. and whisper
ed a few words to John, suggesting that he
should leave her alone with the girl for a
few minutes. No SOONER had he taken her
advice and closed the door behind him than
Piety broke out passionately:
Aunt Faith. cant marry him: can't.
! can't! I know they'll say I'm a flirt. I
know I've been foolish, perhaps I'VE done
wrong; but it would only make matters
worse to go oni don't love him. and I
never could-never. neyerr'
Aunt Faith was too much alarmed by
this awful state OF affairs not to be fright
ened into a wise diplomacy. So she did
not scoid. but made Piety rest her head
upon her own shoulder, and kissed her
forehead kindly.
''Tut-tut. my DEAR" she said, not I'M
kindly; don't be foolish. You can't at
ford to make yourself laughing stock.
nor him either, by refusing him, after the
way you've led him on
Led him on?"
Eyes. Everybody looks upon you as
good as engaged to him; and where will
you find a better husband?"
I don't want to marry-yet"
We'll. well, he'll not hurry you, II you
put 1t to him you'd rather have q little
freedom first
mo. no; want my freedom altogether"
Hush. hush. child; you can't play fast
and loose like that with q good man.