The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1908-03-13

might DO much better than that. There
Is so much work In the world worth
doing. and SO much better pay"
What do you mean. Isn't Q SOL
dier's life a worthy one?"
"Oh, yes, of course. in q way. We
have to have soldiers, l SUPPOSED; but
IL l were a man I'd hate to waste all
my life tramping around at SIC .
month"
He smothered what sounded like q
rough ejaculation, gazing into her de-
mure eyes as IL he strongly suspected
a joke hid in their depths. "Do-do
you mistake me for an enlisted nam"
"Oh, I didn't know; you said you
were a soldier, and that's what I al.
ways heard they got. am so glad IL
they give you more. ! was only going
to say that l believed I could get you
a good place in McCarthy's store II
you wanted It. He pays $65 and his
clerk has just left"
Brant stared at her with open
mouth, totally unable for the moment
to decide whether or not that limo.
cent, sympathetic face masked mis-
chief. Before he succeeded in regain
ing confidence and speech, she had
risen to her feet, holding back her
skirt with one hand.
Really, I must co." she announced
calmly, drawing back toward the slight
opening between the bushes. mo
doubt you have done fully as we'll as
you could, considering your position
In life; but this has proved another
disappointment. You have fallen, far,
very far, below my ideal. Good-by."
He sprang instantly erect, his cheeks
flushed. please don't go without a
further word. We seem predestined
to misunderstood. l am even willing
to confess myself a fool in the hope
Of some time being able to convince
you otherwise. You have not even
told me that you live here; nor do I
know your name"
She shook her head positively, re.
pressed merriment darkening her eyes
and %wrinkling the corners of her
mouth. ut would be highly improper
to introduce myself to a stranger
we Presbyterians never do that"
But do you feel no curiosity as to
who may be?'
why, not in the least; the thought
Is ridiculous. How very conceited you
must be to imagine such a thing!"
He was not a man easily daunted,
nor did he recall any previous EN-.
barrassment in the presence of a
young woman But now he confronted
something utterly unique; those quiet
eyes seemed to look straight through
him. His voice faltered sadly, yet
succeeded in asking: Are we, then,
never to meet again? Am l to under
stand this to be your wish?"
She laughed. Really, sir, I am not
aware that 1 have the slightest desire
in the matter. l have given it no
thought, but l presume the possibility
Of our meeting again depends largely
upon yourself, and the sort Of society
you keep. Surely you cannot expect
that l would seek such an opportu-
nityf"
He bowed humbly. you mistake
my purpose. / merely meant to ask
If there was not some possibility Of
our again coming together socially-in
the presence of mutual friends"
ooh, l scarcely think SO; I do not re.
member ever having met any soldiers
at the social functions here-eXcept-
ing officers. We are extremely ex.
elusive in Glencaid." she dropped him
a hooking courtesy. "and I have al
ways moved in the most exclusive
set"
Piqued by her tantalizing tanner.
he asked, what particular social
functions are about to occur that may
possibly open a passage into your
guarded ~presence?"
She seemed immersed in thought,
her face turned partially aside. I'm
fortunately, l have not my list Of en-
gagements here and she glanced
about at him shyly. II can recall only
one at present, and 1 I'm not even GER
tend that. However, l may do so.
The Miners Bachelor club gives a re-
ception and ball tomorrow evening in
honor of the new schoolmistress."
what is her name?" with respon-
sive eagerness.
She hesitated, as II doubtful of the
strict propriety Of mentioning 1t to a
stranger.
miss Phoebe Spencer" she said,
her eyes cast. demurely down
"Ah!" he exclaimed, in open tri.
umph; land have I. then, at last made
fair capture Of your secret? You are
+ Miss Phoebe Spencer"
She drew back still farther within
the recesses of the bushes, at his sin.
t gle victorious step forward.
: Il? Why certainly not. l am mere
ly Miss S%pencer's star pupil, so you
3 may easily Judge something of what
her superior attachments must neces'
sarily be. But / am really going now,
: and I sincerely trust you will be able
! to secur a ticket for tomorrow night;
~ Co.. to .,1,, 1-4o ,naot Att, Nil. o-zu-1x