The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-07-27
CHAPTER XIV.
An Unusual Girl.

Hn OnuSUdi 0iTIs
The girl was without wraps, her
dress of some light, feecy material
fitting her slender figure exquisitely,
her head uncovered; within her eyes
Brant imagined he could 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.
Il 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 me? That is
strange. For what reason, pray?"
ITO achieve what you were once
kind enough tc suggest as possible
the formality of an introduction. It
would seem, however, that fate makes
our meetings informal"
That is your fault, not mine"
Il gladly assume all responsibility,
if you will only waive the formality
Her face seemed to tighten, while
her lips twitched as il suppressing a
smile. You are very forgetful. Did
not tell you that we Presbyterians are
never guilty of such indiscretions?
IT believe you did, but doubt your
complete surrender to the creed"
Doubt! Only our second time of
meeting and you already venture to
doubt! This can scaEcely be construed
into a compliment, l fear"
yet to my mind it 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
commendable. Indeed, l am going to
be bold enough to add that it was
these very attributes that awakened
my interest in you"
| 'Oh, indeed; you cause me to blush
already. My frankness, l fear, bids
fair to cost me all my friends, and
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 in.
sight 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
earnestness, her young face sobereG
by the words spoken. Whatever else
she may have seen revealed there, the
countenance bending slightly toward
her was a serious, manly one inspir
ing respect. awakening confidence
And I do agree" she said, extend
ing her hand in a girlish impulse II
will. at least, be a new experience anC
therefore worth the trial. l will ever
endeavor to restrain my rebellion!
spirit, so that you will not be unduly
shocked"
He laughed, now placed entirely a
his ease Your need Of mercy is ap
pteciated, fair lady. Is it your desir,
to return to the hall?"
She shook her head positively. -
cheap, gaudy show, all buster ant
vulgarity. Even the dancing is a mer
parody I early tired of it"
Then let US choose the better part
and sit here on the bench, the nigh
our own"
He conducted her across the porcl
to the darkest corner, where only rift
Of light stole trembling in between tn
shadowing vines, and there found cor
{ venient seats. a moment they RI
, manned in silence, and he could hea
; her breathing.
Have you truly been at the hall,
> she questioned, 'or were you merel
} fibbing to awaken my Interest,""
| Il truly have been" he answered
; and actually have danced measur
: with the fair guest of the evening"
} with Phoebe Spencer! And We
YOU dare pretend now TO retain an il
terest in me? Lieut.. Brant, you mus
: be a most talented deceiver. or els
: the strangest person l ever met. Sue
a miracle has never occurred before,
f Well 1t has certainly occurre
D now; nor am l in this any vain d,