Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1906-02-23
CONTINUED from last week.

said Joan.
But how about yourself?' he asked |
oh, [ shall go to Mrs. Westma-
colts At Home she answered. had
not intended to go, but somehow she
added. L don't look forward to the
prospects of lonely evening.
she presently went upstairs, intend
ing to dress before her solitary din
ner. She had ordered the meal FOR
half-past seven this evening, and a
quarter Of an hour before that time
she entered the drawing-room.
T: Bernard had already set forth Joan
/ was standing at the window. staring
out little dejectedly, when, to her as
constituent, she saw Wray approach
ing the house
v He wore a thin overcoat over MS
evening clothes, and lifted his hat as
he recognized Joan.
?, 4 know have no business here at
this ungodly hour he said, when she
offered her hand.
AT any hour you please, she an
swered.
4 feel restless, he answered.
can't settle down. | have to go TO
meeting later on, but | thought l
would take my chance of finding you
on my way to dine at the club.
4 shall propose an amendment
said Joan.
We'll, whatever it is, I'll second 1t.
Dine with me instead Joan sug-
gested.
But aren't you going OUT? he asked.
She shook her head.
Then you expect guests, he said.
You have put on your war-paint, and
he looked down at her evening frock.
Isn't that a rather dangerous re-
mark-to woman of my age? she
exclaimed.
Yours is the perfect age he in
sisted.
DO you like my dress?' she asked
quickly.
You might as reasonably ask
whether one admires the moon on
summers night he said, or date
tree in the desert
That is very pretty of you, II q
little hyperbolical,' cried Joan. Now.
take off your coat
You are not going out, then?'
Il was going, she rejoined, but
l have changed my mind
g. "A thing you are not often guilty
Of be said.
Yet you said | was "a womanly
woman! But she added, there is
your meeting'
II can't improve on this, said Wray'
taking off his overcoat
During the dinner she led him 70
talk of his adventures abroad; and
when she rose from the table, Joan
suggested he should smoke in the
garden.
Anywhere, so that you promise
not to leave me- he answered.
1T has been usually the other wa!
about said Joan.
She strolled forth, but Wray woul'
not sit down until they were at dis
lance from the house. Their benc
was surrounded by foliage, so that
far as seclusien went they might hav
been in some country solitude.
It was half-past eight o'clock on
June evening. faint breeze wa
blowing after hot day. When the
looked upwards through the chime
of tall trees, they saw only the blu
sky.
L came here with a special purpos
this evening, said Wray.
You did not warn me OF that
TO tell the truth he continued,
was not sure should be able to mu
ter sufficient courage-or foolharC
ness-to breach the subject.
Joan sat silent few minutes, h
hands resting by her sides.
Are you going away again?' S.
quietly asked.
That is quite likely 80 "
'soon?'
But il was not about that | want
to talk to you said Wray.
About what?' she asked
T am not sure | am doing wi
thing he continued
Nobody can deny you have done
few foolish things lately, Wray'
Still, have escaped disaster
far he said. Now l stand to lose
good deal.
You make one curious! cried 10
What do you stand TO loser
He leaned towards her.
The best friend a man ever b;
he said.
'Then-then, don't run the risk
falterei.
Yes, I've got TO carry 1t throu
he persisted. I am pretty sure
won't believe me-
oh, but you know
L shant blame your incredulity,'
said; L have been thinking thi
over
'well?' she asked.
With the result that | am not
tain should be more open to cor
ten in your place.
Is It judicious to strain my u
wray? she asked, with smile.
Very likely it isn't
Then, why