The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-08-15
By BOOTH HARRINGTON.


desk when his eye caught first the
roses, then fell upon Ariel, and he stop
ped stock still with one arm out
stretched, remaining for perhaps ten
seconds in that attitude, while she, her
lips parted, her eyes lustrous, returned
his gaze with look that was as in
scrutable as it was kind.
EYES," she said, as if in answer to a
question, II have come here twice to-
day" She nodded slightly toward Mrs.
Fear. II can wait. am very glad
you bring good news"
Joe turned dazedly toward the other.
"Claudine," he said, you've been tell
ing Miss Tabor
II cert'nly havev' Mrs. Fears ex-
preston had cleared, and her tone was
cheerful. II don't see no harm in
that. I'm sure she's good friend Of
yours, Mr.. Louden.'
Joe glanced at Ariel with a faint,
troubled smile and turned again to
Mrs. Fear. 1--WE had long talk with
Happy
''I'm awful glad. Is he ready to lis
ten to reason?" she asked with a litter
Hes waiting for you"
"Where?" She rose quickly.
"Stop," said Joe sharply. "You must
be very careful with him.
'Don't you s'pose I'm goin' to be-"
she interrupted, with catch in her
voice. Don't you s'pose I've had
trouble enough?"
"No," said Joe deliberately and i'm
personally, II don't. Unless you keep
remembering to be careful all the
time you'll follow the first impulse
you have, as you did yesterday, and
your excuse will be that you never
thought any harm would come Of it.
He's in queer mood, but he will for
give you if you ask him.
'Well, amt that what want to
do?" she exclaimed.
II know, know" he said, dropping
into the desk chair and passing his
hand over his eyes with gesture Of
Infinite WEAKNESS. 'But you must be
very careful I hunted for him most
Of the night and all day. He was try
ing to keep out Of my way because he
didn't want me to find him until he
had met this fellow Nashville. Happy
Is a hard man to come at when he
doesn't care to be found, and he kept
shifting from place to place until
ran him down. Then I got him IN a
corner and told him that you hadn't
meant any harm-which is always
true Of you, poor woman-and I didn't
leave him till he had promised me to
forgive you if you would come and
ask him. And you must keep him out
Of Cory's way until can arrange t.
have him-Cory, mean-sent out of
town. Will your"
''Why, cert'nly," she answered,
smiling '"That Nashville's the vurry
last person ever want to see again
the fresh thingy' Mrs. Fears burden
had fallen; her relief was perfect, and
she beamed vapidly. But Joe marked
her renewed irresponsibility with an
anxious eye.
"You mustn't make any mistakes, -
he said, rising stif11y with fatigue
"Not me. I don't take no more
chances" she responded, tittering hap
PLY; mot after yesterday. My, but
it's load Off my shoulders! do hate
it to have gentlemen quarreling over
me, especially Mr.. Fear. L never did
like to start anything. I like to see
people laugh and be friendly, and I'm
mighty glad it's all blown over.
kind O thought it would all along.
Psho!" She burst into genuine, noisy
laughter. II don't expect either OF
EN- meant no real harm to each othe,
after they got cooled off little. II
they'd met today they'd probably both
run. Now, Mr.. Louden, where's Hap
py"
Joe went to the door with her, HI
waited a moment, perplexed; then his
brow cleared, and he said in a low
voice: ''You know the alley beyond
Vent Miller's poolroom? Go down the
alley till you come to the second gate
Go in, and you'll see basement door
opening into little room under Mil
ler's bar The door won't be locked
and Happy's in there waiting for you
But remember
"Oh, don't you worry!' she cut hin
off loudly. II know him. Inside OIL
an hour I'll have him laughin' over al
this. You'll see!"
When she had gone he stood upo1
the landing looking thoughtfully aft
er her. perhaps, after all, that II
the best mood to let her meet him in,''
he murmured.
Then, with a deep breath, he turned.
The heavy perfume had gone, the air
was clear and sweet, and Ariel was
pressing her face into the roses again.
AS he saw how like them she was he
was shaken with profound and mys-
ferrous sigh, like that which moves in
the breast Of one who listens in the
dark to his dearest music.
-.
CHAPTER XIV.
KNOW how tired you are" said
Ariel as he came back into the
room. II shall not keen Won