Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1908-03-04


only hat iranted Siward?" she
you asked languidly.
"Well. upon my wordv' he said with
n touch OF irritation.
"Oh. you are so dreadfully iterall''
she shrugged, brushing her straight.
sensitive nose with the pink blossom.
II only said 1t to give you chance. If
you are going 10 be stupid, good
night But she made no movement
TO 60 Yes, then: have avoided you.
and ii doesn't become you to ask why"
Because I kissed your"
"You hint at the true reason so chiv-
slrously. so delicately," she said. that
scarcely recognize It," The cool
mockery OF her voice and the warm.
quick color tinting neck and face were
ihcougruous He thought with slow
surprise. that she was not yet letter
perfect In her role of fha material tri-
umphant over the sri---aal.
II am sor'- ~ane." she said re-
fectively. You don't know why
came. do you? Sheer loneliness. Mr. ST
ward. There is something OF the child
In me still, you see. II 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 IL that women find so at
tractiye in you? The mans expert
enced insOuciance? The boys uncon-
scious cynicism? The mystery OF your
self sumciencyg The faulty humanity
in youf The youth ia you already
showing traces OF wear that hint Of
future srarsg What viii you be at
thirty-a,c. at fortvs Al she added
softly what ase sou nowf For
don't know and you cannot tell me il
you would"
"Whai ccDnts with your he asked
after "a iaoment.
Counts lIow."
In your affections. What prepos-
sesses youy
She laughed audaclously. "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 rose
against her cheek: the other ny idly
on her knee. fresh and delicate as q
fallen petal. and he laid both hands
over It and lifted it between hem
"Mr. Siward, ! 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
moment her muscles relaxed aud bare
round arm and hand lay abandoned TO
him.
"Qulte hawless-p perfect. be said
aloud to himself
"Do you-read handsg'
Vaguely" lie touched the smooth
palm Long life. clear mind and
he laughed" heart supreme over rea.
son, There is written a white lie. but
a pretty one
1T is no lle."
She suddenly flushed and attempted
TO close her hand, doubling the thumb
over. There was a little half hearted
struggle. freeing one of his arms.
which fell, settling about her slender
waist; a silence, GREATNESS 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 a habit with you" The loud
beating of her pulses marred her voice.
"AIust | establish dead line every
time ! commit the folly of being alone
with your
"rll draw that line" he said, tax.
Ing her In his arms.
IL beg you Will draw 1t quickly.
Mr.. Siward."
81 do; 1t passes through your heart
and miner'
again? You are compromising your
self. you know. ! warn you that you
are committing yourself"
80 are you. Look at mel''
In his arms. her own arms pressed
against his breast, resisting, she raised
her splendid youthful eyes, and
through and through her shot pulse on
pulse until every nerve seemed to be
aquiver
while I'm still sane" he said. with
a dry catch In his throat, before tell
you that love you look at me-
Il will II you WISH" she said, with a
trembling smile, but 1t Is useless
THAT Is what l shall find out In
time. You must meet my eyes. That
is well. That is frank and sweet"
"And useless truly It n. Please
don't tell me-anythins"