The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1908-01-15
predecessors" Ackroyd observed.

predecessors Ackroyd observed.
Drusilla shrugged her shoulders.
81 don't see why should fret my
self over that" she said.
For casting him there, of course"
said Ackroyd severely.
Admitting / did," said Drusilla with
challenge in her voice.
Tied Briggs is a particular friend
of mine Ackroyd began.
"Must marry all your particular
friends?" said Drusilla with sardonic
Difference.
Ackroyd's eyes flashed angrily.
"You knew all the time he was tax
ing things seriously" he demonstrated
You might have little mercy on
such chaps"
"Oh. don't let's squabble every night
you come here. said Drusilla YEARLY.
Here's the Palm song Shall l sing
it to you. Max"
She seated herself at the piano and
sang with all her inimitable little droll-
cries When she had finished she
swung about to face Ackroyd.
Maker" she asked sweetly.
Ackroyd scowled. when will you
ever be serious?" he said.
81 was never so serious in my life, >
she asserted. Indeed l am complete
II weighed down with responsibility
and remorse. You don't imagine he'll
take prussic acid, do you, MAXI she
ended in tragic tones.
Ackroyd looked at her with cold dis
approval
Between old friends he began.
But Drusilla at once cut him short.
NOW, Max I'm awfully sorry. but if
you begin to scatter any of that IA
therly advice about here You'll have II
go home, and counted on d delightful
evening with you here" she said ten
! tatively
Nevertheless said Ac,,royd. Il
shall say what Get ont 70. 5e the pen
| atty what it may
| DruSilla rested her elbows on tbs
keys and looked at him archly.
Il was about to remark" Ackroyd
went on, that in the social sea you
are sort of uncharted reef on which
the affections of many serious minded
young men are shipwrecked."
What a metaphor she tainted
'Their shipwrecks don't seem to he
alarming calamities, however. They
survive them"
"And there are others who are IL
danger of sailing straight on to the
reef. knowing all its dangers" said he
Dear me" said Drusilla. They
| should take a course in navigation"
''The fear OF ridicule may keep them
away for time, but in the end they re
bound to tempt fate" he said.
Drusilla regarded him amusedly.
81 think it would be interesting to
meet some of that class" said she.
Il can introduce you to one" said he
"WhenY' Drusilla inquired eagerly.
"Now," said he, rising and bowling
gravely.
Your she gasped.
even l." he said, unsmiling.
There was a somewhat embarrassed
pause. Ackroyd broke it.
II shall never be happy until I Offer
myself to you. / don't expect to be
happy afterward. I shall merely join
the others in the outer darkness, and
the suspense will be over"
| Drusilla rested her chin on her palm
again. A bit of added color flushed hel
cheeks. Her eyes were pensive.
1--WE been very much coward.
said Ackroyd. II was afraid you'd
laugh. That is why I've been silent sc
| long"
| He leaned forward in his chair. His
manner was pleadingly earnest. Dru
silla moved uneasily.
/ "Why don't you offer yourself, then
and have it over?" she asked.
Ackroyd squared his shoulders. 90
do offer myself, Drusilla," said he
my silence has been such long ont
the laugh should be doubly merry" ht
added bitterly.
Drusilla turned to the piano. Sht
ran her fingers over the keys in sof
ed impatiently; then he strobe to tn,
piano and bent over her. Somethin:
glistened on her lashes. and there wa
a shining streak down either cheek.
"Good heavens" cried Ackroyd II
sudden comprehension. He laughed
happily.
"It-it-isn't funny. I-I-d-don't fee
bit like Laughing" confessed Dru
silla.
And Ackroyd was thereupon relieves
from any fears of ''the outer dark
ness"