The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1906-11-03

i, shortly. Il was to meet the Caseys al
the next town, but the rain was too
awful for anything, and l stopped at
this hateful place. If had only known
you were here I'd have drowned my
self rather than stop!"
He rested his elbows on the take
and said quietly: by the way, 90 YIN
happen 10 know what the date Is,
Penn"
Again she blushed, but answered
carelessly: 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 oui
wedding day on the ninth, l believe"
How are you going to spend 1t!
Here?"
Il think not. / shall so on and
meet the Caseys, no matter what the
weather is
Are you sure they will be there?"
Almost. Pass the toast, please"
Il shall get Goffey's horse, or what
ever he calls that miserable strawber-
ry quadruped outside, and go straight
on after tea and tell Fred Casey to
come for you" He felt that row
with Fred Casey would do him al 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 will CO."
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, now he would light it with 3
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 ago! How long II
, seemed, and how miserable she had
| been since! How her attempts az hos
pital nursing had failed. How ner at
tempts to become an intellectual wo-
, man AMI a power had fallen through!
How aimless she had been, and tow
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 she loathed and hated that
freedom. A tear dropped on the white
apron, and she gave little shudder oil
disgust that she should be caught
looking such fright. She raped OF
the floor for Mrs. Goffey. Bring me
my own things, please" she said, ii
they are dry; l am afraid Of spelling
this handsome dress of yours" So q
few minutes later she was In her owl
things again, and seated herself on tn,
floor in front of the fire. At MINI
o'clock Mrs. Goffey brought her in |,
glass of milk and a slice of cake.
Pen slipped some of the milk and sur
reptitiously poured the rest out OF thu
window, the cake she hid under &
glass shade. Half an hour later sh,
heard the horses hoofs again, and thel
Tom appeared.
Fred is driving over for you cow,
he said. He looked approvingly a. he
change Of costume. She was so pretty
and her figure was so dainty.
pen, Gear, was it a mistake? Wa
q there any doubt in your mind? Cal
e things he as they were before? Low
a you as much as ever l did :hinl
:, more; and Pen, tomorrow was TO hav
r been our wedding day" He spok
quickly, eagerly, there was a queer un
9 certain tone in his voice, and ne stoo'
awkwardly before her.
: II don't know. I'm miserable, an
I'm lonely" She turned from hin
and leant her face against the mantel
q piece. bn. both her tone and attitud
9 were yielding. Those two lonely hour
had done more for him than The mos
:, eloquent pleading.
q We'll, who can look after you bet
d ter than II" He came close to her. hi
d heart was beating fast; the defian
o Pen was his own again. But, deal
: there must be no mistakes, no misun
/ Outstanding this time. If you take m
y now, it is for good and all, and we Wi
be married on our wedding day."
e She smiled, but he could not see he
e face.
/ pray don't consult me about an
q arrangements you are making"
S Pen, don't jest. 1t is for good an
o all this time. Girl, / can't see you
l. turn to me-" He laid hand on ne
d arm, and then with quick impulsiv
=" movement she swung round, turnin
). her face up to his.
= 'Ah, Tom" was all she said.
His arms were round her. "Swee,
Il hoart II Is good to have Won in fh