Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-07-31

branches of great trees, and the grass
was green and short, like that OF .
well-kept lawn.
AS Brant emerged from the under
brush he suddenly beheld fair vision
OF young womanhood resting on the
grassy bank just before him. She was
partially reclining, as IL startled by
his unannounced approach. her face
turned toward him. one hand grasping
an open book. the other shading her
eyes from the glare of the sun. Some
thing In the graceful poise, the piquant
uplifted face, the dark glosA of heavy
hair, and the unfrightened gaze held
him speechless until the picture had
been impressed forever upon his mem
DRY. He beheld girl on the verge OF
womanhood, fair of skin, the red glow
Of health flushing her cheeks, the lips
parted in surprise, the sleeve fallen
back from one white. rounded arm,
the eyes honest, sincere, mysterious.
She recognized him with glance, and
her lips closed as she remembered
how and when they had met before.
But there was no answering recollec-
ton within his eyes, only admiration
nothing chung about this Nadia to
remind him of neglected waif Of
the garrison She read all this IN his
face, and the lines about her mouth
changed quickly into slightly quiz
zical smile, her eyes Frightening.
You should at least have knocked.
sir" she ventured, sitting up on the
grassy bank, the better to confront
him, before intruding thus unfn-
vited."
He lifted his somewhat dingy scout
ing hat and bowed humbly.
Il perceived no door giving warning
that approached such presence, and
the first shock of surprise was per-
haps as great to me as to you. Yet,
now that I have blundered thus far,
beseech that be permitted to venture
upon yet another STEP"
She sat looking at him, a trim, SOL
dierly figure. his face young and pleas
ant to gaze upon, and her dark eyes
sensibly softened.
What step?"
ITO tarry for moment beside the
divinity of this wilderness"
She laughed with open frankness,
her white teeth sparkling behind the
red, parted lips.
Perhaps you may. II you will first
consent to be sensible" she said, with
returning gravity; land reserve the
right to turn you away whenever you
begin to talk or act foolish. If you
accept these conditions, you may sit
down."
He seated himself upon the soft
grass ledge, retaining the hat in his
hands. You must be an odd sort of q
girl" he commented, soberly, mot to
welcome an honest expression of ad-
miratiop."
ooh, was that It? Then l duly bow
my acknowledgment. l took your
words for one Of those silly compli-
ments by which men believe they
honor women. I am noA baby, nor
am l seeking amusement"
He glanced curiously at her book.
"And yet you condescend to read love
Stories" he said, smiling. II expected
to discover a treatise on philosophy"
II read whatever chance to get my
hands on, here In Glencaid," she re-
torted, lust as converse with who
ever comes along l am hopeful Of
some day discovering a rare gem hid
den in the midst of the trash. am
yet young"
you are indeed young" he said,
quietly, and with some of LIES les
sons still to learn. One Is that frank
ness is not necessarily flippancy, nor
honesty harshness. However, IL you
will offer me topic worthy the occa-
sion, in either philosophy, science, or
literature, will endeavor to feed your
mind"
(To Be Continued.)