Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1907-01-10
THE DAY BEFORE THE
WEDDING.
ontin ued from Section !.

The young man smiled %ruefully.
milne will keep" he said. ITO tell you
the truth, I was only going down to the
Island for a day on the river by myself"
While he was speaking Tara found that
they had turned half-unconsciously. and
that he was walking along at her side.
She hadn't the spirit to make any objec-
tion this time. She realized with a sudden
miserable pang that she felt weak and Ill.
and that she owed her loud voiced l~andlady
. fortnight's rent.
The river" she echoed dreamily-and
her companion could not guess what a tragic
impulse underlay the words--"the river
must look beautiful on a day like this
all simmer and reflections" Then. with
the hospitable impulse to make conversa-
ton: 81 lived near the Island once. in
my mothers lifetime. love the river
more than ever now I'm away from it
It's so soothing and r~estful."
They had turned down another unpre-
tending street. and came to a standstili be-
fore the door Of a shabby lodging house.
Goodbye she said wistfully, holding
out her hand-she hardly knew why--"you
won't worry about my poor dress any more.
will you? 1t was Just an accident and we
were both to blame. l hope you'll enjoy
your day." Her voice was in a minor key,
though she did not know It and the mans
whole being was in sympathy with anything
in a minor key that morning. Consequent
ly he didn't at once relinQuish the small
hand she offered him, as he should have
done.
ITS awfully nice OF you to say So" he
said earnestly. most girls would have
been furious. IL hope you won't misun-
derstand me. or think ne an impertinent
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the river would do you a world of good.
You're alone in Portland, aren't you? And
I'm alone. too. except for my thoughts,
which aren't celebrating company. Would
you-wil you--renew your acquaintance
with the Island? Just let me take care
Of you for a few hours. I'd feel It such
a big honor IL you would. I dare say I'm
suggesting something abomlnably outre.
But I've been out In the wilds for ten years,
where we don't consider Mrs. Grundy much {:
so, II I'm presumptuous, please forgive me-"
Presumption It would certainly have been
In anyone else. Tara reflected, but In this
man 1t seemed merely kind and natural.
Surprising she took him at his word. A
sharp longing to glide once again between
daisy-hecked fields and to hear the leaves
rustling on dustless trees came upon her.
She felt an unusual sensation OF reckless
ness. AFTER all, what ola anything mat
ter? The man was obviously a gentleman
one day of peace and rest-and after
ward? Well, the river there was quieter
and less dirty than in the heart OF a big
city.
II do so want to make some atonement
for my share in the calamity" he went on
eagerly land II I can only bring q little
color into those pale cheeks OF yours I shall
count that dress well spoilt. Please say
yes, and I'll go and replenish this wicked
basket whilst you change-please." He
looked very boyish in his persistence. and
for q moment a tribe less w~orld-weary.
Tara wavered. The irresponsible mood
still had her In possession. She ndgeted
with her handbag and glanced up and down
the road then she looked shyly at him. II
should like It," she said rather breathlessly
'thank you for the thousht-yes, I'll come