The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-04-29

It, he replied. II was kept busy
counting how many caught looking at
me, and whenever the choir sang for
got to count. Why was it they stared
mt me SO much? Is a stranger here
walking curiosity7.'
In way, yes" answered Alice
They don't mean to be rude, but a
new face Mt church Is a curio I'll
wager that nine out Of ten who were
there this morning are at this moment
discussing your looks and wondering
who and what - are"
A realization OF her cool Indifference
tinged his feelings that evening Just at
dusk, where he had been left alone be-
side the freshly started parlor fire, and
when the object OF his thought hap
pened in he sat staring moodily Mt the
names. She drew a chair opposite and,
seating herself. said pleasantly:
why 80 pensive, Mr.. Mason? Has
going to church made you feel re-
pentant"
II don't feel the need Of repentance
except in one way" he answered, "and
that you would not be interested in.
To be candid, Miss Page, I'm growing
ashamed of the useless life lead, and
It's that l feel to repent of. A few
things your brother said to me three
months ago were the beginning, and
q remark you made the day we first
went sleightng has served to increase
that feeling. Ever since I left college
1 have led an aimless life, bored to
death by ennui and conscious that no
one was made any happier by my ex-
istence. What Bert said to me and
your remark have only served to make
me realize 1t more fully"
II am very sorry, Mr.. Mason" she
said pleasantly, III any words Of mine
hurt you even q little. I have forgot
ten what they were and wish you
would. The visit which Bert and you
are making me is most delightful
break In the monotony Of my life, and
I shall be very glad to see you again."
And then, rising, she added, "If hurt
you, please say you forgive me, for 1
must 80 out and see to getting tea"
The last evening was passed much
like the first, except that now the
elusive Alice seemed to be transformed
Into fur more gracious hostess, and
oil her smiles and interest seemed to
be lavished upon Frank instead Of her
brother 1t was as II this occult little
lady had come to feel new and sur
prising curiosity In all that concerned
the life and amusements Of her visitor.
With true feminine skill, she piled him
with all manner of questions and af-
fected the deepest interest in all he had
to say. What were his sisters amuse-
ments? Did they entertain much, play
tennis. golf or ride? Where did they
nsually go summers, and did he gener-
ally go with them7 His own comings
and goings and where he had been and
what he saw there Were also made a
part Of the grist he was encouraged to
She even professed keen in
ln hfs yacht and listened pa.
tlehtl to.a most elaborate description
Of that sft, although as a rowboat
was the largest vessel she had ever set
foos,on 1t Is likely she did not gain a
very; clear idea Of the, Gypsy.
"Your yacht has n very suggestive
name," she said. "It makes one think
OF green woods and campfires.
should dearly love to take sail in her.
have read so much about yachts and
yachting that the idea of sailing along
the shores in ones own floating house,
as 1t were. has a fascination for me-"
This expression Of taste was SO much
In line with Franks, and the idea Of
having this charming girl for a yacht
Ing companion SO tempting that his
face glowed.
Nothing would give me greater
pleasure" he responded, ethan to have
you for n guest on my boat, Miss Page.
think 1t could be managed IL could
only coax my mother and sisters to 60,
and you and your brother would join
Us. We would visit the Maine coast re-
sorts and have no end Of good time"
IT'S n delightful outing you sug-
gest." she answered, "and thank you
very much, but / wouldn't think of
coming If your family had to be coaxed
to go, and then it's not likely that Bert
could find the time"
"Oh, / didn't mean 1t that way" he
sold, looking serious, "only mother and
the girls are afraid of the water, that
Is ALL"
'AASh luBbcu
begged that she would sing for him
and suggested selections from Moody
and Sankey, and despite her brothers
sarcastic remark that it wasn't a re-
vival meeting they were holding she
not only played and sang all those
time worn melodies, but lot of others
from older collections. When retiring
time came Frank asked that she con-
clude with Ben Bolt"
Il shall not need to recall that song
to remind me of you" he said In n
low voice as he spread it on the music
rack In front Of her, "but I shall al
ways feel its mood when 1 think Of
you."
Does that mean that you will think
OF mo as sleeping in a corner obscure
ami alone, I'm aorna ch,,rcbuoraoD sy, m