The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1906-04-04


portrait OF the deceased in oils repre-
sented art. There was too much up
hostiery, too much Of everything excep
literature, which was represented b,
four new novels from Nudes library
Accustomed. to the simplicity Of ;
semi-tropical land the crowded, ugI,
room Jared upon Mansfield. He laie
the blame upon the deceased. CoraIi,
must have retained the furniture ont O.
respect for the dead man's mid-vic
torian tastes.
Thus waiting, while she made al
elaborate toilet, he vividly recalled all
the qualities OF heart and mind that
had lifted her so high above her sex
and held him constant to her. Hel
splendid freedom from conventionality
and her bright humor had been, in his
eyes. her greatest charm.
He tried. but rather unsuccessfully
to remember definite instances Of hel
breadth Of mind. But she had often
expressed her impatience OF those con.
ventions that hedge the freedom OF
young Englishwomen, and once. as be
distinctly recalled. she had allowed
him three dances in succession.
Another proof OF her originality was
her contempt for her own sex. She
had gloried. he remembered, in her
lack OF women friends.
Then he tried to recall, but with
curious lack Of success. examples OF
her rich and original humor. Well. 1t
must have been her quaint way OF
saying things-the bright little touches,
no doubt. that evade the memory. Yes.
and be clearly recollected her apprecia-
tlon OF good puns. and OF jokes from
the comic which she used to retail to
him.
Thus, time might dim her beauty. but
the clever, merry girl of twenty would
NEST surely have developed at thirty
into the ideal comradc of his dreams.
Then, at last. the door opened. and
they stood face to face. The lonely
years fell away and were forgotten as
he looked upon her untarnished beauty.
There was no change, save that she
had grown little thinner. The color
mantled her cheek and her bright eyes
sank modestly under his eager gaze.
He tried to speak her beloved name,
but emotion held him speechless in
this supreme moment Of ecstasy upon
which he had counted for more than
a year. His ecstasy lasted some five
seconds at most; but emotion is not
to be measured by time or weighed
like so much bacon.
She came forward briskly. Offering
him her hand. at arms length, Just as
i he had been some rather unwelcome
acquaintance. simultaneously a chill
ng torrent Of words poured from her
red lips. How a. you do. Mr.. Mans
ield? I'm so glad to see you again.
I'm afraid I've kept you waiting quite
| long time; but. you see, I'd no idea
fou would come so early. and / seldom
iaye breakfast before half-past o."
Why, YES" he said, drearily. feeling
Is IL he had lost his individuality.
Yes. I'm afraid I'm too early"
I'll tell Harris to have something
'ooked at once" she said. sYou must
'e famished after your journey. They
eldom prepare anything but an egg or
wo for me-
Pray, don't trouble" he said. trying
0 hide his disappointment. I'm not |
hungry"
Silence fell upon them for moment.
nut she cloaked her embarrassment, as |
'efore, with rush Of empty words. |
lie could not tell whether or not she
cit any real emotion but It was wholly
vident she wished to display none.
The asked the usual questions about |
lis voyage, spoke OF the defects OF the
ocal train service. keeping him rigidly |
4 the conventional rut.
She had great deal to say to him
bout local bazaar In aid of some de-
erving mission. and he could not tell
whether any OF the old love lay hidden
eneath this food OF foolish words.
was Mt least certain that she meant
0 avoid scene. and he could not bat
le against her volubilIty.
He found himself lying In wait for
ONE indications OF her bright humor
r OF the breadth OF mind that he had
. confidently looked for. And. at last,
he did say something which might
ave amused him from a girl of twen-
!. He responded TO the poor little
sst with CHASTITY grin and a sinking
cart.
The butler announced breakfast;
Iansneld followed her to the brea kfast
oom. He would not admit to himself
int he was dislIiusioned.
"CoraIle," he whispered. fervently,
5 he walked after her through the
'ng, slippery hall. she did not hear
I'm, because she was talking fast over
er shoulder. Even the beloved name
ow seemed cheap, tawdry, theatrical.