The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1907-09-14

ne sald.
81 hardly think 1 have any need to
interfere
They separated, the younger people
walking slowly, silently toward the
door. He held her arm, assisting her
to descend the stairway, his lips muir.
muring few commonplaces, to which
she scarcely returned even monosyl-
Liable replies, although she frequently
flashed shy glances at his grave face.
Both realized that some explanation
was forthcoming, yet neither was quite
prepared to force the issue.
II have no wraps at the hotel" she
said, as he attempted to turn that
way. THAT was lie also; let .s
walk directly down the road
He INDUCED in no comment, his
eyes perceiving a pathetic pleading in
her upturned face. Suddenly there
came to him belief that the girl was
crying; he could feel the slight tremor
of her form against his own. He
glanced furtively at her, only to catch
the glitter of falling tear. To her
evident distress. his heart made in
slant and sympathetic response. With
all respect influencing the action, his
hand closed warmly over the smaller
one on his sleeve.
Little girl" he said, forgetting the
shortness of their acquaintance in the
deep feeling of the moment, "tell me
what the trouble is
II suppose you think me an awful
creature for saying that" she blurted
out, without looking up. ut wasn't
ladylike or nice, but-but I simply
couldn't help it, Lieut.. Brant."
you mean your sudden determine
ton to carry me home with you?' he
asked, relieved to think this might
prove the entire difficulty. Don't let
that worry you. Why, am simply re-
joiced at being permitted to go. Do
you know, I wanted to request the
privilege all the time we were dancing
together. But you acted so differently
from when we we're beneath the vines
that actually lost my nerve"
She looked up and he caught fleet.
ing glimpse into her unveiled eyes.
II did not wish you to ask me-"
''What?" He stopped suddenly.
esWhy, then, did you make such an an
nouncement to Mrs. Herndon?"
ooh, that was different" she ex-
planned, uneasily. II had to do that;
] had to trust you to help me out, but
but l really wanted to go home
alone"
He swept his unbelieving eyes
around over the deserted night scene,
not knowing what answer to return to
so strange an avowal. "Was that what
caused you to appear SO distant to me
in the hall, so vastly different from
what you had been before?"
She nodded, but with her gaze still
upon the ground.
"Miss Naida," he said, "it would be
cowardly for me to attempt to dodge
this issue between us. Is it because
you do not like me?"
She looked up quickly, the moon
light revealing her flushed face.
ooh, no, no! you must never think
that. told you was girl of moods;
under those vines had one mood, in
the hall another. Cannot you under
stand?"
VERY little" he admitted, "for am
more inclined to believe you are the
possessor of a strong will than that
you are swayed by moods. Listen. If
/ thought that a mere senseless mood
had caused your peculiar treatment OF
me tonight, I should feel justified In
yielding to mood also. But will not
lower you to that extent in my estima.
ton; prefer to believe that you are
the true-hearted, frankly spoken girl
of the vine shadow. 1t is this abiding
conviction as to your true nature
which holds me loyal to test. Miss
Nadia, is it now your desire that ]
leave you?"
He stepped aside, relinquishing her
arm, his hat in hand, but she did not
move from where he left her.
Tit hurts me-" she faltered, ''for
truly desire you to think in that way
OF me, and IL don't know what is
best to do. If 1 tell you why wished
to come alone, you might misunder.
stand: and If l refuse, then you will
suspect wrong, and go away despising
me-"
= Il sincerely wish you might repose
sufficient confidence in me as a gentle.
man to believe never betray trust,
never pry into lady's secret"
"Oh, do, Lieut.. Brant. It is not
doubt of you at all; but am not sure,
even within my own heart that am
doing just what is right. Besides, it
will be so difficult to make you, almost
. stranger, comprehend the peculiar
conditions which influence my action.
Even now you suspect that am de.
ceitful-a masked sham like those
others we discussed tonight; but l
have never played part before, never
skulked in the dark. Tonight simply
had to do it,"
Then attempt no explanation" he
said, gently, and believe me. shall
continue to trust you. Tonight, what
ever you wish may be, will abide by
- o4 Y, aithar oo CO