The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1907-01-03

meaning Of stage fright un,"
later beside the debutante daughter Of
his hostess, waiting for Spicy Belle to
come on. A stage had been erected at
the far end of the immense music
room. But when she did come, as cool
as when she sat beside him in the little
green room, his courage returned. She
twanged her banjo and tuned 1t as un-
concernedly as II she were alone. The
music now was very different from
that she had played to him. 1t was So
ciety love songs and quaint plantation
melodies. odd dances and an occasional
negro dirge. The bored society people
were murmuring something about her
talent. FarnswOrth heard, as in a
dream, the girl beside him babbling Of
the immense sums that had been offer
ed Miss Browning TO so ON the vaude-
vile stage. That thought brought sud
den and great CONSERVATION to his
heart.
Really, can't say" his hostess
drawled when he finally managed to
place her daughter with another and
handsomer man." as he explained in
leaving her-"I can't say where Miss
Browning is. No, don't know her ad-
dress even. / have so many poor girls
on my list. try to help the most de-
serving
FarnswOrth was gone. He had caught
a glimpse of tiny pink foot under Il
long gray cloak the wearer being fol-
lowed by an ancient negress and the
two slipping out of side door.
"Wait for mev he called.
Spicy Belle laughed.
II forgot to say" he fell In with her
step. "Oh, l say, tell the old person
back there" motioning to the duenna,
mot to listen. It's this way. We've
been pretty frank with each other this
evening, haven't we? You see, I've
been away from civilization so long it's
rather awkward for me to try to learn
the roundabout way people in the po-
lite world make love. I'm not going to
tell you about my love tonight" as the
girl drew back frightened at his inten-
sity. "YOu know | have feeling that
this Is the last reception that either Of
us will ever attend"
Spicy Belle laughed.
you've got no more business with
them than l have" He indicated the
brilliantly lighted house in the rear.
"You were made for the big places,
the silent places, the warm nights,
heavy with the fragrance Of flowers,
that these people, with all their yellow
gold, can't buy. You were born to sing
love songs under the tropic stars. Wait
minute! Yes, you can. Send her on
to the house If you don't want her to
hear what am saying to you. Listen,
then you may go. I'll have to cut back
there and show up to say good night.
I'm going back to South America to.
morrow, and you're going with me
to be my own fair bride, you hear?
It's too Cramped in the United States
for a fellow that's outgrown civiliza.
tion. You can't get your breath. l
can't! Spicy Belle, Spicy Belle! That's
a tropical name. Wait minute, then
I'll let you go. No, I'm not going to
listen! You'd kiss me If told you to,
Spicy Belle, but Pm not going to to-
night! I'll be here early in the morn
ing, and morning means the early
hours Of the day, you understand that,
Spicy Belle? We'll talk over the final
arrangements then. Are you going of
your own free will or are you going to
force me to take you a la Sabine"
"Why shouldn't l go" came from
the folds of the long cloak in which
Spicy Belle had hidden her face. IL
love your