The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1905-03-30

ed the privacy OF her own room, ana
flung herself ON the bed. He had ac-
tually told her to her face that he was
not prepared TO carry out his part OF
the bargain! What II she We're TO make
II difficult for himl
The idea nearly took her breath
away. as she dried her pretty eyes
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 10 propose. she would
refuse him with dignity and decisionl
Could anything sound more delightful
in theory-so promising OF fun In prac-
ticel
She carried war into the enemy's
camp the very next morning. She
could brook no delay. because her 4
guardian was expecting 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 20 take. II never entered his
head TO think that she was In a con
trary fashion playing just as much OF
a part as he had taken up toward her
self. Instead OF avoiding him as us
ual. Miss Farrell was pleased 10 be-
stow a goodly portion Of her time up
ON him; she rode by his side 10 the
meets. splendidly mounted. and look
ing perfect picture In her well-nttlng
habit; she waltzed with him more than
she ought To have done al the Hunt
Ball. and thoroughly did her best 10
storm his invulnerable heart.
And one sweet summer evening, the
knowledge was borne In upon her that
she had succeeded II was a perfect
night. aud the two were saunterIns
along the pergola Ia the Southern rose
garden-the air was fragrant with the
scent OF tobacco plants aud evening
stock. and away Ia distant dark tree
an owl whlrred softly. Overhead
hung motlonless canopy Of deepest /
sapphire Illuminated By thousands OF /.
twinkling stars. A night 10 stir young
blood ard send IL courslng through the ,
veins OF youth. a Midsummer Mad
ness night.
Love me- she stammered. as he
poured out his heart before her. -But 4,
What was this pain at her own
heart? Was Il possible that his words
should thrill her Ia realltyi She had .
meant nothing nothlng-hOw could
she tell him so7 ii
You are-only Joking-you do not :,
mean II" she stammered. as be stood
his ground manfully. I.
~.,sdn't you mean itl'' he asked sud
denly. as a horrible thought struck o.
him. ''fIave you-no. you can't have
TO play with me all this timer Al
Answer me. Phyllis. beloved. you have II
not been playing with me all these
happy weeksy' N,
The passionate look In hls dark eye.
brought hers to the ground: her cheeks II
flushed a deep crimson; she pulled at =,
l rose In her satin belt; an owl whir.
red just above their heads.
what did you meanf" she asked. u
slowly. her eyes suli bent on the
ground -You-began by hating ne bl
iOu know you did" b.
suppose were to tell you tina, that
vas all put on?' be asked. tendcriy. fr
atchlug and imprisoning in his strong Of
,rnsp one OF her hands. LET me make 10
ny confession. here. under the stnr4. co
Iarllng. I knew yours was not the
haracter to brook another shaping IA
our life for you. and ~ I determined tis
nine should be a contrary woolng. r.
that I dldn cnre-whcn I hH
III all the time. Sometimes, darling WI
cart. II Is the only way with you Sc
the men In the world are
ctors because women force them 10 rrr
2 so. AT FIRST you were unkind. then 60
uddenly you changed-you became
weetness personIied. you wrcnched
" heart out OF my keeping. you make IN
Ie thlnk-whatY'
His gnze still held hers In thrnn. En-
he night. the passion In his voice. the
IT. warm. summer wind. all con Ms
,lred to turn her against herself. frn
Il was playing" she said all at once
n low voice. nal
Nuf AfAt hft HhIA hWuJ. she III
ard him draw sharp breath: n mo. act
ent later-his footsteps sounded on
" gravel path. Wa
A bat swept down on her uncovered
,ad She stretched out her arms. bro
"Ronaid!' she cried. suddenly. And No
p figure fast disappearing down the yot
tn stopped. tnrned,round. and seeing the
. outstretched hands made haste to Dor
turn.
Il don't ever want TO play ngain." mis-
Q whispered. as n few seconds later frol
r pretty head rested on his shoulder. his
Il she hid her flushed cheeks aud Dec
lining eyes. "It WIS"
lie stopped her mouth with kisses.
ut was contrary courtshIp all w
md" he said happily. But II has I
me right In the end 6ro
sty. ,,.ttaf foil Mr. Doafuout aba 1yu