Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-12-27

Ihen-then perhaps 1t will do as
well if l climb a tree"
mo, no; wish to talk with you"
"Ma'm'selle, you honor me-" said.
And dishonor myself, I presume,
with so much boldness," she went on.
at is only that have something to
say; and you know when a woman has
something toto say"
ut is fool that does not listen IL
she be as fair as you," put in.
You are-well, shall not say what
l think of you, for fear-for fear Of
giving offense." said she, blushing as
she spoke. do you like the life Of q
soldier?"
Every much. and especially when
am wounded, with such excellent care
and company"
But your side-it was horribly torn.
l did feel very sorry-indeed I did.
You will go again to the war;"
"Unless-unless- All, yes, NAM
selle. shall go again to the war;"
stammered, going to the brink Of con-
fession, only to back away from It, as
the blood came hot to my cheeks.
She broke a tiny bough and began
stripping its leaves.
Tell me, do you love the baroness?"
she inquired as she whipped sway
ing bush of brier.
The question amazed me. laughed
nervously.
Il respect. l admire the good wo-
man-she would make an excellent
mother" was my answer.
'fWell spoken!" she said, clappine
her HANDS. Il thought you were fool.
I did not know whether you were to
blame or-or the Creator"
"or the baroness" added laughing.
well" said she. with a pretty shrug,
lis there not a man for every wo-
man? The baroness thinks she is IT.
resistible. She has money. She would
like to buy you for plaything- to
marry you. But say beware. She
Ia more terrible than the keeper of
the Bastile. And you-you are too
young!"
"My dear GIRL" said I, in voice Of
pleading, "it is terrible. Save mel
Save me, pray you!"
Pooh! 1 do not care!"-with a
gesture of indifference. 81 am trying
to save myself, that is ALL"
From what?"
Another relative. Parbleu! have
enough" She stamped her foot i'm
patiently as she spoke. II should be
very terrible to you. should say the
meanest things. should call you
grandpapa and give you q new cane
every Christmas"
"And If you gave me also smile,
should be content"
: More than once was near de-
claring myself that day, but |
had mighty fear she was play
ing with me and I held my tongue.
There was an odd light in her eyes.
knew not, then, what 1t meant.
"You are easily satisfied" was her
answer.
Il am to leave soon," I said. MAY
I not see you here tomorrow"
ALAS! l do not think you cam" waA
her answer.
"And why not?"
Because 1t would not be proper
said she, smiling as she looked up al
me.
"Not proper! should like to know
why"
1T would make me break another en-
gagement," she went on laughing. :"
am to go with the baroness to NEE
tho count II he CONES she has com.
manded. The day after, In the morn
ing. at 10 o'clock, by the cascade-wil,
that do? Good! must leave yor
now. I must not return with you
Remember" she commanded, point.
ing at me with her tapered forefnger
"Remember-10 o'clock in the morn
Ing"
Then she took bypath and ven
out of sight. returned to the man
sion as deep in love as man could
be. I went to dinner with the res
that evening. Louison came in aftel
we were all seated.
you were late, my dear" said tn,
baroness
"Yes; | went away walking and los
something, and was not able to fine
it again."
fTa ho contfp,,ad