The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-04-02

ffictiug emotions, shs now became an out and-out rebel. She would not be mace sacrifice to compensate for something Una. happened before she was born She would have . real romance when she made her choice--no cut-and-dried love affair.
 Louise noted the ominousiy straight line Marrery.s rosebud mouth was forming. and immediately grasped the situation when they reached the wilbur farm the compica- tons were increased by the information that stephen was expected home tnat gay to help through harvest time. after which he would return
 T will see him first and head him oil. thought Louise. If he speaks now his cake is dough-"
 She slipped away from the others and joined Mir. Wilbur. whom she found in the barn
 T am just hooking up to so and meet Steve" he announced. Let me go" she pleaded. T have some errands want to do." 'sure!' he responded. 'fGiad to have your' and she drove away from the barn by the lane road without being observed by Margery and Paul Stephen had expected his father to meet him, SO when he Louise instead. his heart quickened in beat as he looked about for Margery. "Nol I came alone" said Louise. inter preting the look. we. Margery. Paul and IL, she further explained as they drove home- ward. Again she divined his thoughts and knew he was writhing in the fear that she had planned to leave Margery and Paul to- l gether.
 | q came to tell you something" she said | hurriedly. T thought although we have | only been acquainted through Margerys | letters, that you would be interested In knowing that Paul and I are engaged" | She enjoyed the fervor of his consratula- | tions. She had rehearsed the conversa-
 tion that was to follow. and 1t had seemed | very easy and natural, but she was sud- | denly seized with stage fright.
 That wasn't all had to tell your' | '-weil?"
 The monosyllable was not encouraging. l T wanted to give you pointer. I-you I see--"
 Miss Deane," he said, the dark red sur | mounting the brown in his cheeks, as he
 looked at her with steady gaze. twill it help | you in what you have to say if tell you | that love Margery7" | Thank you! It is easier now. You see, | since we came home. everyone has been | talking to her as though 1t were a foregone concIusion-and no girl likes that. you knowi | The Greens. the Hacketts and Arbeia have | just been thrusting you upon her. Now. Margery is the dearest girl in the world. but she is just wee bit contrary at times | don't you thinkI"
 stephen smiled-a queer. reminiscent
 smile.
 ''Yes. even she would concede thatl' '"weil. just now she is compromising con- trariness and building q fortress about hes heart So if you want to disarm her, make no attack just yet" Thank you. Miss Desne. I appreciate | your advice"
 Then he quietly turned the conversation into other channels. and Louise felt that the subject was closed. When they reached home he greeted Margery in the old friendly | manner with a touch of careless indiffer- | ence that was reassuring and quite melted | the little mist of defiance that had gath cred. At the close of the day. when Mar | gery proposed departure, Louise and Paul I drove in the carriage in which the three had come in the morning while stephen harnessed his own horse, The General, to take Margery home. | It was still, hot night. The setting | sun had vanished reluctantly to make room | for a delicate young moon attended by a l single, clear star. Margery, still slightly | conscious of the remarks of the neighbors | dreaded the witchery of harvest moon
 but Stephens attention for a good stretch | was absorbed by The General. who was cele- | bFating his emancipation from a weeks con- | finement to the stalls When he was down
 to earth again stephen began to converse. 1 The practical turn of his conversation was
 a relief to Margery, and yet is brought &
 feeling of chagrin At turn in the road he reiped up.
 Your friends have taken the lake road home. Shall we follow their example?"
 His tone was quiet and even. still there was a note in it that made Margerys heart beat faster.
 | "Yea," she said confusedly.
 When Miss Deane came to meet me"
 T didn't know she gone; she clipped
 awsyr
 ''Yes; she wanted to tell me of her en- l gagement."
 Did shs3" exclaimed Margery in sur
 prise. Its a seeretI"
 T think she divined that 1t would please
 me"
 Against her will. she met his compelling glance. and then in an instant fled alN her
 annoyance as the neighbours gossip.
 "she told something else. Margery," he continued softly.
 | ''what?" she asked expectantly
 She warned me not to tell you my secret. She said to wait. Must I. Margery7"
 Her contrariness was immediately array
 ed against Louise.
 "No!" she said emphatically. You can !