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

il she's really good, as you say she is. hap
piness is bound to come to you both in time
II feel it will"
Thank you." he said gratefully; tits
been such comfort to tell you everything.
I can't believe that I never set eyes on
you before today feel as IL I'd always
come to you with my troubles. Perhaps
did in some other planet-who knows? One
gets queer ideas sometimes when one lives
all alone with Nature and niggers"
Tara laughed a ringing, girlish laugh;
she, too, was feeling vaguely comforted;
his words had given her sense of useful
ness that was quite new and delightful
She felt her accustomed energy returning
When she got back to Portland she would
begin to look for work. and never stop till
she found it and the memory of this day
should abide with her forever; to be taken
out secretly and enjoyed in the prosaic
days that were to follow.
They we're pulling down backwater pre-
paratory to landing for lunch
do you know, you're not a bit like
other girls he went on thoughtfully. Il
wonder how many other men have told you
there'd be some consolation in it all. 1
could-oh l could give her things and
look after her, and perhaps in time she'd
crowds of friends and admirers. and she's
written book lately that's brought her in
fortune; in fact. she's better off than 1
aren't clever. are your
Not bit" answered Tara with sigh.
II don't!' he said emphatically and
they were silent again.
So they shot on for another quarter of
ing. they grounded. and he fastened the boat
to an overhanging tree. and helped her on
to the bank.
AS they stood a moment : beneath the
shade of the thick branches to cool before
unpacking the fateful hamper. Canadian
canoe glided past from an opposite direc-
tion.
They watched 1t iazily.
1t contained likewise two people-a man
and woman. The woman put down own her
had temporarily disappeared behind cloud.
and Tara caught glimpse OF her face 1t
wa, WAS face to rve5 re af 10 which
belonged not girlish face exactly. but
one that to many people would have been
ton and dignity, and quite beautiful with
the beauty Of mature. commanding woman
hood The man, who seemed to be somewhat
and weak mouth. He looked haggard.
Tara thought, as If he had something on his
mind. One paddle brushed 1.-The drooping
branches of the willow in passing; neither
of the two appeared to be attending much
to their course, or caring where the little
craft carried them; they were taking quick
ly and earnestly.
The man spoke softly, but the woman S
voice was peculiarly clear and penetrating.
to the loiterers under the tree as she was
borne past.
"You see Harold. he cares. 1t would be
SO different II he didn't ought not to have
allowed you to come to-day; it was weak
of me. Only
And they passed out Of earshot.
Tara turned towards her companion,
smiling rather mournfully.
81 wonder who cares?' she said softly.
"The river seems full of romances and trag-
edes to-day. doesn't it? How wretched they
both looked !"
But her companion did not answer he
was engaged in executing a violent and ran
tastic cake walk. Over his face had come
the glow of Joy inexpressible he had
changed quite suddenly from careworn
man into a crazy schoolboy
Tara snatched the hamper out OF MS way
and backed precipitately.
us anything the. natter Has-nas
something stung your" she cried nervously
Still he capered. his antics growing wilder
every minute.
"Oh she doesn't understand" he gasped
"Bless her Innocence, she doesn't under
stand. Oh thank heaven. for all unstable
claret bottles. thank heaven for every
thing! They've gone home. I'm COINS
home. too. Get back into the boat. vii
we can lunch anywhere I'm OF to town
why. I don't believe she sees 1t bit ever
now! Never mind. I'll explain in the train
and--and I'm going to call on you to-mor-
row II you'll let me; and ~! explain more
still y"