The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1905-03-04

tuaily told her to her face that he was
not prepared to carry out his part Of
the bargain! What II she were to make
1t difficult for him?
The idea nearly took her breath
away. as she dried her pretty ewes
and sat up on her bed. She would
pretend-merely pretend, of course-to
fall In love with him, instead Of re-
pulsing him. and then when she had
carried him on to propose, she would
refuse him with dignity and decisionI
Could anything sound more delightful
In theory-so promising of fun In prac-
tice!
She carried war into the enemy's
camp the very next morning. She
could brook no delay, because her
guardian was expecting a large house
party toward the end Of July, and time
was short and precious. Instead Of
covert, angry glances, and sharp re-
torts. Ronald found himself met with
gracious smiles, and low, sweet re-
sponses-a change for which he was
totally unprepared and hardly knew
how to take. 1t never entered his
head to think that she was In a con.
trary fashion playing just as much of
part as he bad taken up toward her
self. Instead Of avoiding him as US
ual. Miss Farrell was pleased to be-
stow a goodly portion Of her time up-
on him; she rode by his side to the
meets. splendidly mounted, and look
ing a perfect picture in her well-ftting
habit; she waltzed with him more than
she ought to have done at the Hunt
Ball. and thoroughly did her best to
storm his invulnerable heart.
And one sweet summer evening, the
knowledge was borne In upon her that
she had succeeded! 1t was a perfect
night, and the two were sauntering
along the pergola In the Southern rose
garden-the air was fragrant with the
scent of tobacco plants and evening
stock, and away in a distant dark tree
an owl whirred softly. Overhead
hung motionless canopy Of deepest
sapphire Illuminated by thousands Of
twinkling stars. A night to stir young
blood and send 1t coursing through the
veins Of youth. A Midsummer Mad
ness night!
Love me" she stammered, as he
poured out his heart before her. But
What was this pain at her own
heart? Was it possible that his words
should thrill her In reality? She had
meant nothing nothing-how could
she tell him SO?
'"You are-only joking-you do not
mean It," she stammered, as he stood
his ground manfully.
"Uldn't you mean it?" he asked sud-
denly, as horrible thought struck
him. Have you-no, you can't have
meant to play with me all this timer
Answer me, Phyllis, beloved, you have
not been playing with me all these
happy weeks?"
The passionate look In his dark eyes
brought hers to the ground; her cheeks
flushed deep crimson; she pulled at
a rose in her satin belt; an owl whir-
red just above their heads.
what did you meanY she asked.
slowly, her eyes still bent on the
ground. "You-began by hating me
you know you did"
Suppose were to tell you that that
was all put onY he asked, tenderly.
and imprisoning In his strong
grasp one Of her hands. Let me make
my confession, here, under the stars,
l knew yours was not the
character to brook another shaping
your life for you, and so determined
mine should be a contrary wooing. I
pretended that l didn't care-when I
did all the time. Sometimes, darling
heart, it is the only way with you
the men In the world are
actors because women force them to
be So At first you were unkind, then
suddenly you changed-you became
sweetness personified, you wrenched
my heart out Of my keeping, you make
me think-whatW
His gaze still held hers in thrall.
The night, the passion in his voice, the
soft, warm, summer wind, all con-
spired to turn her against herself.
II was playing" she said all at once
In low voice.
She felt her hand flung away, she
heard him draw a sharp breath; mo-
ment later-his footsteps sounded on
the gravel path.
A bat swept down on her uncovered
head. She stretched out her arms.
"Ronaldw she cried, suddenly. And
the figure fast disappearing down the
path stopped. turned round, and seeing
the outstretched hands made haste to
return.
II don't ever want to play again."
she whispered, as a few seconds later
her pretty head rested on his shoulder,
and she hid her flushed cheeks and
shining eyes. 1T was"
He stopped her mouth with kisses.
ut was a contrary courtship all
he said happily. "But 1t has
come right in the end
1--WE must tell Mr.. Desmond, she
~