Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-02

Sald tnat DEAFNESS was great a11l1Ct1on he
had thrown himself down at her feet, and,
smiling as he spoke, he glanced backward to
where the edge of a sober gray skirt showed
on the green grass beneath the dogwood tree,
now sheet of living green, where two weeks
before had been glory of drifted bloom Il
have learned to look on it as blessing, in
some instances"
$50 do l. I've often told Aunt Ella so "
and yet, though the duenna may be as
deaf as post, she has eyes, and when man
is about to make love to his sweetheart, there
is only one pair of eyes that he cares to be IN
raHg re OIL do;ce had dronnod verv low and there
was a deep tenderness in it that so thrilled
Roberta that her lips quivered, and she quickly
put up one small trembling hand to still them.
A moment only, then she looked him straight
in the eyes.
you have been most kind, Mr.. Willard"
she said with dignity, lin procuring MIR. Van
Buskirk's written permission for me to make
his forbidden fences
1T was a dear delight he interrupted,
reaching for her hand.
She moved her stool little farther away,
looking at him with malicious little grimace.
Then with a sudden return of her self posses
sion, she folded them again in her lap and pro-
ceeded stifly. Il have been unconventional.
but you think have gwen you ia night to be
you that you are greatly mistaken"
This is the first time have ever heard it
called presumptuous for man to lay his heart
at woman's feet. Even the lowest may do
that, for the highest. humbly. ask you to be
| before her with bowed head, his hat in his
hand. THAT is what / brought you apart to
say to you, he continued with simple dignity.
| These daily meetings in the dell,-your
stolen ones, only because you steadfastly re-
| fused to allow me to seek you in more formal
manner at your hotel. / do not even know
which one it is for hope am too much of
gentlemen to Sgy on you o is t yours beno TO
of closer acquaintance on more conven:-
tional conditions, in view of the fact that
have asked you to be my wife! then can
wait more patiently. if you wish delay be-
fore answering me definitely"
SHE rose and stood beside him for an in
~ slant, the top of her bare curly head coming
Just short of his shoulder, and then with
inscrutabe expression she walked on down
| to the edge of the mirror like pool, with him
keeping close at her side. She sighed as she
you are gentleman" she said softly,
with scarlet lips aquiver, and l will answer
you honestly and without trifiing"
Yes" His breath was coming quick and
short, and he stood, still uncovered, before her.
ut was mere whim, caprice, that made
me surround our acquaintance with any mys-
terry" she began, a silly desire to tantalize
Aunt Ella. Ny name is not Roberts exactly;
l am Roberta Hillyer." She paused, and he
made if to speak quickly but she went
steadily on. 1t would be of no use in this
world for you to seek me out. with what you
say your motive would be-
Why" he asked abruptly, with a swift
frown darkening his handsome face.
"Because-because," she folded her small
hands tight together and averted her eyes,
g very ambitious about the man l am
to marry by and by
Would you marry the millionaire that
owns your old homer" His voice was hoarse.
Now that is impertinent of YOU" she de-
clared as she faced about. "No, l should
like his money immensely, for l never yet
have had half enough to spend but man old
enough to be my grandfather, and with form
like "a mermaid" She put down her
head and giiggled.
You said once you preferred the looks of
his secretary" he reminded her.
$50 l do she replied quickly; "but be-
cause he is the rich mans secretary" here she
looked him soberly in the eyes again, Il
would never marry him.
mot even if you loved him!"
The scarlet lips frightened in a narrow line
and she shook her head emPhatically.
But whyl" he persisted, and when he
took her hand and held it she did not resist.
1T would be going against the traditions of
my people" she answered in a low voice. "Our
o1x hoe <1o;r