The Kennewick courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1905-1914, 1906-01-05

lect during the past week. You are az
well born as this cousin of yours of
whom he raves. and I will not allow him
to slight you in any way"
Daddy, will you let me manage this
matter myself? You have 50 surprised
me by what you have just said that 1
am almost bewildered, and can hardly
think of anything else. But l am sure
that l am too self-conceited to let Jack
really slight me. If thought he want
ed me to give him his freedom l would
do it at once. 7 think it would almost
break my heart, but 1 would do it. l
would not bestow myself where l was
lightly thought off,
Heaven bless my child! l can trust
you to support the family reputation
for self-respect; and, Ethel, if you are
writing to Jack to-day, don't touch on
that subject. l have reasonus for no,
wishing him to know anything about the
matter until l tell him myself
Ethel looked disappointed She hand
ed her father his hat and gloves, and
kissed her hand to him from tl1e window
as he turned the corner of the street,
and then went back to her letter. She
read it through more than once, her face
wearing a thoughtful expression. Then
she sat down with loosely clasped hands,
thinking over the letter even when she
had returned it to her pocket.
Il am sure of it-he loves this Miss
Mailing! Papa did not call her by that
name. forget now what he called her;
but 1t was not Mailing. l thought my
dislike to parting with Jack was all
nonsensical fancy at the time; but I
know now it was a real forewarning of
this sorrow. He will never come back
just the same as he went, even If he
gets over this fancy for her. Jack
dear old Jack-why-whyd did you speak
of your love for me until you were quite
quite certain you could never care for
any one else? Oh, Jack, I can't let you
go, dear!'
With heart-broken little cry she
threw herself upon the cushion.
CHAPTER v.
Babette's arms and back ached almost
beyond endurance, yet the brush con-
tinued to play over Pauline Malling's
hair as it hung in luxuriant profusion
down her back. Pauline was deep in
thought, for the Duke of Bennoir had
just sent her the exquisite bunch Of
roses she held in her hand, with the lit
tie note lying open on the table, and she
was making up her mind as to whether
she should accept or reject the offer she
knew he would make when he called by
and by
Did l look really we'll last night,
Babette?" she asked.
"Mademoiselle is irresistible when she
chooses" murmured the French woman.
Miss Mailing again relapsed into deep
thought.
IF 1 could only be sure Of the past
remaining the past, if I were only GER
tain that ugly facts would not turn up
unexpectedly to face me, / would marry
this poor creature with a title-I would,
if only to save me from myself. Surely,
after six years of safety and prosperity.
am never going to be such an utter idiot
as to risk loss of everything, because this
poor painter is good looking and charm
ingly candid. l hate myself for my
weakness. Only ten days ago l began
this Irritation for my own amusement
and to annoy that big-eyed, pale-faced
child, to give her a few unhappy hours
as set-off against the perpetual anxiety
her mere existence causes me. and, before
l am certain that either of these purposes
is accomplished, wake up to the humiL
iating knowledge that am caught in my
own trap, that for the first time in my
life l have fallen in love"
She burst into scornful laughter, so
startling Babette that the ivory backed
brush flew out of her hand, and she
stood with round eyes and open mouth
regarding her mistress face in the glass.
what is the matter with you? Why
are you staring at me like that"
BY an effort Babette recovered her
usual subdued, respectful expression.
81 feared mademoiselle was not we'll"
she murmMed, apologetically.
Nonsense! Go on with your brush
ing. and do not take notice of what does
not concern you."
'She is a very cat!' Babette said, con-
fdentially, to the brush, as she. picked it
up. II should like to know what wicked
ness she is plannig now"
perhaps it is not to be wondered at.
after ALL" Pauline unused. He is so
different from the men one usually meets
80 honestly simple, SO bright and true,
so sensitively honorable. l believe he
would marry that chit in spite OF me ii
the release did not come from her. 1t
shall! If I cannot have him. she never
,h.ui IN that ona DOint my mind is