The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1908-01-10
CHAPTER XIV.


dress Of some light, feecy material
fitting her slender figure exquisitely.
her head uncovered; within her eyes
Brant imagined he could detect the
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. Il 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. pray2"
ITO achieve what you were once
kind enough TO suggest as possible
the formality of an introduction. II
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
smile. You are very forgetful. Did
not tell you that we Presbyterians are
never guilty of such indiscretions2
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 1t 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. | am going TO
be bold enough 10 add that il 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
may even go beyond your pardon. II
the perverse spirit Of my nature SO
move me"
The risk Of such a catastrophe is
mine. and | 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 I shall sincerely rejoice If you
will permit the good fortune OF our
chance meeting TO be alone sponsor
for our future friendship. VIII you
not say yes?'
She looked at him with greater
earnestness. her young face sobered
By the words spoken. Whatever else
she may have seen 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. II
will. at least. be a new experience and
therefore worth the trial l viii ever
endeavor to restrain my rebellioui
spirit. so that you will not be undull
shocked"
He laughed. now placed entirely a
his ease. Your need of mercy is ap
preciated. fair lady Is it your desir'
TO return TO the hall?"
She shook her head positively. =
cheap. gaudy show. all buster an
vulgarity Even the dancing is a mer'
parody. | early tired Of il"
Then let us choose the better part
and sit here on the bench. the nigh
our own"
o He conducted her across the porcl
a TO the darkest corner. where only rift
l. of light stole trembling in between tn
d shadowing vines. and there found col
IS yenient seats. A moment they II
y NAMED in silence. and he could hea
y her breathing.
T. Have you truly been at the hall.
a she questioned. "or were you merel
If fbbing to awaken my interest,"
$ Il truly have been" he answered
ie "and actually have danced measur
i. with the fair guest OF the evening.
lie with Phoebe Spencer. And "
Is YOU dare pretend now 10 retain an IL
terest in me? Lieut. Brant you mus
" be a most talented deceiver. or els
the strangest person ever met. Sue
s. aNniracle has never occurred before
well Il has certainly occurre
e. now. nor am | in this any vain d.
n ceiver. | truly met Miss Spencer.
r. was the recipient Of her most entran
n ing smiles: | listened 70 her mod
IT, lated voice: | bore her OF. a willir
Of captive, from a throng of despairir
40 admirers: | danced with her. gazir
IL down into her eyes. with her fur
n hair brushing my cheek. yet resists
J." all her charms and came forth thin
he ing only Of you"
ed Indeed Your proof"
sc He drew the white satin fan for
m from his pocket. and held II out
to ward her with mock humility. TIL
To- unbelieving princess. Dispatched
the fair lady in question TO fetch n
ss- bauble from the dressing-room. ] K
a got my urgent errant in he sudd'
delight Of finding you."
OF GRO BE CONTINUED