Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-13
CHAPTER VII.
An Unusual Girl.


The girl was without wraps, her dress of
some light, f1eecy material fitting her slen-
der figure exquistely, her head uncovered;
detect the CLINT of tears. She spoke first,
her voice faltering slightly.
,''Will you kindly permit me to pass?'
He stepped instantly to one side, bowling
as he did so.
II beg your pardon for such seeming
rudeness." he said, gravely. II have been
seeking you all the evening, yet this un-
expected meeting caught me quite una
wares"
You have been seeking me? That is
strange. For what reason, pray?"
ITO achieve what you were once kind
enough to suggest as possible-the formal
however, that fate makes our meetings in
formal
THAT is your fault not mine"
Il gladly assume all responsibility, IL
you will only waive the formality and ac-
cept my friendship
Her face seemed to tighten. while her
lips twitched as If suppressing a smile.
You are very forgetful. Did 4 not tell
you that we Presbyterians are never guilty
of such indiscretions?"
II believe you did. but I doubt your COM
plete surrender to the creed
Doubt! Only our second time of meet
lHB, ana you dlTeduy venture 10 uOuDl. his
can scarcely be construed into a compli-
ment, I fear"
Yet to my mind it may prove the very
highest type of compliment, he returned,
treasured by her manner. For certain
degree Of independence in both thought and
action is highly commendable. Indeed l
! am going to lie bold enough to add that 1t
was these very attributes that awakened
my interest in you'
"Oh. indeed; you cause me to blush al
ready. My frankness, l fear bids fair to
cost me all my friends, and 1 may even go
beyond your pardon If the perverse spirit
of my nature SO move me-"
THE risk of such a catastrophe is mine,
and l would gladly dare that much to get
away from conventional commonplace One
advantage of such meetings as ours Is an
immediate insight into each others deeper
nature. For one 1 shall sincerely rejoice
| If you will permit the good fortune of our
! chance meeting to be alone sponsor for our
/ future friendship. Will You not say yes?'
She looked at him with greater earnest
ness. her young face sobered by the words
spoken. Whatever else she may have seen
revealed there. the countenance bending
slightly toward her was a serious, manly
one. inspiring respect awakening con-
fidence.
And 1 do agree" she said. extending her
hand in girlish impulse. ut will, at least.
be a new experience and therefore sworth
the trial. / will even endeavor to restrain
my rebellous spirit, SO that you will not be
unduly shocked"
He laughed, now placed entirely at his
ease. ''Your need of mercy is appreciated,
hall?"
She shook her head positively "a cheap,
gaudy show, all buster and vulgarity.
Even the dancing Is mere parody. l
early tired of it,
'"Then let us choose the better part, and
sit here on the bench, the night our own"
He conducted her across the porch to
the darkest corner, where only riffs of light
t., hatrx, fhn oho 1nr ytyUcy
vines, and there found convenient seats. A
moment they remained in silence, and he
could hear her breathing.
Have you truly been at the hall" she
questioned, ''or were you merely ibbing to
awaken my INTEREST,""
II truly have BEEN" he answered. "and
actually have danced measure with the
fair guest of the evening".
with Phoebe Spencer! And yet you dare
pretend now to retain an interest in ME?
Lieut. Brant. you must be a most talented
deceiver else the strangest person l ever
met. Such a miracle has never occurred
beforer'
We'll, it has certainly occurred now; nor
am 1 in this any vain deceiver. l truly
met Miss Spencer. | was the recipient of
her most enhancing smiles; listened to
her moduated voice; l bore her off. a
willing captive. from throng of despair
Ing admirers; I danced with her, gazing
down into her eyes, with her fluffy hair
brushing my cheek. yet resisted all her
charms and came forth thinking only of
YOU.
Indeed? Your proof?'
He drew the white satin fan forth from
his pocket, and held it out toward her with
mock humility. This, unbelieving princess.
Dispatched by the fair lady In question to
fetch this bauble from the dressing room, 1
forgot my urgent errand in the sudden de-
light of finding you
1.-The case seems fully proved she con-
fessed, laughingly, land 1t is surely not my
duty to punish the culprit. What did you
talk about? But, pshaw, I know well