, 1905-01-11

sprang to his feet in angry dismay.
Then he handed the note to his mother
and explained rapidly.
above her breath.
NO" he replied sternly. Il will not
be a party to any such mockery of a
thing that ought to be sacred. She is
doubtless amusing herself as usual,
and If there is a favored one among
the seven he will know just where to
look for her."
He turned sharply away, with chok-
ing throat and hot, singing eyeballs.
you do care, Kenneth persisted
his mother wistfully.
Yes" he answered shortly, 81 care.
l care so much that | cannot tolerate
the thought of her as a prize in Il game
of hide and seek"
1.-THE package, Kenneth" Mrs. Car
ter suggested inquiringly.
He opened it quickly, gazing bewil-
dered at the contents, Il small, plain
gold ring.
what does it mean?' he asked con-
fusedly.
Il think it means that you are not
the only one who cares. She evidently
doesn't intend you to fail for lack of a
ring that fits. Now will you go?'
Yes" he said quickly, but I'll seek
her at her home, as IN honorable man
should, not elsewhere
He returned in an hour, with disap-
pointment unmistakable in his face.
His mother did not need to question
him.
II saw three or four men who, | am
positive, We're looking for her. he
said in a slow, hard tone-"Van Horn.
with his best pair, and little Sawtelle
in his automobile. There's a dinner
dance at Trumbull's tonight, and
young Cooper and Dixie Salter came
dashing out of there just as | was
passing"
Are you sure she isn't at home?'
at was her own maid who came to
the door. | feel sure that she would
not deceive me. You know she is little
Oscar Larson's sister,
"The boy who was injured and for
whom you secured the damages?"
Yes. The girl evidently knew all
about this affair and realized the use
lessness of my search, for she said in
a very kind and gentle way, You'd
better go home, Mr.. Carter"
A faint flicker of a smile, instantly
repressed. appeared at the corners of
Mrs. Carriers mouth.
But the ring, Kenneth" she per-
sisted.
probably sent to raise my hopes
and so make my failure all the more
crushing" he answered bitterly.
I'VE will not speak of it again, dear
little mother, and l will say good
night now. | want to be alone"
Before you go, dear, please bring
me my embroidery from the library
table"
He pushed aside the portleres and
entered the library. A slender, girl
ish figure stood before the CRATE, and
the dancing freight fell in soft CLEANS
upon her white dress md lent Il bright
glow to Il face pale with emotion.
Kenneth gave a sharp crp and sprang
forward.
as it you, Paula? Is it really you?
Am | the one to find your
did you want to find me, Kenneth"
she asked, half crying.
'Did | want to? Oh, Paula
He held her to his breast in silence
and then bent and kissed the sweet
mouth appraised to his.
1t was after the announcement of
the engagement that Paula exclaimed
ont day, looking into Kenneth's
gloomy face: "What is the matter, Sir
Doleful? Such an expression as that
on the face of n newly engaged man
is hardly iattering to his fiancee."
He answered slowly, THAT night at
the ball you said there were several
whom you would be willing to marry"
Il did," Paula returned promptly,
but you may recall that l said also
if all II circumstances were favora-
ble.'"
Il can't see that that changes it
any" lie argued obtusely.
You don't deserve to be told, but
because you are so stupid I'll have to
explain that the absolutely essential
circumstance was that | should love
'hN Ahoh' Ahu Icol you continue mdh-
ing yourself miserable for nothing I'll
confess right now that you were the
only one to whom l sent a note. Even
then was so dreadfully afraid you
wouldn't come that l followed the
note, and your mother aided and
abetted' in Il most shocking Manner"
Reason E1o,,ob