The Cooperstown courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., N.D.) 1902-1913, 1904-05-12


have time now to prepare herself for
the scene she must go through with
him.
After she had some tea she went to
her room. The frock she had chosen
to wear was lying on the bed. It was
sole blue silk, and was very simply
made. Quickly she put 1t back into
the wardrobe and took down one that
was just sufficiently old-fashioned to
be dowdy. s z 49,
molly said I looked 20 in blue and
SIS in black" she whispered, as she laid
1t on the bed. ..
Then she unfastened her hair. She
remembered some one once saying,
ITO part the hair in the center either
makes. q woman look much older OF
much younger than she actually. is. /
think, Elizabeth, that it makes you
look much older" Taking up the
comb, she carefully made parting
down the center of her head and twist
ed her hair into tight knob at the
back. sfhv SIS
The reflection that the mirror sent
Then she put on the dowdy black
frock. Ugh! she did look plain and old
and commonplace. No man could
make love to a woman who looked like
that. And of all men, not David Moore
for she knew SO we'll that he liked a
woman to be good to look at.
Having finished her strange toilette,
she went down to her sitting room and
waited. Fifteen minutes later her vis-
itor came.
Elizabeth saw him start and the sur
prised look in his eyes as she held out
her hand to him and asked coolly how
he had enjoyed his trip.
Are you i'll, Elizabeth?' he said,
quickly, without answering her, and
looking anxiously at the face that. had
changed almost beyond recognition
since he last saw it.
NO. no! Why should be III :"
you look SO white and"
odd" she finished. swell, 1. am
six months older you must remember
since you went away. and I am not the
type of woman who wears wen" z
rs anything the matter? Are you
Fin trouble ssss gs
What should there be to trouble
me? l never do anything but have
a good time. love excitement, and
all that sort of thing"
The man: looked as If he was not
sure he had heard Alright.
r No. Elizabeth continued. 81 am
not really different, but you have been
accustomed to fresh young faces late
~, and so poor mine seems old and
withered in comparison. But please
don't waste the time in discussing my
appearance. Tell me how you enjoyed
your visit"
Fairly; but was SO anxious to get
/ back to. London to see you again that
/ / did not think much -sabout it. You
know why i wished to be here by the
18th, Elizabeth ?'' s
7 She looked as though she was try
ing to remember. =.
Darling" he went on, coming close
to her, you have not forgotten that
you said you would listen to me when
| returned. You know, without any
words, that you are the dearest wom-
an in the world to me, and that wish
you for my wife, .,. Up
your wife!" she echoed, with a
sneering laugh. Thank you, no. Il
must decline. the honor" sSSS III
Elizabeth" and his face went
white as he held her hands tightly,
what do you mean?" S-s F<s8
@Just that" she said. II decline the
honor" ~$ ,~s W e.
Then" and he dropped her hands
and turned away, Il had better go.
was conceited fool. Forgive me. Ny
lovesfor you has carried me too {far. - y !.
Even in the half-lit room, Eliza
beth's face looked strangely white as
she put her hand to her side and
leaned back in the cushions.
But she laughed again. :a
"Ah, it does not matter You will
forget it as readily as will. And
perhaps. after all, it was my own fault.
But you must always allow for a wom-
| an changing her affections. It is q
woman's way, you know"
mo, did not know" coldly.
"Why not? She may vary her
frocks-why not her. affections?"
For heavens sake, don't talk like
that. You might be 1eartless flirt by
your Tone" 1,3
Il hardly think am that, for your
sex does not interest me sufficiently.
But l am woman of the world, and
not silly, love-sick girl.'
Il never imagined you to be a silly,
love-sick girl, any more than I
thought you as woman of the world,
as you put it. Perhaps it will amust,
you to hear that was foolish enough
to think you were-well, altogether
different" 49,. ---.scc.
Eyes, it is rather absurd she an
swered. driving her nails into her hand
as she stood up and held out her right
one to him. 'Good-by There is no
need to extend this interview. Be
sides, am busy tonight. You will
excuse me-
He took her hand and held it tight
ly, as he looked into her tired gray
eyes.
Elizabeth, Elizabeth" he wits.