Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-01-02

The young man smiled ruefully.
Mine will keep" he said. ITO tell you
the truth, was only going down to the
Island for day on the river by myself.
While he was speaking Tara found that
they had turned half-unconsciously, and
that he was walking along at her side
She hadn't the spirit to make any objec-
ton this time. She realized with sudden
miserable pang that she felt weak and i'll.
and that she owed her loud-voiced landlady
, fortnight's rent.
''The river" she echoed dreamily-and
her companion could not guess what tragic
impulse underlay the words-'the river
must look beautiful on day like this
all simmer and reflections Then, with
the hospitable impulse to make converse
ton: II lived near the Island once. in
my mothers lifetime. l love the river
more than ever now I'm away from it,
it's so soothing and restful."
They had turned down another unpre-
tending street. and came to a standstill be-
fore the door of shabby lodging house
Goodbye" she said wistfully, holding
out her hand--she hardly knew why--''you
won't worry about my poor dress any more.
will you? 1t was just an accident and we
we're both to blame. l hope you'll enjoy
though she did not know it; and the mans
whole being was in sympathy with anything
in minor key that morning. Consequent
ly he didn't at once relinquish the small
hand she offered him. as he should have
done.
'It's awfully nice of you to say So" he
said earnestly. Most girls would have
been furious. IL hope you won't misun-
nh mo irnp
cad, but you look so much as II day on
the river would do you a world of good.
You're alone in Portland, aren't you? And
I'm alone. too. except for my thoughts.
which aren't exhilarating company. Would
you-will you-renew your acquaintance
with the Island? Just let me take care
of you for few hours. I'd feel 1t such
a big honor II you would. l dare say I'm
suggesting something abominably outre.
But I've been out in the wilds for ten years.
where we don't consider Mrs. Grundy much ;
SO. II I'm presumptuous. please forgive me. .
Presumption 1t would certainly have been
in anyone else, Tara reflected. but in this
man it seemed merely kind and natural.
Surprising she took him at his word. A
sharp longing to glide once again between
daisy-fecked fields and to hear the leaves
rustling on dustless trees came upon her.
She felt an unusual sensation of reckless
ness. After all, what. did anything mat
ter? The man was obviously geRtleman
One day Of peace and rest-and after
ward? Well, the river there was quieteI
: and less dirty than In the heart of big
city.
II do so want to make some atonemen'
for my share in the calamity" he went on
eagerly land II can only bring little
color into those pale cheeks Of yours / shall
count that dress well spoilt. Please say
yes. and I'll go and replenish this wicked
basket whilst you change-please." Hs
looked very boyish In his persistence. and
for a moment trihe less world-weary.
Tara wavered The irresponsible MOOD
still had her In possession. She hdgetet
with her handbag and glanced up and dowr
the road then she looked shyly ut him. .
should like It," she said rather breathlessly
"thank you for the thought-yes. Ill come