Alaska sentinel., 1905-04-20

tually told her to her face that he was not prepared to carry out his part of the bargain! What If she were to make 1t difficult for him?
 The idea nearly took her breath away, as she dried her pretty eyes and sat up on her bed. She would 1 pretend-merely pretend, of course-to fall in love with him, instead of re | pulsing him, and then when she had carried him on to propose. she would refuse him with dignity and decision. Could anything sound more delightful in theory-so promising of fun in prac- tice!
 She carried war into the enemys camp the very next morning. She could brook no delay, because her guardian was expecting a 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 to take. It never entered his head to think that she was in a cou- 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 to be- stow goodly portion of her time up- on him: she rode by his side to the meets. splendidly mounted, and look ing perfect picture in her well-ftting habit; she waltzed with him more than she ought to have done at the Hunt Ball, and thoroughly did her best to storm his invulnerable heart.
 And one sweet summer evening, the knowledge was borne In upon her that she had succeeded, It was a perfect night. and the two were sauntering along the pergoa in the Southern rose garden-the air was fragrant with the scent. of tobacco plants and evening stock, and away fin a distant dark tree an owl whirred softly. Overhead huhg motionless canopy of deepest sapphire illuminated by thousands of twinkllng stars. A night to stir young blood and send It coursing through the veins of youth. A Midsummer Mad ness night.
 Love me- she stammered. as he poured out his heart before her. But
 -n
 What was this pain at her own heart! Was 1t possible that his words should thrill her in reality? She had meant g-nothing-how could she tell him so?
 You are-only joklng-you do not mean it," she stammered, as he stood his ground manfully.
 "DIdn't you mean it." he asked sud denly. as a horrible thought struck him. Have you-no, you can't have meant to play with me all this time? Answer me, Phyllis, beloved, you have not been playing with me all these happy weeks"
 The passionate look In his dark eyes brought hers to the ground; her cheeks flushed deep crimson; she pulled at rose in her satin belt; an owl whir- red just above their heads.
 What did you mean?" she asked. slowly, her eyes still bent on the ground. "You-began by hating me you know you did-n
 Suppose l were to tell you that that was all put on!" he asked, tenderly, catching and imprisoning in his strong grasp one of her hands. Let me make my confession, here, under the Stars, darling. l knew yours was not the character to brook another shaping your life for you, and so I determined mine should be contrary wooing. I pretended that l dldn [ care-when I did all the time. Sometimes, darling heart, it is the only way with you women-half the men in the world are actors because women force them to be so. At first you were unkind then suddenly you changed-you became sweetness personified. you wrenched my heart out of my keeping, you make me think-whatT"
 His gaze still held hers in thrall. The night, the passion in his voice, the soft. warm, summer wind, all con spired to turn her against herself.
 "I was playing she said all at once In low voice.
 She felt her hand flung away. she heard him draw a sharp breath; d mo- ment later-his footsteps sounded on the gravel path.
 bat swept down on her uncovered head She stretched out her arms
 Ronald" she cried, suddenly. And the figure fast disappearing down the path stopped. turned round, and seeing the outstretched hands made haste to return.
 "I don't ever want to play again." she whispered, as a few seconds later her pretty head rested on his shoulder, and she hid her flushed cheeks and shining eyes. Tt was"
 He stopped her mouth with kisses.
 Tt was contrary courtship all round" he said happily. But 1t has come right in the end"