Putnam patriot., 1908-05-01

wig and cO4lInltteal tue iiaoi~cr,.rTnn ol kissing the bird plump upon her tempt Ing lips. whereupon the ruffied in genue gave him q most realistic box on the ears. forgot her lines and start ed in on an inpromptu but spontaneous deudnciation. This. in measure made Miss Renwyck's subsequent parr fall fat, but no one in the audience seemed to know the difference. while both the man and bird agreed after, ward that il improved The play. If Miss Renwyek failed to be impress i've in the great denunciation scene the same could not be said of her Der sonal appearance She was dressed in m evening gown of soft. dull black, which brought out the STONY white. ness of her throat and arms. In her thick dark tresses great tiara glow. ed and sparkled. rivaiing. it seemed the riviere of splendid gems about her neck. while at her breast hlazed a mammoth brooch. Fashioned in the form of an eagle with outstretched wings, shimmering blaze of light. the proud bird stood as an emblem of its country's wealth and daring. perched un the bosom of princess of the free
 To Richard. in his present state of mind Harriet seemed the most ra- diantly perfect creature yet produced since the world began As she bowed behind the tootlights for the second time to an enthusiastic encore large bouquet of American Beauties was tossed upon the stage. and Miss liar riet biushed as she stopped for this most opposite tribute to her own charms. When safely behind the cur tains she glanced at Il card attached. which bore two words. An Ameri- can This signature was vague. yet somehow Mss Renwyek picked the donor out from myriads of gentlemen who might better have claimed the title. and again she blnshed as she buried her face among tine fragrant buds
 How splendid of him." she whls- pered to her roses If only he had been my cowboy perhaps perhaps''-
 But the rest was a secret which the roses never told
 One by one the guests departed. but not till the last of them was driven away on the gravel road did Richard find an opportunity for word alone with his ladyiove. He was seated in darkened nook on the front veranda. sheltered from the light by thick wis taria vines He had lighted a cigar and was dreaming. as he smoked. of how beautiful she was. when suddenly he caught the swishing sound of skirts, and she took 2 wicker rocker by his side
 Lord Croyland. she murmured softly 'I knew il was you by the smell of your cigar'
 Richard was not eonneisseur as re- gards tobacco. and he wondered lilly if the real Lord Creyland's favorite brand was up to the standard of this doubtful compliment. Miss Harriet continued:
 "I'm glad found you alone. for want to thank you for these" She held her sheaf Of roses toward him. It was dear of you 10 send them and 1t pleased me more than can say"
 Nonsense" he laughed "No flower that ever grew is worthy of you. That sounds foolish. I suppose, for many people must have said the same be fore. but I mean it simply. honestly"
 Thank you," she said softly. and both for time were silent.
 Miss Harriet" he ventured present ly. you are beautiful tonight" He checked her pleased laugh and contin- ued earnestly, T don't mean that you are not beautiful always, but | have never seen you in black before, and
 How absurdt" she smiled. T shall soon begin to think you like all the rest. q flatterer-just datterer
 NO. no." he protested warmly; 'it is more than that. believe me. want to carry away with me forever the mem ory of you as you looked tonight. must leave soon I'm going home"
 Back to EngIand.f she asked, tremor in her voice.
 No to Texas"
 "Whatf"
 Richard caught himself just in time.
 "Well-er-well. you see" he stam mered, you have turned me into such a good American that think of your country now as being quite h-y own I lived down there for nearly year, YOU know. and now-and now business calls me back again.
 Once more they were silent for a little space.
 And are you not coming north again?" she asked him nervously.
 Tt depends" said Richard the Brazen. smiling into the wistaria vine. Listen. Miss Harriet I want to ask you something. No. 1t isn't question It is only a flower. would like 10 take just one of those roses to cow boy down in Texas. l will find him if can. and l know it will make him happier than anything else in all the world. May l have the roser
 His tone was sad and low. but liar riet's tone was lower still when she answ wered haltingiy:
 No: you need not take 1t to my nero of the plains. No doubt he has forgot ten me-if he ever thought Of meas shall cease to think Of him. What should a cowboy do with howert And yeti will not be ungenerous- To me you have given all these. Take one and keep fl for yourself"
 With q trembling hand she laid rose upon his lap. but Richard forgot the flower and caught the Land
 ..Yoti mean he whispered eagerly -.tbat might one day take his place.