The Mercur miner. [volume] (Mercur, Utah) 1895-1913, 1906-10-03


happen TO know wlat the date is.
Penn
Again she blushed, hut answered
careIessly: The eighth OF March"
"You seem very clear about it, He
still looked at her.
YES" she certainly was plucky
enough. 1T was to have been our
wedding day on the ninth. | believe"
How are you going TO spend It?
Here?"
Il thiak not. shall go on and
meet the Caseys, no matter what tho
weather is"
Are you sure they will be there?"
almost. Pass the toast, please"
81 shall get Goffey's horse. or what
ever he calls that miserable strawber-
ry quadruped outside. and so straight
on after tea and tell Fred Casey to
come for you" He felt that row
with Fred Casey would do him all the
good In the world, and was furious
that Pen should be stranded In this
way.
you will do nothing of the kind,
thank you; | can take care OF myself
perfectly"
Apparently you can't. Might trou-
BILE you for another cup OF tea, please?"
you are not to co." she said.
Il am sorry to displease you, but
certainly win 60"
He pushed his chair back from the
table. slowly filled his pipe--every ac-
ton was so familiar, she knew so well
how he crooked his little finger as he
pushed the tobacco down into the
bowl, how he would light II with
coal from the FIRE and stand with his
eyes half closed enjoying the FIRST FEW
whiffs. Then suddenly he was gone.
Then Mrs. Goffey came in to clear
the table, and presently she was alone
by the fire. her hands tightly clasped
on her knees. tears In her blue eyes.
Three months agol How long It
seemed. and how miserable she had
been sincei How her attempts AZ hos
pltal nursing had failed. How ner at
tempts to become an intellectual wo-
man AMI n power had fallen drought
How almess she had been, and how
entirely certain that she was III the
wrong. that her petulant temper was
to blame. and that she still loved Tom
Godfrey with all her heart! She was
Just 81, alone In the world, possessing
some money and entire freedom, and
at present sic loathed and hated that
freedom. A fear dropped on the white
apron. and she gave little shudder of
disgust that she should be caught
looking such a fright She raped ON
the floor for Mrs Goffey. Bring me
my own things. please" she said, IF
they are dry; am afraid OF spelling
this handsome dress OF yours" SO a
few minutes later she was In her own
things again, and seated herself on the
floor in front OF the FIRE. At nine
O'Clock Mrs. Goffey brought her in a
glass OF milk and a slice of cake.
Pen slipped some of the milk and sur
reptitiously poured the rest out OF the
window. the cake she hid under a
glass shade. Half an hour later she
heard the horses hoofs again. and then
Tom appeared.
Fired Is driving over for you now
he said. lie looked approvingly a. her
change OF costume. She was so pretty
and her figure was 80 dainty
pen. Gear. was 1t a mistake? Was
there any doubt in your mind? can
things he as they were before? | love
you as much as ever dbl mink
more; and Pen, tomorrow was 10 have
been our wedding day" lie spoke
quickly, eagerly, there was queer un-
. certain tone In his voice. and ne stood
awkwardly before her.
: II don't know I'm miserable, and
I'm lonely" She turned from him
and leant her face against the mantel-
piece, bu. both her tone and attitude
were yielding. Those two lonely hours
had done more for him than he mos
: eloquent pleading.
q well. who can look after you bet.
d ter than ~" He came close to her. his
d heart was beating fast; the defiant
o Pen was his own again. But, dear
: there must be no mistakes, no misun,
: Outstanding this time. II you take m,
now, II Is for good and all, and We will
be married on our wedding day"
Q She smiled. but he could not see he
Q face.
: Pray don't consult me about an!
o arrangements you are making"
s "Pen, don't Jest II is for good ant
o all this time Girl. | can't see you
: turn to me-" He laid a hand on he
d arm. and then with quick impulsiy,
" movement she swung round, turning
J. her face up to his.
: "Ah, Tom" was all she said.
His arms were round her. Sweet
i heart, It Is good TO have you In tn
= dear old way. II you could only know
n what the time has been likel II wa
Q cruel of you, girl, II was cruel!"
Q "And do you think have been s,
happy" But her voice was iniistinct
Q for her face was buried on his shoul
e der.
Q Look here, PEN" He raised he
> head tenGerly, and she saw how grav
he was. Darling, It is really true an,
n certain this time, for could not stan,
such a thing again. love you s,
h that"
Ia '"Tom." she interrupted. III we ore /,
: be married tomorrow, | don't!