The White Pine news. [volume] (Treasure City, Nev.) 1868-1906, 1903-08-06

especially is 1t wasted II spent in ones
sleeping apartment
With the help OF the walk and other
small occupations the hours somehow
passed, but never before had n day
seemed so long to Lettiee Nynor. At
length, however, the afternoon drew to
a close, and she found herself alone,
her aunt having an invitation TO spend
the evening with an old friend. Per
haps Lettlee had counted on this when
she dispatched her notes in the morn
Ing, but now the time "a drawing
neal when the favored lover might be
expected, she would have given a great
deal to be able to delay his visit
Twenty times did she wish vainly that
she had sent n different answer. even
her friends. VIII Haywood as a de
voted friend and admirer had been
everything that was pleasant; but now
It came nearer the Idea OF Will Hey
wood as a prospective husband-oh.
that was a different affair altogether,
For she knew that that was what she
had meant her message TO imply. and
that he would be quick so TO under
stand Il.
Then at last the do0rbell rang, aud
Lettiee heard footsteps crossing the
hall. The drawing room door opened
and shut again, but her heart was
beating so loudly that she did not hear
The name that had been announced.
and she advanced TO meet her visitor
without raising her eyes from the
ground.
The next moment she felt herself
caught In a strong pair of arms. and
kisses were being rained upon her
face.
My sweetheart-my sweetheart a
mans voice whispered pa|ssionltely
again and again, as II It would never
tire of that delightful repetition.
But what-what was thisf The
room whirled round, her eyes closed.
and for a moment she could make 10
effort to release herself. For this man
who held her so masterfully. who was
showering his kisses on her face. and
whispering passionate endearments In
her ear, was not the VIII Haywood
she had expected, but Humphrey
fofde! Humphrey the grave, the
quiet, whom she had imagined to be
afraid OF her! Why was he here? And
why, why had she not known before
what those kisses all at once had made
clear 10 her-that this was the man
she loved after all, and had loved all
along3
Then suddenly 1t flashed across her
what had happened. In her haste she
had doubtless Enclosed the notes In the
wrong envelopes, and he had received
the one meant for VIII Haywood. But
he must know the truth! TO the girls
delicate sense of honor no other course
was possible; even II It meant the loss
OF his love she would not keep it by
acting a lie.
"Oh, you mustn't, you mustn't! I've
made n dreadful mistaken" she gasped
almost incoherently, finding voice at
last, and striving frantlcally to olsen
gage herself.
Humphreys arms suddenly loosened,
and he held her away from him To
look into her face.
"A mistaken" he repeated. slowly,
incredulously. WAS that what you
really said, LettlceP Do you mean,
then, that you do not love mt after
allf"
The color flushed ovcr the fair little
face from brow to chin, and she hung
her head In silence. No, she could not
say that!
Speak, Leiticc.' he said, his voice
grave and almost stern. Il insist on
your telling me this. You knew when
you wrote 1t what your letter must
imply. DO you mean you were mis-
taken In thinking that you loved me?'
"No, no, not thatl' she whispered.
as IL the truth were being forced from
her.
Humphrey could feel how the slight
form trembled. He placed her gently
in a low chair, and drew another be-
side her.
Come. let me understand" he said
more kindly. "You say you love me