The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1907-12-12

ls so much work in the world worth
doing, and 80 much better pay"
What do you mean Isn't a sol.
dier's life a worthy oneg"
"Oh. yes. Of course. in a way. We
have 10 have soldiers, I suppose: but
II | wore a man I'd hate TO waste an
my life tramping around at SIC a
month"
He smothered what sounded like a
rough ejaculation. gazing into her de-
mure eyes as n he strongly suspected
a joke bid In their depths, "Do-do
you mistake me for an enlisted MANI"
"oh, l didn't know: you said you
were a soldier, and that's what / al
ways heard they got. / am so glad II
they give you more. I was only going
to say that / believed I could get you
a good place in McCarthy's srore II
you wanted It. He pays Sos and his
clerk has just left"
Brant stared at her with open
mouth. totally unable for the moment
to decide whether or not that limo
cent, sympathetic face masked mis-
chief. Before he succeeded in regain
ing confidence and speech, she had
risen TO her feet holding back her
skirt With one hand.
Really, I must 60" she announced
calmly, drawing back toward the slight
opening between the bushes. NO
doubt you have done fully as well as
you could, considering your position
in life; but this has proved another
disappointment. You have fallen, far,
very far. below my ideal. Good-by."
He sprang instantly erect. his cheeks
flushed. Please don't go without n
further word. We seem predestlned
to misunderstood. I am even willing
to confess myself a fool in the hope
OF some time being able to convince
you otherwise. You have not even
told me that you live here: nor do /
know your name"
She shook her head positively. re-
pressed merriment darkening her eyes
and wrinkling the corners OF her
mouth. 1T would be highly improper
to introduce myself to a stranger
we Presbyterians w do that.
But do you feel no curiosity as to
who | may be?7
Why. not in the least: the thought
is ridiculous. How very conceited you
must be to imagine such a thingi"
He was not a man easily daunted.
nor did he recall n previous en-
barrassmeut in the presence OF a
young woman But now he confronted
something utterly unique; those quiet
eyes seemed to look straight through
him. His voice faltered sadly. yet
succeeded in asking: Are we, then.
never 70 meet again? Am to under
stand this TO be your wish"
She laughed. Really. SIR, I am not
avian that I have tho slightest desire
In the matter. ! have given Il no
thought. but J presume the possibility
OF u meeting again depends largely
upon yourself, and the sort OF society
you keep. Surely you cannot expect
that ! would seek such an opportu-
nlty?'
tie bowed humbly. You mistake
my purpose. ] merely meant % ask
IL there vas not some possibility Of
our again coming together socialiy-in
the presence OF mutual friends.
oh. / scarcely think so; 1 do not re-
member eve having met any soldiers
az the social functions hore-except-
ing officers. We are extremely ex
elusive in Glencaid. she dropped him
a hooking courtesy and I have al
ways moved in the most exclusive
set"
Piqued by her tantalizlng manner.
he asked. what particular social
functions are about to occur that may
possibly open a passage into your
guarded presence
She seemed immersed IN thought,
her face turned partially aside. I'm.
fortunately. I have not my list Of en-
gagemonts here. and she glanced
about at him shyly. Il can recall only
one az present. sad am not even GER
tain-that Is. do not promise-to at
tend that However. / may do so.
The Miners Bachelor club gives a re.
ception and ball tomorrow evening In
honor Of the new sehoolmlstross."
What Is her namo2" with respon
siye oagornesa.
She hcsitated, as n doubtful Of the
strict proprety OF mentioning Il To a
stranger.
Miss Phoebe Spencer, she said.
her eyes cast demurely down.
"Ah!" he exclaimed. In open tri.
umph; and have /. then, az last made
fair. capture OF your secret2 You are
Miss Phoebe Spencer
She drew back still farther within
the recesses OF the bushes, al his sin.
gle victorious step forward.
n? Why certainly not am mere
by Miss Spencer's star pupil. so you
may easily judge something OF what
her superior attainments must neces-
sarily be. But / am really going now
and / sincerely trust you viii be able
10 secure a ticket for tomorrow night:
for II you nee meet this Miss Spencer