The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1907-12-26
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voice faltering slightly.
VIII you kindly permit me to
pass?"
He stepped instantly to one side,
bowling as he did so.
4 beg your pardon for such seeming
~rudeness.' he said. gravely. Il have
been seeking you all the evening. yet
this unexpected meeting caught me
quite unawares."
you have been seking mel That Is
strange. For what reason, pray2"
TO achieve what you were once
kind enough to suggest as possible
the formaity OF an Introduction. It
would seem. however. that fate makes
our meetings informal"
That Is your fault. not mine"
I gladly assume all responsibility.
II you will only waive tho formality
and accept my friendship
Her face seemed to tighten. while
her lips twitehed as 4 suppressing q
smile. you are very forgetful. Did 1
not tell you that we Pr~esbyterlans are
guilty Of such indiscretiops?e
4 believe you did, but I doubt your
complete surrender TO the creed"
Doubt Only nj second time OF
meeting and YOU already venture to
Doubt This can scarcely be construed
into a compliment. I fear"
yet TO my mind Il may prove the
very highest type OF compliment" he
returned. treasured by her manner.
For a certain degree OF independence
IN both thought and action is highly
c~ommendable. Indeed. / am going to
be bold enough 20 add that Il was
these very attributes thst awakened
my interest IN you"
"Oh, indeed: you cause me 10 blush
already. My frankness. / fear. bids
fair TO cost me all my friends. and /
may even go beyond your pardon. II
the perverse spirit OF my nature 80
move me
THE risk OF such a catastrophe is
mine. and ] would gladly dare that
much TO get away from conventional
commonplace. One advantage Of such
meetings as ours Is an immediate iu-
sight into each others deeper nature
For n l shall sincerely rejoice II you
viii permit the good fortune Of our
chance meeting to be alone sponsor
for u future friendship. Win you
not say yes?"
She looked at him with greater
-earnestness. her young face sobered
by the words spoken. Whatever else
she may have e revealed there. the
c~ountenance bending slightly toward
her was a serious. mEnly one. iuspir.
ing respect. awakening confidence.
and / do agree she said. extend
ing her hand in a girlish impulse. IL
will. at least. be a new experience and
therefore worth the trial will even
endeayOr 10 restrain my rebellious
spirit, so that you will not be unduly
shocked"
He laughed. now placed entirely at
his ease. Your need OF mercy Is aD
preciated. fair lady. Is 4 your desire
% return 10 the hall2"
She shook her head positively. a
cheap. gaudy show, an buster and
vulgarity. Even the dancing Is a mere
parody. I early tired Of g."
Then let as choose tse better part
and SO here on the bench the night
our own"
lie conducted her across the porch
10 the darkest corner. where only riffs
OF light stole trembling Ia between the
shadowing vines, and there found con.
yeniont seats. A moment they re
mained IN silence and he could hear
her breathing.
"Have you truly been al the hail.
she questioned. "or were YOU merely
Rbblng 60 awaken my INTEREST,""
4 truly have been, he answered.
and actually have danced q measure
with the fair guest Of the evening
with Phoebe Spencer, And yet
you dare pretend now to retain an In.
terest In me- Lieut.. Brant. you must
be a most talented deceiyer. or else
the strangest person I Yer met. Such
a miracle has never occurred bei0re!"
We'll. Il has certainly occurred
now; nor am / IN this any vain de-
.celyer. j truly met Miss spencer /
was the recipient OF her most entranc
ing smiles; / listened % her modu-
lated voice. / bore her on. a>willing
captive. from a uhrong Of despairing
admirers; 1 danced with her. CASING
down into her eyes, with her nnny
hair brushing my cheek. yet resisted
an her charms and came forth think
ing only Of you
Indeed Your proofs"
re drew the white sotin fan forth
from bis pocket and held Il pat 20
ward her with mock humility. -fhia,
unboiioylng princess. Dispatched b.
the fair lady IA question % fetch this
hauble from tho dressing room for.
got my urgent errnn6 10 the sudden
dolight OF hndinN you
mo A coNTuNuEnl