The Washington times., 1905-04-16

account. she HAD permitted him to
number of others. 1t had never oc-
Cured to her that he was not a gentle
man. How many American girls wait
to make sure of that fact when they
meet foreigners who come here TO seek
| for wives with money. Then, too, Mar-
| jorie had rather encouraged Rubinoff
out of perversity, she knew that Billy
| did not like him. But she saw now
that there was a streak In this man 70
| which she was not accustomed. and it
startled her. But she was not alarmed
only angry
VIII you give me n-S locket immedl-
ately, Captain Rubinoff," she said, quiet
ly. though the color mounted high in
her cheeks, and she felt she could
stamp her foot with rage and vexa ton.
He did not answer but dismounted from
his horse and stood beside her his hulk
ing six feet towering above her.
Now we can talk more pleasantly.
Miss Marjorie" he said. familiarly Il
| have great. admiration for you
! Il have none for you Marjorie rap
ped out. How long is this absurd situ-
alton to continue" tapping her riding
! boot with her crop
'As long as l wish. and no longer
than you wish. 1 hope" and he leered
at her impertinently
| How dare you speak to me in that
manner, Captain Rubinoff'
| How do / dare?" the big Russian
| laughed, and his laugh was more TN
pleasant. than his insolence There was
Il hidden menace in it. how do da re?
| What is to prevent me? This afternoon
! is mine, and perhaps If you are not
! foolish. there will be others. Come, let
Us sit down for few minutes, / must
/ talk TO YOU He had already taken the
two horses by the Bride and led them
! to a tree on the roadside where he tied
| them. Never before had Marjorie felt so
| helpless. She had never been afraid of
a man in her life. indeed she had never
| been afraid Of anything. But she be-
gan to feel a dread of this big. cold
| blooded Russian. She could not run If
| she would-there was no place Ia run to,
nor did she come of n stock that runs
| away. For moment she hated Billy
| for being so foolish as to leave her
alone. But she had no time now TO hate
! him. Her woman's wit must get her
cut of the present dilemma, and then
! she would have opportunity enough to
| tell Billy what she thought Of him.
When the Russian approached her again
she had changed her line of defense.
What do you want to say to me, Cap
tain Rubinoff? 1t must be very import
ant" She spoke in an ordinary conver-
aational tone. without a trace of her
| former wrath.
That's better AS / said before / ad-
mire you, Miss Marjorie We Russians
are not slow in our likes and dislikes.
and | am rather quick even for Rus
sian. / admire you'll love you-and
am going to marry you He leaned
toward her as he spoke. He did not ask
Il question-he made an assertion. II
was as though he were giving an order
to one OF his Cossacks or speaking to q
peasant woman In the Caucasus. Mar
jorie's hatred increased, but also hel
dread.
This is most unexpected. Captain
Rubinof, perhaps you had better dis
cuss it with my uncle. Senator Lang
horne" Marjorie spoke quietly
No we will discuss the matter here
and now, and l will have your promis'
before ] leave"
You would never have my promise t
be your wife, not If you were the las
man on earth.
"No?" There was self-assurance In tn
short monosyllable.
How do you propose getting 1t
I'VE will stay here until you give 1t
The night air will not be SO warm
When you reach Senator Langhorne!
house it will be as my aff1anced bride.
Would you dare to keep me here!
do you not know better than to u.s.
the word dare 10 me? Now tell me tha
. YOU love me-" His big hand graSped th'
small one near him. And he drew he
. toward him.
. You coward!' With all the strength