Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1904-05-26

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 I 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
remark you made the day we first
went sleighing has served to increase
that feeling. Ever since left college
l 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 it more fully"
Il am very sorry, Mr.. Nason," she
said pleasantly, "if any words of mine
hurt you even 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
l shall be very glad to see you again."
And then, rising, she added, eff I hurt
you, please say you forgive me, for
must go 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 far more gracious hostess, and
all her smiles and interest seemed to
be lavished upon Frank instead of her
brother. 1t was as If 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 We're his sisters amuse-
ments? Did they entertain much, play
tennis. golf or ride? Where did they
usually go summers, and did he gener-
ally go with them? His own comings
and goings and where he had been and
what he saw there We're also made a
part Of the grist he was encouraged to
grind. She even professed keen in
terest in his yacht and listened pa
tiently to most elaborate description
Of that craft although as rowboat
was the largest vessel she had ever set
foot on it is likely she did not gain
very clear idea of the Gypsy. /.
Your yacht has very suggestive
name," she said. TT makes one think
of green woods and campfres.
should dearly love to take sail in her.
l have read so much about yachts and
yachting that the idea of sailing along
the shores in ones own floating house,
as it were. has fascination for me-"
This expression Of taste was 20 much
In line with Franks, and the idea 6
having this charming girl for yacht
ing companion SO tempting that his
face glowed.
Nothing would give me greater
pleasure" he responded, than to have
you for guest on my boat, Miss Page.
I think it could be managed if l could
only coax my mother and sisters to go,
and you and your brother would join
US. We would visit the Maine coast re-
sorts and have no end Of a good time"
Its delightful outing you sug-
gest," she answered, "and thank you
very much, but 1 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 it that way" he
said, looking serious. ''only mother and
the girls are afraid Of the water, that
is ALL"
When conversation Jagged Frank
begged that she would sing for him
and suggested selections from Moody
and Sankey, and despite her brothers
sarcastic remark that 1t wasn't 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"
II shall not need to recall that song
to remind me Of YOU" he said in q
low voice as he spread 1t on the music
rack in front of her, "but I shall al
ways feel its mood when I think Of
you"
Does that mean that you will think
Of me as sleeping in corner obscure
and alone in some churchyardw she
responded archly.
by no MEANS" he said. "only 1 may
perhaps have little Of the same mood
at times that Ben Bolt had when he
heard Of the fate of his sweet Alice"
1t was pretty speech. and Franh
imagined she threw little more than
Usual pathos into the song after 1t,
but then no doubt his imagination was
biased by his feelings.
When they stood on the platform the
next morning awaiting the train he
said quietly:
MAY L send you a few books and
some new songs when I get home, Miss
Page? want to show you how much
have enjoyed this VISIT
1T is very nice Of you to say So"
she replied, land shall be glad to be
remembered and hope you will visit us
again"
When the train came in he rather
hurriedly offered his hand and with a
Permit me to thank you again" as he
raised his hat turned away to gather