The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1906-07-06

May ask why norf 10 you not
care for dancing and socIetyT
"Oh. care very much. or. rather"
she added with scrupulous fidelity to
truth. II should care very much to at
tend this party. should enjoy II more
than anything. but
"Will you think me impertinent."
Duncan asked when she thus stopped
In the middle of her sentence-"wiil
you think me impertinent II ask you
what comes after that word 'but?"
"Oh. | think you mustn't ask me
that At least | think | mustn't Nh
swer you"
Every WELL" replied the young man.
pleased with the girls manner in spite
of his disappointment over her hesta-
ton. May ! make "a SUGGESTION. If
you had simply said mo- to my invita-
ton. of course | should not think OF
urging il upon you. But what you
have said shows me that you would
welcome il ii there were not some
thing In the way. Perhaps you eau
overcome the difficulty VIII you not
try? VIII you not take little time to
think and perhaps to consult with your
friendsY"
Il should like to, but that would be
unfair to you. 1t might deprive you of
an opportunity TO ask some one else"
Il shall ask no one else. | shall not
attend the affair at all unless ! am
privileged to escort you. If | may
will call tomorrow evening and every
evening until you can give me your de-
cision"
There was a certain masterfulness
seemed to leave no chance for further
discussion. So Barbara simply said:
Very well. I'll be ready to answer
you tomorrow evening. | suppose
am ready now, but you wish me to
wait, and ii shall be So
Duncan hurriedly took his leave. Per
haps he feared that if he stayed longer
the girl might make her mo" a final
one. Otherwise ne hoped for a better
outcome
When he had gone poor little Bah sat
for a time in bewilderment. She still
could not understand why such man
as Guilford Duncan. whom everybody
regarded as the coming man" in Cal
TO. should have chosen her instead of
some other as the recipient of his invi-
tatiOn. She could not still certain
fluttering about her heart. She was
full of joy, and yet she was sorely
grieved that she must put aside what
seemed to her supreme opportunity
to be happy for time.
1t was always her way when any
emotion pleased or troubled her to go
to her friend, Mrs. Richards, for
strength and soothing. So now she
suddenly sprang up, put on her hat and
wraps and hurried to her one friends
home. The distance was so small that
she needed no escort. particularly as
Robert who happened to be at the
gate, could see her throughout the little
journey. And she knew that the faith
full negro boy would wait there until
her return
you are all in furry, child" said
her friend for greeting. What is 1t
about? DO you come to me for adj
vice, or sympathy, or consolation?
For Mrs. Richards knew of Duncan's
visit and with a shrewd woman's wit
she guessed that Barbara's disturbance
of mind was in some way connected
with that event.
NO" answered the girl. 81 didn't
come to consult you, at least | think l
didn't. 1t is only that something has
happened. and want to tell you about
it,"
"Very well, dear. Go on"
"Oh, it's nothing very important.
Only that, Mr.. Guilford Duncan has
asked me to go with him TO the party
next week"
"Well, go on. / see nothing strange
Continued neTt UeeE1