, 1908-08-27

iAeOAOso, ~ soia, 6iaNCiy
been seeking you all the evening, yet
this unexpected meeting caught me
quite uuawares."
You have been seking me? That II
strange. For what reason. pray?"
Ito achieve what you were once
kind enough to suggest as possible
the Formally Of an introduction. 1t
would seem. however, that fate makes
our meetings Informal"
That Is your fault, not mine
Il gladly assume all responsibility,
n you will only waive the formality
AID accept my friendship"
Her face seemed to tighten, while
her lips twitchod al II suppressing q
smile. You are very forgetful. Did 1
not tell you that We Presbyterians are
never guilty Of such indiscretions?'
Il believe you did. but | doubt your
complete surrender to the creed"
Doubt! Only u second time of
asetinS and you already venture to
doubt! This can scarcely be construed
into a compliment, / fear"
Yet to my mind It may prove the
very highest type Of compliment" he
returned, treasured by her manner.
For a certain degree of independence
in both thought and action is highly
~commendable. Indeed, l am going to
be bold enough to add that it was
these very attributes that awakened
my Interest in you"
"Oh, indeed: you cause me to blush
already. My frankness, / fear, bids
fair to cost me all my friends, and I
may sven 60 beyond your pardon, If
the pervsrss spirit Of my nature so
move me-"
The risk Of such . catastrophe 10
miAs. and l would gladly dare that
much to get away isom conventional
commonplace. One advantage of such
meetings as ours is an immediate in
sight into each others deeper nature.
For ons I shall sincerely rejoice if you
will permit the good fortune of our
chance meeting to be alone sponsor
fer u future friendship. Will you
not say yes?"
She looked ut him with greater
earasstness, hST young face sobered
BY the words spoken. Whatever else
she may have seen revealed there. the
countenancs bending slightly toward
her was a serious, manly one. inspir-
ing respect, awakening confidence.
And l do agree she said, extend
ing her hand in 4 girlish impulse. 1T
will, 1t least, be = new experience and
therefore worth the trial. l will even
sndeavor to restrain my rebellious
spirit, so that you will not be unduly
shocked"
He laughed, new placed entirely at
his ease. Your need of mercy is ap-
preciated. fair lady. Is 1t your desire
to return to the hall?"
She shook her head positively. "A
cheap. gaudy show, all buster and
vxlgarity. Even the dancing is . mere
parody. l early tired of it."
Then let US choose the better part,
sld sit here on the bench, the night
our own"
He conducted her across the porch
to the darkest corner, whore only riffs
Of light stole trembling in between the
shadowing vines, and there found con-
venient seats. A moment they re-
NAMED in silence, and he could hear
her breathing.
Have you truly been at the hall"
she questioned, "or were you merely
dbbing to awaken my INTEREST,"
81 truly have been" he answered,
"and actually have danced a measure
with the fair guest Of the evening"
with Phoebe Spencer! And yet
you dare pretend o to retain an in
terest in me? Lieut.. Brant. you must
BE- q most talented deceiver, or else
the strangest person l ever met. Such
q miracle has never occurred before"
We'll, 1t has certainly occurred
now; nor am | in this any vain de-
ssavss. I truly nse Miss Spencer. I
was the recipient of her most entrane-
Ing smilss; l listened TO her modu-
lated voice; l bore her off. a willing
captive, from . throng Of dsspairing
admirers; l danced with her, gazing
Aswu iaee her eyes, with her auffy
hair brushing ny cheek, yet resisted
ali her charms and came forth think
Ing only Of YOU"
"TAdsed? Your proof?"
He drew the white satin fan forth
from his pocket, and held it out to
ward her with mock humility. This,
unbeiieving princess. Dispatched by
the fair lady In question to fetch this
bauble from the dressing-room, for
got my urgent GRAND in the sudden
delight Of finding you"
THE case seem fully loved" she
confessed, laughingly, "a it is sure
~ not my duty TO punish ths culprit.
What did yov talk about? But, pshaw.
l know well enough without asking
she told you how greatly she admired
the romance Of the west, and begged
you to call upon her with a recital OF
your own exploits. Have l not guessed
arisht!"
Partially, at least; some such sx-
pssssions were used"
"Of course, they always are, do