The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1908-03-27
XIV.
An Unusual Girl.

CLINT of tears. She spoke first, her
voice faltering slightly.
will you kindly permit me to
pass?"
He stepped instantly to one side,
bowling as he did so.
Il beg your pardon for such seeming
rudeness," he said, gravely. 81 have
been seeking you all the evening, yet
this unexpected meeting caught me
quite ~unawares."
you have been seking me? That is
strange. For what reason, pray?"
ITO achieve what you we're once
kind enough to suggest as possible
the formality of an introduction. It
would seem, however, that fate makes
our meetings informal"
That is your fault, not mine"
Il gladly assume all responsibility,
If you will only waive the formality
and accept my friendship"
Her face seemed to tighten, while
her lips twitched as If suppressing a
smile. you are very forgetful. Did I
not tell you that we P~resbyterians are
never guilty Of such indiscretions?"
Il believe you did, but / doubt your
complete surrender to the creed"
Doubt! Only our second time of
meeting 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, 1 fear, bids
fair to cost me all my friends, and I
may even go beyond your pardon, II
the perverse spirit of my nature 30
moye me-"
THE risk of such a catastrophe is
mine, and l would gladly dare that
much to get away from conventional
commonplace. One advantage of such
meetings as ours is an immediate In.
sight into each others deeper nature.
For one l shall sincerely rejoice If you
will permit the good fortune Of our
chance meeting to be alone M
for our future friendship. Will you
not say yes?"
She looked at him with greater
earnestness. her young face sobered
by the words spoken. Whatever else
she may have e e revealed there, the
countenance bending slightly toward
her was a serious, manly one, inspir.
ing respect, awakening confidence.
And / do agree" she said, extend
ing her hand in a girlish impulse. 1T
will, at least, be a new experience and
therefore worth the trial. l will even
endeavor to restrain my rebellious
spirit, 30 that you will not be unduly
shocked"
He laughed, now placed entirely at
his ease. Your need Of mercy is ar.
preciated, fair lady. Is 1t your desire
to return to the hall?"
She shook her head positively. "A
cheap, gaudy show. all buster and
v%ulgarity. Even the dancing is a mere
l early tired of it."
Then let us choose the better part, |
and sit here on the bench, the night
our own"
He conducted her across the porch
to the darkest corner, where only riffs
Of light stole trembling in between the
vines, and there found con-
seats. A moment they re-
manned in silence. and he could hear
her breathing.
Have you truly been at the hail."
she questioned, "or were you merely
to awaken my INTEREST,""
II 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 now to retain an in.
crest in me? Lieut.. Brant, you must
a most talented d~eceiver, or else
he strangest person I ever met. Such
miracle has never occurred b~efore!"
well, 1t has certainly occurred
low; o am I in this any vain de-
I truly met Miss Spencer
vas the recipient of her most entranc-
ng smiles; I listened to her modu-
ated voice; 1 bore her on, a willing
from a throng of despairing
'dmirers; l danced with her. gazing
own into her eyes, with her fiufiy
Iair brushing my cheek, yet resisted
ii her charms and came forth think.
ng only Of YOU"
Indeed? Your proofs"
He drew the white satin fan forth
his pocket, and held It out To-
'ard her with mock humility. This,
nbelieving princess. Dispatched by
he fair lady in question to fetch this
anble from the dressing-room. l for.
OF my urgent errand in the sudden
eight Of finding YOU"
GO BE coNTINUED,