The Oakley eagle. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1901-1908, 1906-11-01

awful for anything. and / stopped at
this hateful place. II l had only known
you were here I'd have drowned my
self rather than stop."
He rested his elbows on the table
and said quietly: BY the way, do you
happen 10 know wnat the date is,
Penn"
Again she blushed, but answered
carelessly: The eighth of March"
You seem very clear about it." He
stili 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,
Herer"
Il think not l shall go on and
meet the Caseys, no matter what the
weather is"
Are you sure they will be there r'
Almost. Pass the toast, please"
Il shall get Goffeys 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 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; l 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.
L am sorry to displease you, but l
certainly will CO."
He pushed his chair back from the
table. slowly filled his pipe-every ac-
ton was so familiar, she knew so we'll
how he crooked his little finger as he
pushed the tobacco down into the
bowl, now he would light 1t with a
coal from the fire and stand with his
eyes half closed enjoying the first Few
whirs. Then suddenly he was gone.
Then Mrs. Gofrey 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 1t
seemed, and how miserable she had
been since' How her attempts ar hos
pital nursing had failed How ner at
tempts TO become an intellectual wo-
man AMI power had fallen through!
How aimless 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 heaStl She was
just Fl, alone in the world, possessing
some money and entire freedom, and
at present sfA 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 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.
Fred is driving over for you now"
he said. He looked approvingly a. her
change of costume. She was so pretty
and her figure was so dainty.
pen, Gear, was IL a mistake? Was
there any doubt in your mind7 can
things he as they were before7 love
you as much as ever | did think
more; and Pen, tomorrow was 10 have
been our wedding day" He spoke
quickly. eagerly, there was queer un-
tone in his voice, and ne stood
before her.
Il don't know. I'm miserable. and
I'm lonely She turned from him
md leant her face against the mantel-
piece. bu. both her tone and attitude
we're yielding. Those two lonely hours
lad done more for him than the most
eloquent pleading.
We'll, who can look after you bet
er than II" He came close to her. his
leart was beating fast; the defiant
Pen was his own again. but. dear.
here must be no mistakes, no misun-
Outstanding this time II you take me
low. it Is for good and all, and we win
% married on ours wedding day"
She smiled. but he could not see her
ace.
Pray don't consult me about any
arrangements you are making"
pen, don't jest. II is for good and
II this time. Girl, | can't see you |
urn 10 me-" He laid hand on her
rm. and then with a quick impulsive
Movement she swung round, turning
er face up 10 his.
'Ah, Tom" was all she said.
His arms were round her. Sweet
cart, 1t is good to have you ia the
ear old way. II you could only know
hat the time has been like! II was
ruel OF you, girl. 1t was crueI!"
And do you think have been 80
appy?" But her voice was iniistipct
IT her face was buried on his shout