Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-01

| grafton OF souls"
How extremely fortunate! II
chances to be my favorite theme, but
my mental processes are peculiar. and
you must permit me to work up to
ward 1t somewhat gradually. For In
stance, as question leading that way
how, In the incarnation Of this world
do you manage to exist In such q
hole of place?-that Is, provided you
really reside here"
why, / consider this most de
lightful nook
MY reference was to Glencaid"
"Oh! Why, live from within. not
without Mind and heart, not environ
ment, make life, and my time is occu
pied most congenially. l am being
| faithfully nutured on the Presbyterian
catechism, and also trained in the
graces of earthly society. These alter.
nate, thus preparing me for whatever
may happen In this world or the next. "
| Hts racc pictured bewilderment, but
also determination to persevere. AN
interesting combination admit. But
from your appearance this cannot al
ways have been your homer"
oh, thank you. l 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 figure
on your hat for?"
The number Of nay regiment, the
Seventh cavalry"
Her glance was bit disdainful as
she coolly surveyed him from head to
foot. II should imagine that a 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?"
"OK, yes, of course, In way. We
have to have soldiers, l suppose; bat
IL / were q man I'd hate to waste all
my life tramping around at SIG a
month"
He smothered what sounded like a
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."
ooh, didn't know; you said you
were soldier, and that's what l al
ways heard they got. l am so glad II
they give you more. was only going
to say that believed could get you
a good place in McCarthy's store II
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 well 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. 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 wrfnkling the corners of her
mouth. ut would be highly improper
to introduce myself to stranger
we Presbyterians never do that"
But do you feel no curiosity as to
who 1 may be?"
why, not in the least; the thought
is ridiculous. How very conceited you
must be to imagine such thing!"
He was not a man easily daslnted,
nor did be 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, l am not
aware that I have the slightest desire
in the matter. I have given it no
thought, but 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. l merely meant to ask
If there was not some possibility OF
our again coming together socially-fn
the presence of mutual friends"
"Oh, 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