Smyrna times., 1903-05-27

cast in his direction added zest to the
chase. Perhaps it was the elusive
tashlon III which the girl received his
advances. Certain it is that weeks
time had earned him the very fitting
name of James shadow"
Yet to Jane herself each dav seemed
10 bring more unhappiness. Staunton
came as often as ever, but at sight of
Alex by her side he left the laughing
group to chat with Miss Maybrick in
intimate alOOfness. And as the girl
saw the door to the beautiful new
world closing because the hand of him
VINO held it open was Withdrawn the
pam and WEAKNESS of her old frivo-
Ious life seemed almost past bearing.
her eyes were more wistful than she
knew one evening as she saw a tall
muscular figure swing up the walk
with the easy, confident stride of the
man who was master of his fate
Staunton's face softened as no met
them, and, though Cousin Alex Ham
Din was on hand, as usual. he settled
hlmselt on the top step with the air
OF man who had come to STAY. The
Drown eyes were dOwncast now. but a
shy blush of pleasure still flushed her
cheeks
Ihere was always a visible air of
cohstraint between the two men, but
Hamblin rose manfully to the occa-
sion. Here was a most lOnged for on
pOrtunity to prove to Miss Jane that
Staunton was but a boor of farmer.
aIter all, and no match for a man of
the world like himself.
If the older man detected his half
yelled tone of patronage, he only
smiled quizzically. Indeed his posi-
tion soon grew more untenable than
that of his adversary. AS the conver-
sation ranged from books to men and
back to books again Jane saw. with a
thrill of pride, that Staunton more
than held his own. What is more. he
held his temper, precaution neglect
ed by the other.
At last the talk fell upon one of the
recent novels, a book of unusual
strength and breadth of view. Jane
had read it several times. for it he'd |
seemed to point her to the new life she |
longed to live. Staunton was silent
as though in unspOken condemnation |
Ihereupon Hamblin became an enthu-
siastic defender and openly scoffed at
his lack of appreciation.
shadow crossed the moOnlit porch.
but the three did not see Miss Nav
brick till her voice broke in on the
You would not expect Mr.. Staunton
10 crlticise his own book, would you?"
she said calmly. Then. as her ear
caught James low exclamation of won
Ter, she added in a tone of surprise.
Had you not guessed that he was an
author, Miss Carew? | heard that
1Ou defended him very eloquently one
itternoon in the orchard and said n
rood word for me too. For that |
want to thank you"
StauntOn's face was turned toward
he blushing girl, and in full moonlight
Hiss Maybrick could read his secret.
I II sounded the deathknell to some
lope of her own heart, gratitude to
er champion made her lead the he
Alex for walk down the
lne and gradual restoration of his
elf confidence
And have to thank you, too
ane,. StauntOn said tenderly.
But he took her down to the orchard
nd told her in his own way.
How did you guess that l was not
le farmer l pretended to be?" with a
int OF wonder under his gladness. Z
Jane raised a face radiant with the 1
that the new world was
pened forevermOre. "Just because
Oh are YOU" she said joyously. Love
not always blind"