The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-10

you wanted it. He pays s55 and his
clerk has just left
Brant stared at her with open
mouth. totally unable for the moment
to decide whether or not that limo
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, l must CO." she announced
calmly, drawing back toward the slight
opening between the bushes. nc
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 a 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. 1T would be highly improper
to introduce myself to a stranger
we PresbyteIians never do that"
s'ID1,f do Won faa1 M 10,
who | 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 daunteG
nor did he recall any previous en-
barrassment in the presence Of q
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 l have the slightest desire
in the matter. l 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 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"
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
q 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 presence"
She seemed immersed in thought.
her face turned partially aside. Tn
fortunately. l have not my list OF en-
gagements here" and she glanced
about at him shyly. Il can recall only
one at present, and am not even Ger
tain-that IS, do not promise-to at
tend that. However, | 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-
siye 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.
All" he exclaimed, in open tri-
umph; and have l, 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 his sin.
gle victorious step forward.
Il? Why certainly not. am mere
ly Miss Spencer's star pupil, so you
may easily judge something Of what
her superior attachments must neces-
sarily be. But l am really going now,
and l sincerely trust you will be able
to secure a ticket for tomorrow night.
for If you once meet this Miss Spencer
you will never yield another single
thought to me, Mr.-Mr.-" her eyes
dancing with laughter-"F1rst Lieut.
Donald Brant."