Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-10-02
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BY Fergus Hume

never known any life but the simple one
she was now leading, and could not i'm
/ agine it coming to an end.
"I'm getting tired of it," said Vande-
loup. lying back on the grass, and, putting
his hands under his head, stared idly at
/ the blue sky Unfortunately, human life
| is so short nowadays that we cannot at
| ford to waste a moment of it. l am not
suited for lotus-eating existence, and
/ think / shall go to Melbourne"
And leave me-" cried Kitty, in dis
/ may, never having contemplated such
! thing as likely to happen.
''That depends on yourself, Bebe, said
her lover, quickly rolling over and looking
steadily at her. with his chin resting on
his hands; will you come with me? We
| will get married in Melbourne as soon as
we arrive
why can't papa marry us?" pouted
| Kitty, in an aggrieved tone.
| Because your father would never con-
sent" he whispered. putting his arm
| round her waist; "we must run away
| quietly, and when we are married can ask
| his pardon and" with a sardonic sheer,
/ his blessing
| A delicious thrill passed through Kitty
when she heard this. A real elopemen:
with a handsome over-just like the hero
| ines in the story books. 1t was delight
| fully romantic, and yet there seemed to be
! something wrong about it. She was like
a timid bather, longing to plunge into the
water, yet hesitating through a vague
! fear. With quick catching Of the
! breath she turned to Vandeloup, and saw
| him with his scintillating eyes fastened on
! her face.
when do you go?" asked Kitty, who
was now trembling violently.
"Ah ~ NJ. Vandeloup was puzzled what
| to say, as he had no very decided plan
| of action He had not sufficient money
saved to justify him in leaving the Pac-
| tolus-still there were always possbili-
! ties, and Fortune was fond of playing
wild pranks. At the same time there was
nothing tangible in view likely to make
him rich, so, as these thoughts rapidly
passed through his mind, he resolved to
| temporize.
II can't tell you, Bebe," he said. in
a caressing tone, smoothing her curly hair
| II want you to think over what l have
! said, and when l do go, perhaps in a
month or so, you will be ready to come
with me- No" he. said, as Kitty was
| about to answer, II don't want you to
reply now, take time to consider, little
| ONE and with smile on his lips he bent
over and kissed her tenderly.
They sat silently together for some
| time, each intent on their own thoughts,
and then Vandeloup suddenly looked up.
"Will Madame stay to dinner with you,
| BebeY he asked.
''She always does you will come, too"
Vandeloup shook his head.
Il am going down to Ballarat to the
Waffle Tree Hotel to see my friend
Pierre" he said, in a preoccupied man
ner, land will have something 70 eat there
| Then | will come up again about eight
o'clock, in time to see Madame off,"
Aren't you going back with her?" ask
ed Kitty, in surprise, as they rose to their
| feet.
NO" he replied, busting his knees with
his hand, Il stay all night in Ballarat,
with Madame's kind permission, to see the
theater. Now, goodbye at present, Bebe,"
kissing her, Il will be back at eight
o'clock, so you can excuse me to Madame
till then"
| He ran gaily down the hill, waving his
hat and Kitty stood looking after him
with pride in her heart. He was a lover
any girl might have been proud Of