Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-01-27


"Well, upon my word" he said, with
a touch Of irritation.
ooh. you are so dreadfully literal!'
she shrugged. brushing her straight,
sensitive nose with the pink blossom.
Il only said it to give you chance. II
you are going to be stupid, good
night" But she made no movement
to go. yes. then; have avoided you.
and 1t doesn't become you to ask why. :"
Because kissed your"
"YOu hint at the true reason so chiv-
alrously, so delicately," she said, that
scarcely recognize It," The cool
mockery Of her voice and the warm
quick color tinting neck and face were
incongruous He thought, with SLOW
SURPRISE that she was not yet letter
perfect in her role Of the material TIL
umphant over the spiritual.
II am sorry l came" she said re-
flectively. You don't know why l
came, do you? Sheer loneliness. Mr.. 81
ward. There is something Of the child
In me still. you see. 1t seems my fate
to pass my life in bidding you good
night" she said, Strengthening up and
turning to him with the careless laugh
ter touching mouth and eyes again.
Then, resting her weight on one hand.
her smooth white shoulder rounded be-
side her cheek, she looked at him out
of humorous eyes.
"What is 1t that women find so at
| tractive in you? The mans eXperl-
| enced insouciance? The boys uncon-
I scious cynicism? The mystery Of your
self sufficiency? The faulty humanity
in you? The youth in you already
showing traces Of wear that hint OF
future scars? What will you be at
thirty-five, at forty? Ah," she added
softly, what are you now? For l
don't know. and you cannot tell me if
you would"
.What counts with you?" he asked
| after moment.
! counts? How?"
"In your affections. What prepos'
sesses you?'
She laughed audaciously. "Your
traits-sOme Of them-all of them that
you reveal You must be aware OF
that much already considering every
thing
One slim white hand held a rose
against her cheek; the other lay idly
on her knee fresh and delicate as a
fallen petal, and he laid both hands
over it and lifted it between them.
"A[r. Siward l am afraid this Is be
coming habit with you" The gay
mockery was not quite genuine, the
curve Of lips too sensitive for voice
so lightly cynical.
He smiled, bending there, consider
ing her hand between his. and after 8
moment her muscles relaxed and bare
| round arm and hand lay abandoned tc
him.
"Quite aawless-perfect," he said
aloud to himself.
'Do you-read hands?"
"vaguely." He touched the smooth
palm. Long life, clear mind and"-
he laughed-"heart supreme over rea
SOM There is written white lie, bu'
pretty one.''
| IL Is uO l@c
She suddenly flushed and attempted
to close her hand, doubling the thumb
over. There was little half hearted
struggle freeing one of his arms
which fell, settling about her slender
waist; a silence. breathless moment
! and he had kissed her. Her lips were
warm this time.
She recovered herself, avoiding his
eyes, and moved backward, shielding
her face with pretty upfung elbows
out turned II told you it was be
| coming habit with YOU The louc
beating Of her pulses married her voice
"NIust l establish dead line every
time 1 commit the folly of being alone
with your
| I'll draw that line" he said, tax
ing her in his arms.
IL beg you will draw it quickly
| Mr.. Siward"
| II do; 1t passes through your hear
| and mine"
"Is-do you mean declaration
| again? You are compromising your
! self, you know. | warn you that YOU