The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-17

ana accept my IfleldSnlp.
Her face seemed to tighten, while
her lips twitched as if suppressing
smile. You are very foTgetful. Did l
not tell you that we Presbyterians are
never guilty OF such indiscretions?"
4 believe you did, but l doubt your
complete surrender to the creed"
"DOu6t. Only cur second time of
meeting and you already venture to
doubt, This can scarcely be construed
into d commitment, I 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, | 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 IL an immediate in
sight into each others deeper nature.
For one | shall sincerely rejoice If you
will permit the good fortune of our
,Aa l., n,
for our future friendship. Will you
not say yes?"
She looked at him with greater
earnestness, her young face sobered
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 / do agree" she said. extend
ing her hand in girlish impulse. 1t
will, at least, be a new experience and
therefore worth the trial will even
endeavor to restrain my rebellious
spirit, so that you will not be unduly
shocked"
He laughed. now placed entirely at
his ease. Your need of mercy is ap-
preciated, fair lady. Is 1t your desire
TO return to the hale"
She shook her head positively. "A
cheap, gaudy show. all buster and
vulgarity. Even the dancing is a mere
parody. | early tired of il.
Then let US choose the better part,
and sit here on the bench the night
our own"
He conducted her across the porch
to the darkest corner. where only riffs
Of light stole trembling in between the
shadowing vines. and there found CON
venient seats. \ moment they re-
manned in silence. and he could hear
her breathing.
Have you truly been at the hall. q"
she questioned, "or were you merely
fibbing TO awaken my interest?'
Il truly have been" he answered.
and actually have danced a measure
with the fair guest Of the evening"
With Phoebe Spencer, And yet
you dare pretend now TO retain an in
terest in me- Lieut. Brant. YOU must
be most alanted deCeiycr. or else
the straugest person ! ever met. Such
a miracle has never occurred before"
We'll It has certainly occurred
now; nor am / in this any vain de-
ceiver. I truly met Miss Spencer. /
was the recipient of her most entranc-
/ ing smiles; | listened TO her modu-
lated voice; | bore her of, a willing
captive. from a thrOng of despairing
admirers; | danced with her, gazing
down into her eyes. with her fluffy
hair brushing my check, yet resisted
all her charms and came forth think
ing only Of you"
Indeed? Your proof?"
He drew the white satin fan forth
from his pocket, and held It out to-
ward her with mock humility. This,
unbelieying princess. Dispatched by
the fair lady in question to fetch this
bauble from the dressing-room, l for.
got my urgent errand in the sudden
delight Of iipding you"
The case seems fully proved" she
confessed laughingly, and it IS sure.
y not my duty to punish the culprit.
What did you talk about? But, pshaw,
! know well enough without asking
she told you how greatly she admired
the romance of the west, and begged
you to call upon her with a recital of
your own exploits. Have | not guessed
aright?"
Partially, at least; some such ex-
pressions were used"
"Of course, they always are. l do
not know whether they form merely a
part of her stock in trade, or are
spoken earnestly. You would laugh to
hear the tales Of wild and thrilling ad-
venture which she picks up, and actu-
ally believes. That Jack Moffat pos
+ sesses the most marvellous magma
ton for such things. and If make fun
Of his impossible stories she becomes
angry in an instant"
Il am afraid you do not greatly ad-
mire this Miss Spencer"
"Oh, but l do; truly do. You must
not think me ungrateful. No one has
ever helped me more, and beneath
this mask of artificiality she is really
a noblehearted woman. | do not I'M
derstand the necessity for people to
lead false lives. Is it this way in all