The Caldwell tribune., 1905-08-19


pay up his bet; and how she would
like to ownjust one-diamond! Bet
tvs face is her fortune and has not
brought her any diamonds as yet
only offers of them, for an equivalent,
But she can't flirt with Ralph Pyne
She has, she knows, amused herself
little sometimes with some men, but
they are such idiots. Mr.. Pyne is diff
ferent; she can't treat him so. And
then she recklessly determines to,
make clean breast Of 1t.
"Mr. Pyne, wish you'd do some
thing for me-"
with pleasure
''You can get me diamond pin If
you like"
Delighted, am sure; but how?"
II want you to propose to me. Don't
be frightened; I'll say no, and won't
tell till you're gone" 8
'oh! bet presumeT' he answered
a triHe grlmly.
"Yes, that odious Mr.. Jaurez. They
are all odious, but he is the worst He
bet you wouldn't propose, because, you
see, they all do; and then, of course,
they sulk and uncle swears at me.
But we've been kind of friends, ana
you're too good sort for that she end
ed little incoherently, $50 ! thought
might as well tell you about it."
"Yes; uncommOnly good-natured of
| you. And he's bet pln," and Mr..
Pyne considers what charming uncle
| Miss Rebecca Cohen owns.
| "Yes; l haven't any jewelry, and I
do want to score off that beast, and
Betty suddenly grew scarlet from an
ger. Her bushes were not in the hab-
1t of intruding themselves.
Miss Elizabeth Langley, l lay my
hand and heart at your feet"
Declined with thanks cried Betty
with peal OF laughter. Now shake
hands," and they shook hands.
4 The shower had ceased and Betty
rose to her feet and shook the dead
leaves from her skirts.
For little while Ralph Pyne walk
ed on in deep meditation. Suddenly he
spoke. Miss Betty, what assurance
have you that Juarez will admit you
have won your bet?"
"What assurance! Isn't my word
enough" she returned.
''It would make 1t a good deal sure1
If you told him you are engaged to
me-" he answered calmly.
Betty sprang back, her face pale and
her eyes blazing.
How dare you! How dare you! And
thought we were friends" she ended
with a smothered sob and vanished
among the trees, and Ralph Pyne NUT.
tered something between his teeth
about - fool and went back to the
house.
An hour later a very pale and sub
dued Betty came gliding through the
strawberries. It was already evening
and the house was brightly lit up and
the sound of voices and click of balls
sounded from the billiard room. AS
she put her foot on the veranda Mr.
Juarez strolled out Of the open billiard
room window.
"Hullo, Miss Bet" he shouted hilari
ously, i've got news for you"
L
1t; the dressing gong has sounded"
"Oh, but you've got to STOP" ht
laughed, laying his fat hand on he
shoulder. 1t was obvious that tea hat
not been the afternoon refreshment il
the billiard room.
you've got to stop and hear m!
news. Pyne is off. Says he's sent TO
by telegram and must be off by tn
$40. We know better, don't we2 He'
scared. But don't fret, my dear" h
continued, changing his tone to one o
maudlin tenderness, you shan't be
loser by him. You shall have your pil
ali the same. Now doesn't that de
serve a kiss for thanksT
His odtous arm was round her Bett,
gave cry of disgust and twisted her
self away. At the same moment a gen
tie push sent Mr.. Juarez staggering t
the end of the veranda, and a coo
voice said, "I'll thank you to treat thi
lady with little more respect"
"What the dickens have you got t
say to 1t?" shouted Juarez, who wa
brought up short by the trellis at tn
end of the veranda and stood leanin
against its friendly support.
"Only that she has done me tn
honor to promise to be my wife," wa
+ the quiet reply in a different tone t
the impassioned whisper that imploret
You won't go back on me now
} Betty?"
Betty was sobbing too heartily O
: his shoulder to say no, and silenc
: gave consent-Tattler.
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~ 49, HavA Son PAnmiaafnn Nn Cot