Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1907-12-21

capable appearing fsffow 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 a sol
dier's life worthy one?"
'sOh, yes, of course. in way. We
have to have soldiers, suppose; but
if L were a man I'd hate to waste all
my life tramping around at SIS 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."
"Oh, 1 didn't know; you said you
were soldier, and that's what / al
ways heard they got. 1 am SO glad if
to say that 1 believed could get you
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, I must co. 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
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
know your name
She shook her head positively, re-
pressed merriment darkening her eyes
and wrinkling the corners of her
mouth. ct would be highly improper
to introduce myself to a 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 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 faItered sadly, yet
| succeeded in asking: Are we, then,
never to meet again? Am 1 to under
| stand this to be your wish?'
She laughed. Really, sir, am not
aware that 1 have the slightest desire
| in the matter. 1 have given it no
| thought, but 1 presume the possibility
| of our meeting again depends largely
| upon yourself, and the sort of society
you keep. Surely you cannot expect
| that I 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-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
| hooking courtesy, land 1 have al
1
| set"
Piqued by her tantalizing manner,
he asked, What particular social
| functions are about to occur that may
possibly open a passage into your
guarded. presence?"
She seemed immersed in thought,
her face turned partially aside. I'm
fortunately, 1 have not my list of en-
| gagements here and she glanced
| about at him shyly. 81 can recall only
| one at present, and am not even GER
| tain-that is, do not promise-to at
| tend that. However, 1 may do so.
| The Miners Bachelor club gives a re-
| ception and ball tomorrow evening in
| honor of the new schoolmistress.'
what is her name?'' with respon-
| sive eagerness.
She hesitated, as if doubtful of the
| strict propriety of mentioning it to a
stranger.
Miss Phoebe Spencer" she said,
| her eyes cast demurely down.
'.Ahi" he exclaimed, in open tri-
| umph; land have 1, then, at last made
| fair capture of your secret? You are
| Miss Phoebe Spencer
She drew back still farther within
| the recesses of the bushes, at lis sin
| gle victorious step forward.
81? Why certainly not. I am mere
| ly Miss Spencer's star pupil, SO you
1 may easily judge something of what
her superior attainments must neces-
| sarily he But / am really going now