The Forrest City times., 1904-07-29

room
 While he was refect:ng on girls in general and Leigh in particular Mrs. Wendell one of the very few who knew Leighs history. entered
 You look as conscious, Reggy. as Leigh did just now. II would be d pretty romance if your boyish attach ment for Leigh should end in your carrying her to your ancestral halls," l Oh. Mrs. Wendell, you know that as loyable as Leigh is. fellow in my position couldn't overlook the days she was nothing less than street sin ger It wouldn't do in England. you | know"
 Leigh, returning to the music room. heard the speech. Her eyes. usually so bright and tender. flashed with spirit as she quietly and unobserved ! left the room.
 There was grand ball at Roselawn that night and Reginald was one of the first to enter the ball room. Mrs. Wendell hurried to him.
 "Oh, Reginald, I've something awful to tell you, Leigh overheard what you said about her having been a street singer She just told me she heard you,"
 He gave a cry of dismay
 No not really. Mrs. Wendell, That is awful Believe me, l shall make amends l shall as, her to marry me . Just then a beautiful vision swept past him. Could this figure so slender and stately in trailing gown be that of little Leigh? As she passed through the long room at the side of her adopted father Philip Hathcourt did not remove his eyes from her
 Leigh, he murmured as they stood apart for moment, may have the first dance?"
 She turned slightly pale. hearing the | intensity of his voice, but quietly gave him the promise of the dance Then Reginald came hurrying toward them.
 Leigh, you were so late in coming" he cried. May I tell you how glor- iousy beautiful you are tonight"
 She glanced at him carelessly with cold, little ghost of a smile
 T want the first dance" he con tinued
 You are too late! I have promised it to Philip"
 The first dance ended Reginald has tened to claim her for the next one Ii had semed to him that his code of honor demanded by way of apology nothing short of proposal But to. night her heightened beauty and the intoxicating delight he felt when dancing with her made him forget any motive but love His wooing was audaeious. passionate and importu nate Her refusal. calm, undaunted and unalterable
 Surprised. yet not baffled, he contin- ued to plead beseechingly
 T don't understand such inconsis- tency. Reginald, she replied. To-day you were proclaiming that you could not marry a street singer"
 Spare me. Leigh" he pleaded. "I didn't love you then. You are preju- diced now by reason of that unfortu- nate and careless remark Take time. and let your heart soften towards me.
 She laughed tantalizingly.
 T don't love you. Reginald, And never will"
 You did. or were on the verge of it." he protested
 i "When?"
 l This afternoon before you left the music room so suddenly l saw it in your eyes
 You may have seen love there. she said slowly. but not for you
 A quick passion seized him
 T know for whom Someone whose feeling for you isn't equal to mine someone who will not
 Stop" she commanded My an swer is final Take me back 10 the ball room"
 She was experiencing slight exulta- ton in the realization of the power a woman can wield over man. This feel ing made her eyes more luminous and her face more radiant They passed Philip in the doorway of the pavilion He drew back out of view. all the wounds in his heart beginning to ache at the sight of the proud. happy bear ing of the girl, whose countenance was glowing and flashing with excite ment He came up to her quickly
 Will you dance this with me-" Certainly" she replied
 'l don't want to dance now. he said when Reginald had withdrawn Let us go to the house. but not to the ball room
 They went into a deserted room ] dimly lighted by candles. 10 deep window embrasure which looked out on the garden al the back of the house The moon flying swiftly through great. floating masses of clouds sent silyery beam upon the gold of her shining hair Her eyes were full of depth and i eolor
 A little s'rench clock chimed out 12 strokes
 This is the noon of night" said Leigh. trying to speak lightly
 Leigh. l have no right to ask-but. l did Reginald propose to yon tonight" T have no right fO Tell nerhanS hut