The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-06

that he had betrayed himself; he went on hastily, hoping that 1t might escape notice:
 -Because he knew that loved you On, stephen. don't you know if now, Cant you see that I love you; and that want you for my wife" The ex- precision Of his own feeling seemed to add fuel to the flame of his passion. But whilst he had been speakirg Ste phen was putting two and two to- sether; and she had already some re- suit. She had wondered long how ter.
 But did he threaten to Kill you cue of mere jeaiousy7 Do you stiil go in fear of your life? Leonard was chagrined at her ignoring of his love- suit. and in his self -engrossment he answered sulkiiy:
 T am not afraid Of nimi And, be- sides. Believe he has bolted. called at nis house yesterday, and his servant said they hadn't heard a word from him" She. said in as steady a voice as she could muster:
 @Boltedi Has he gone a1togethsr7'
 Oh, he'll come back all right. in time. He's not going to give up the jolly good living fe has herew
 "But why has he boited? when he threatened to kill you did he give any reason7" There was too much talk about Harold. It made him angry; so he answered in an offhand way:
 "0h. don't know. And. moreover, don't carei I suppose he was afraid of getting into some trouble for his presumptioTi!p
 "Presuniptioni'" She spoke the word in wonder he took 1t for disdain.
 "of course his presumption in speak ing about loving you. I dare say he thought I would tell you. and you might be angry when we were done laughing at 1t together. I pretty well told him so." He was somewhat re- assured now, and felt that he was get ting on. He could afford to be light hearted.
 Stephens anger had had it's share of growing too; but it was cold anger. which steadied her nerves The last allusion to her laughing, with him, over Harold's pain and humiliation was too much for her.
 And now" she said, what is that you want to speak to me aboutT
 Her words feii on Leonard like A cold douche. Here had he been talk. ing about his isv6 Tor her. and yet she Ignored the whole thing, and asked him what he wanted to talk about Ills pride and vanity were both hurt; it was not fin a very loving tone that he said;
 What queer girl you are. Stephen. You don't seem to attend to what q fellow is saying. Here have been telling you that love you, and asking you to marry me; and yet you don't seem to have heard mel" She answered at once, quite sweetly, and with a smile of superiority which maddened him:
 "But that subject is barredi.
 How do you mean7 Bafredg'
 'sYes told you yesterdayi' Now. he felt, was his time to sweep away her girlieh objections. Doubtless her pride had been hurt by nis refusal at f1rst. But He, had since then told her several times that he loved her. and had asked her Co marry him. It was not the first time that he had had to overcome a girls anger, her chagrin. her scrupies; ana. after all, a girl was girl. There was nothing like lit- tie good, hot Iove-naking with themi He rose quickly to clasp her in his arms.
 "sit downr" Her voice came with the same imperious force as her com fnand to him yesterday to keep his place, though 1t was much lower now and controlled with calm reserve. At the first change in his attitude, which she seemed somehow to expect. her hand had gone out, and was rest