Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1907-07-18
colo Elsie


Are you never afraid?" he in
quired, conquering the indignation
breath touched her cheek.
only of intrusive company shs
replied, conquering he indignation
with difficulty.
"Ah, here we have the majestic de-
meanor again behind which you al
ways barricade yourself in your meet
ing with me. Why? l know now. But
today I shall not heed it, as / Usually
do. | must speak to you
Is it a matter of such Importance
as to lead you to leave your friends
and the fete?"
Yes a wish inseparable from my
life, that dogs my step day and night.
I am sick and wretched, for l fear it
can never been realized. i"
Elizabeth meanwhile had been hurr
ing forward. She felt unspeakably i'll
at ease in the presence of this man,
hateful adherence She felt, how
ever, that at that moment quiet was
her only weapon, and she therefore
interrupted him, while a faint at
tempt at smile lowered upon her
lips.
Ali" she said; our piano prac-
tise has had the best effect. You wish
me to help you in the domain of mu-
sic, if I understand aright?"
"YCu misunderstood mel" he
shouted, angrily.
Then take that as an act of kind
ness on my part; ir l must say things
to which you might still less like to
hear" replied Elizabeth, gravely.
Go on. | know women well enough
to know that they enjoy for a time
wearing the mask of cOldness. Their
surrender is all the sweeter after
ward. do not grudge you the en-.
jOyment of this innocent coquetry,
but then"
Elizabeth stood for a moment stiff
and speechless before this presump
ton; such ugly words had never pro
famed her ear. Shame and indignation
drove the blood to her cheeks, and
she sought in vain for words where
with to punish this unexampled inso,
Ience. He construed her silence
otherwise.
See! he cried triumphantly; q
have seen through you. The blush on
benig discovered is incompatible.
You are an angel without it; never
have my eyes rested upon such a
nymph-like figure. You know very
we'll that you made me your slave at
our first meeting. Such neck! Such
arms! And all that you have hitherto
jealousy veiled!"
A cry Of utter indignation sprang
from Elizabeth's lips.
How dare YOU she passionately
cried, insult me so? If you did not
understand me, I will now tell you
clearly that l abhor your intrusive
escort, and wish to be alone"
Bravo! The tone of command sue
c"eds admirably" he said, mockingly
It's easy to recognize the drop of
noble blood from the maternal side
What have l done that you should so
suddenly play the indignant? I did,
indeed, make you the compliment of
saying that you are beautiful: but
you let your mirror do that countless
times every Gay, and I greatly doubt
your smashing it for its impertin-
ence."
Elizabeth turned her back con.
temptuousIy and strobe forward. He
kept his place beside Ter and seemed
determined not to abandon the hope
of victory. They reached the road
just as the equipage rolled noisiIy by.
A mans head leaned out of the Win
dow, but drew back instantly in hOr-
rOr. 1t was Herr Won Wade. He look
ed out again toward the forest path,
as if to convince himself that he had
seen Alright. Then the wagon disap-
peared around sharp turn in the
road
Elizabeth had involuntarily stretch
ed out her arms toward the rapidly
wagon, as if to stop it.
He who sat within knew her dislike
for Hollfeld. After her explanation of
a few hours before he could not for a
moment doubt that she was in his
company against her will. Could he
not pause for one moment to free
her from the intruder?
Hollfeld had seen her motion.
'Ha, hal" he cried, laughing NAL
iciously. That looked almost tender.
If could not forget my cousins
thirty-seven summers I might verify
be jealous. You thought he should
dismount at once and CALAMITY offer
you his arm and lead you home. You
see he is virtuous; he gives up this
pleasure for the sake of a so-called
sacred duty. He is a block of ice, for
whom the charms of the fair sex are
in the world in vain. That he was ex.
knightly toward you today
had nothing to do with your bewitch-
ing eyes, Gold Elsie. 1t was purely to
tease my mamma little"
Are you not ashamed to accuse,
the man, whose hospitality you so con-
stantly enjoy, of so mean an action?"
cried Elizabeth, incensed. She had re-
solved not to speak another syllable
to him. in the hope that her pertin-
nacious silence might bore him and
finally drive him Off But the way in
which he spoke of Herr Won Waldo
set her whole mind in an uproar.