Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-06-24
1 TIE + sSs9 g
by ?. hARRiO DEANS

mass OF greenery. Rose trees. invssti-
CATION proved II Red and white
ro3es: their perfume scented the air.
the traveller paused and. leaning ON
the little white gate. eyed them
thoughtfuly. From 30 many one would
never be missed, or II missed. regret
ted. He gazed around. not stealthiIy.
yet undoubtedly searchingiy.
He opened the gate and entered;
buccaneers may have worn such look
as he. Few gardeners but would quail.
Around a clump Of bushes he strobe
oh" cried the girl. Startled. she
dropped handful OF roses. which fell.
red and white. on the gravelpatn.
She was clad in muslin. material
which. however unsuitable from hor-
ticultural point OF view. was artisticaliy
incompatible.
From beneath a sheltering sun-hat
her eyes cleaned with annoyance
inquiry? She Strengthened herself
from her STOPPING posture and brushed
a curl from OF her brow.
The intruder dropped quickly on one
knee. Her look of incipient alarm
faded az she observed that he gathered
together the roses which lay scattered
at her feet. Yet one might have
thought this latter action was IN the
nature Of an afterthought-an excuse
for an impulsive movement.
He rose to his feet and with court
ly gesture restored her spoil. Almost
she accepted 1t as a gift. She retreat
ed q step-an act which aroused him
to an appreciation Of his intrusion.
Madam" he murmured. bowling low
that her age was but 20 summers
was no reason for employing the vo-
cabulary Of a shopwalker-"Madam.
he said accordingly, dare l apollo
gize?"
She gave permission with an incli-
nation Of her head.
Where there is no regret. he re-
hscted, however, there can be no
apology"
An expression Of regret" she sug-
gested, would be but polite" Albeit
she was not insistent, leaving the point
for his consideration.
"Polite!" he protested. She gave to
his accompanying glance a meaning
which brought a deeper tinge OF pink
to her cheek.
Desirable then" she amended cool
~ enough. With her head on one side
she awaited his judgment.
Il crave" said he. bowling to her
wish, your pardon: little as ! regret
having given you cause for displeas-
ure." I
him.
For the reason" he explained. that
had. I not offended ! should not have
been permitted to-apolog1ze."
She bowed-a bow inferring an &C.
ceptance both Of the apology and the
compliment.
You came" she hazarded, with an
indicatory sweep Of the arm. Tor
roses?"
He was forced to admit the truth Of
the accusation.
j
ence." he pleaded. Il should not have
come-for roses"
Red and white roses: their perfume
scented the air.
Nevertheless" she insisted. you
came for roses"
He watched her movement anxious
". From q neighbOring bush she
plucked q red rose. With her head on
one side she considered 1t for an in
slant. Then With the air Of one max
ing . concession she added to this .
white rose.
She danced from the roses to him.
and caught his eye fixed upon her.
With . gesture lowering between en-
barrassment and intimacy she prof.
fered them
They limited at the inevitable. and
reluctantly he accepted both
A desire IL never satisfied: achieve
meut IL but . dam which diverts its
course. Therefore he fingered.
81 am seeking words" he responded
to her raised eyebrows. "wherewith
to thank you"
They are unnecessary" she said. -
her eyes fell before his glance.
Slowly she moved towards the gate.
q ruStling amoag the bushes hasten-
ing her progress.
Al . bench BY the gate she paused.
and fumbled awhile II her gown.
OH" she cried Of leagth. dis
tressed.
The intruder offered her . wealth OF
service.
Half . CROWN she murmsred IN
some confusion
Even that WAS at her disposal
Thank yop.- she said, ~ she placed
Il upon the seat.
She passed through the gate. and -
followed. bewildered-