Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-06-07


bit her lip as if on something she had
decided to suppress. think she de-
termined at that moment to try diplo-
macy.
Tell me-" she said, in milder
voice, tell me exactly what it's like,
and how Im-how l came out,
mean"
We'll, you know what happens
when you catch crab, " replied
evasively.
Yes" she said, doubtfully. "You
mean-am lido IL" She hesitat-
ed. almost wistfully.
well, you do, rather" l answered
reluctantly.
"Mr. Mallison," she said, earnestly
and very persuasively, putting hand
on my arm; you will destroy it, won't
you?"
1t was pretty; it was pathetic; it
almost succeeded.
But I hardened my heart. Goa one
condition." i said slowly, "and it's a
very easy condition. | might make
muCn DelIer Terms.
Miss Moreton flounced away indig-
nantly, and proceeded on my way
to her mother to make my adieux.
The room was fairly empty now, and
| was following little knot of depart
ing guests into the hall when heard
my name reiterated earnestly and
softly. l turned.
Mr.. Madison, wish you would
stay just one moment said Miss
Moreton. q" she hesitated. glanc-
ed about the emptying room, and then
moved toward the back of it, where
little. ante-chamber gave upon it
through wide folding doors. fol.
lowtc.
"Yoa really mean what you say?"
she asked suddenly, confronting me.
l said that | did. Very we'll" she
said, bitterly. ITS the most atroci-
GUS conduct of you, and I'll never for
get or forgive it. But"
She angrily tossed open an album
on the table, and at last stopped. l
bent down, and beautiful face on fair
shoulders, GROWING pretty evening
gown, looked at me with a charming
smile. ] looked at my companion.
wished she would smile like that at
me; but even in her anger she was
wonderful. Her gaze expressed cold.
ness, distance contempt.
Its most magnificent likeness,
breathed fervently. "It's-it's d.
vine"
Its said to be good" she sait
Miss Moreton, indifferently.
DO you think SO really?" asked
Miss !Moreton.
Its your living breathing image
that looks out on me-" continued.
"They do take very well, as a rule
those people," said Miss Moreton
affably.
You can't wonder that l want it!'
exclaimed. I'D give anything fol
We'll, you can take it, if you'll
give me your word to destroy tht
that other thing" said she, in no
unfriendly voice.
l promised, and she graciousl,
helped me to extract the photograph
from the album. buttoned it safely
ly over my heart in my pocket, bu
Miss Moreton, having completed th1
bargin, of course, took no more in
terest in the matter. She was gaz
ing down the room at some one else
| R,,f tbn,,uht Don,,rnd ~,
you haven't shown that-that alb
surd snapshot to any one?' she ask
ed, anxiously.
"Oh, no." said I've never printed
it."
On" she said; "but you said
We'll, you see, could make GU
some patches and foot; but brok,
it. unfortunately, as l was developing
it,"
Miss Moreton's mouth was firm. "Mr
Madison. give me back that photo
graph" she demanded.
But I'm going to finish the break
age protested.
Give it to me back at once" sh,
insisted, advancing on me. wa
driven to bay. Besides. the rest O
the room might hear us.
I'll give it back if you'll give m
the original" said, boldly, but quit
low.
Miss Moreton paused; she was tax
en- aback. Her face flushed warmly
"I-you-oh!" she stammered. mi
Mallison!"
rs it bargain?" l asked, anxious
y, holding out the photograph towar,
her.
She hesitated the pretty glow still
on her face, and she was not lookin
at me.
"You are-oh, you are dreadful!
she said, with a tiny, troubled laugh
"But, in that case, perhaps, you'd bet
ter keep the photograph"
"On second thought, I'll take both,
| said.-London Sketch.