The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1907-08-24

graces of earthly society. These alter
nate, thus preparing me for whatever
may happen in this world or the next"
His face pictured bewilderment bat
also determination to persevere. IAN
interesting combination, l admit. But
from your appearance this cannot al
ways have been your home?"
"Oh. thank you. | believe not al.
ways; but wonder at your being able
to discern my superiority to these sur.
roundings. And do you know your
questioning is becoming quite per-
sonal? Does that yield me an equal
privilege?"
He bowed. perhaps relieved at thus
permitting her to assume the initia.
tive, and rested lazily back upon the
grass, his eyes intently studying her
face.
Il suppose from your clothes you
must be soldier What is that fgu2
Z on your hat for?"
"The number of my regiment, the
Seventh cavalry"
Her glance was a bit disdainful as
she coolly surveyed him from head to
foot. II should imagine that strong,
capable appearing fellow like you
might do much better than that. There
is so much work in the world worth
doing, and so much better pay"
What do you mean? Isn't SOL
dier's life worthy one?"
ooh, yes, of course, in way. We
have to have soldiers. suppose; but
II were man I'd hate to waste all
my life tramping around ut SIG
month"
He smothered what sounded like
rough ejaculation, gazing into her de-
mure eyes as If he strongly suspected
joke hid in their depths. "Do-do
you mistake me for an enlisted man."
"Oh. didn't know; you said you
were soldier, and that's what l al
ways heard they got. l am so glad If
they give you more. l was only going
to say that believed could get you
a good place in McCarthy's store If
you wanted it. He pays SOS and his
clerk has just left
Brant stared at her with open
mouth, totally unable for the moment
to decide whether or not that inno-
cent sympathetic face masked mis-
chief. Before he succeeded in regain
ing confidence and speech, she had
risen to her feet, holding back her
skirt with one hand
Really, must go" she announced
calmly, drawing back toward the slight
opening between the bushes. mo
doubt you have done fully as we'll as
you could, considering your position
in life; but this has proved another
disappointment. You have fallen, far,
very far, below my ideal. Good-by."
He sprang instantly erect, his cheeks
flushed. please don't go without a
further word. We seem predestined
to misunderstood. l am even willing
to confess myself fool in the hope
of some time being able to. convince
you otherwise. You have not even
told me that you live here; nor do l
know your name"
She shook her head positively, re-
pressed merriment darkening her eyes
and wrinkling the corners of her
mouth. 1T would be highly improper
to introduce myself to stranger
we Presbytelians never do that"
"But do you feel no curiosity az to
who may be-"
"Why, not in the least; the thought
is ridiculous. How very conceited you
must be to imagine such a thing"
He was not man easily daunted,
nor did he recall any previous EN-.
barrassment in the presence of a
young woman. But now he confronted
something utterly unique; those quiet
eyes seemed to look straight through
him. His voice faltered sadly, yet
succeeded in asking: Are we, then,
never to meet again? Am to under
stand this to be your wish?"
She laughed. Really, sir, am not
aware that have the slightest desire
in the matter. have given it no
thought, but l presume the possibility
of our meeting again depends largely
upon yourself, and the sort of society
you keep. Surely you cannot expect
that would seek such an opportu.
nity?"
He bowed humbly. "You mistake
my purpose. merely meant to ask
II there was not some possibility OF
our again coming together socially-in
the presence of mutual friends"
ooh, scarcely think SO; do not re.
member ever having met any soldiers
at the social functions here-except.
ing officers. We are extremely ex.
elusive in Glencaid," she dropped him
a hooking courtesy, "and l have al.
ways moved in the most exclusive
set"
Piqued by her tantalizing manner,
! he asked, What particular social
functions are about to occur that may
/ possibly open passage into your
guarded presenter"
She seemed immersed in thought,
her face turned partially aside. "Un.
fortunately, l have not my list Of en-.
gagements here" and she glanced
oIo ~t,,1,, Il.