The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-02-13

Il nave heard IL Saios SnO remaEkeu in rebuttal, "that you are lady killer and have no heart at all"
 But you don't believe it," I said, re- proachfully.
 T don't know" she replied with q rising infection on the last word. Again the serio-mocking smile was on her lips. What about Effie waters and the Jocelyn girl and"
 The last word ended in a sputter, be- cause I caught her wrist and forced the little hand at the end of 1t as gent ly as possible over her mouth.
 Don't" said l. releasing her. Tt isn't fair. What if a woman deliber- ately takes a man seriously? Is that his faultf"
 She gave me a radiant smile.
 "All right. Boy." said Babette, we'll cherish a mutual forgetfulness."
 She arose and shook the green things from her hair and began to put it up There came to me a great temptation to tousle it again. As she stood. the sunlight Altering through the branch es overhead traced little scrolls of shining gold upon it. I arose and came closer. It seemed to draw melt was so wonderful.
 Babette half closed her eyes and al- lured me.
 'Tf your mouth were not so full of hairpins I'd kiss you. witch," said l. Unguardedly or. perhaps-well. one proach me and the bunch of wires fell into the grass.
 'Oh!" she cried in alarm, we'll new CT be able to find them" fell on my knees and began to search among the thickly growing blades. She watched me for a moment and then came to my aid. Some of her loosened hair touched my cheek and thrilled me like the master-note of violin-but I kept my eyes down ward. Some of the pins she found but she did not put them back into her mouth-I noticed that. Of sudden we both looked up. as by a preconcerted purpose, and our eyes were not foot l apart. Her lips were very red-as though she had been pressing them to- Eether-very red and very close to mine. Her eyes looked straight into my own. daring and inviting. "Temptress" I said, unsteadily. She sprang to her feet in quick anger and turned her back to me. I watch ed her rearrange her hair in contem- plative delight. Even Babette's back is delightful.
 When she faced about she was haughty-as naughty as 1t is possible for Babette to become-and I laughed at her. She endeavored to increase the hauteur, but, finding 1t impossible, smiled in return.
 We are people again." I said. "Nev- ertheless I shall keep this wreath as a reminder" and placed 1t carefully be- meath my vest. on the left side.
 There was silence. And also the hairpin," I went on, holding it before her.
 Babette's fingers twitched with an impulse to snatch 1t; but dignity re-
 Are you angry, Little oner' asked
 Still silence and much immobufty of mien.
 Shall I tell you why didn't kiss your" venturcd as a last resort.
 This time her eyes flashed, danced and then softened. all in a seconds time.
 "Yes," she said, as if against her will
 paused. It was rather hard to ex- plain, after all. She watched me mar rowly and with queer expression that added to my embarrassment.
 Little One" began, rather halt ingly. its because I love you better than the others that make love to you. Wait! let me explain"-as she made a gesture of impatient incred- ulity-"better than they who want to possess you. Don't you see? It's dif- ferent--and finer"
 She made as if to leave me. paused and she thought better of it. Then the words came thick and fast T love you too much to want you | that way. I want you always just be- yond my reach; as an ideal deny my- self, so that it may be ever fresh and beautiful-and unattained. If l were to care for you as have for other wo- men; as other men have cared for you don't you see 1t would deffle the love and place 1t on a level with the rest. have loved women and taken them in my arms and-tired of them. Some of them have tired of me, for the same reason. One of us-you or I-might do this if-don't you see? want to dream of holding you in my arms; want to yearn for you and never have you. It is so much finer than the-the-other things. Little One, can't you see?'
 had watched her closely as I spoke, for that was part of the plan. She stood, erect and rigid. At first her l eyes were full of wonderment. Now I thought there was a softness in them that encouraged. Yet I hesitated. For who can read a woman's eyes and be | sure-sure?
 Have spoiled 1t in the telling, Lit | tie One?" I asked.
 I no anger in her eyes. I think I would have been more sure if there had been. She stood and looked at me and that was all.
 I'm afraid I have" said, sadly. 'It won't be quite the same again, ever, l guess" And I turned away.
 Thus we stood for a moment. Then she called to me.
 "Boy!" She said 1t very low, but 1t seemed could have heard 1t far across the sea. Tt will be just the same with you and me. Just the same"
 She held out her hand to bind the bargain and I took 1t in my own.
 Perhaps you don't understand quite" I said anxiously, stlll fearing You will have to tempt me-as be- fore. That will be hard-now-won't t itT'
 This time she laughed as the Bab- cite of old. Her eyes mocked me in my | seriousness.
 That is the one thing I couldn t change-even for you" she said.