The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1908-06-18

came uppermost. Outwardly she pis
tured the gay and merry spirit OF the
night. yet to Brant. already observing
her with the jealousy OF lover. she
appeared distract and restle.s. her AZ.
fectation of abandon mere mask TO
her feelings. Perhaps these things
might have passed unnoted but for
their contrast with the late coniiden
tial chat.
He could not reconcile this sudden
change with what he believed OF her.
Il was not carried out with the prac.
ticed art of one accustomed TO deceit
There must be something real infu'
encing her action. These misgivings
burdened his mind even as he swung
lightly with her TO the music, and they
talked together in little snatches.
The last two waltzes ended, they
walked slowly through the scattering
throne, he striving vainly to arouse
her to the former independence and
intimacy Of speech. Suddenly they
came face to face with Mrs. Herndon.
and Brant felt the girls arm twitch.
Il have been looking everywhere
for you. Nadia" Mrs. Herndon said,
slight complaint in her voice I'VE
were going home"
Naida's cheeks Redeemed painfully.
Il am so sorry II l have kept yoa
waiting" her words spoken with a
rush. "but-but, Lieut. Brant was in
tending to accompany me We were
just starting for the cloakroom."
"Oh. indeed" Mrs. Herndon's ex.
preston was noncommittal. while her
eyes surveyed the lieutenant.
With your permission. of course"
he said
Il hardly think have any reed TO
interfere"
They separated. the younger people
walking slowly. silently toward the
door. He held her arm. assisting her
to descend the stairway. his lips muir.
muring a few commonplaces. to which
she scarcely returned even monosyl.
Liable replies. although she frequently
flashed shy glances at his grave face.
Both realized that some explanation
was forthcoming. yet neither was quite
prepared TO force the issue.
Il have no wraps at the hotel" she
said. as he attempted 20 turn that
way. That was lie also: let as
walk directly down the road"
lie INDUCED in no comment. his
eyes perceiving a pathetic pleading la
her upturncd face. Suddenly there
came 10 him a belief that the girl was
crying: he could feel the slight trcfnor
Of her form against his own. He
glanced furtively at her. only 10 catch
the glitter OF falling tear. To her
evident distress. his heart made in.
slant and sympathetic response. With
all respect influencing the action, HIS
hand closed warmly over the smaller
one on his sleeve.
Little girl he said. forgetting che
shortness Of their acquaintance IN the
deep feeling OF the moment. tell ne
what the trouble Is"
Il suppose you think me an awful
creature for saying that she blurted
out, without looking up. 1T wasn't
ladylike or nice. but-but / simply
couldn't help Il. Lieut.. Brant"
ton to carry me home with your" he
asked. relieved TO think thia might
prove the entire difficulty Cont LEI
that worry you. Why. | am simply TO
ioiced at being permitted to So. Do
you know. ! wanted 10 request the
privilege all the time we we're dancing
together But you acted so differently
from when we were beneath the vines
that actually lost my nerve"
She looked up and he caught . Heet
ing glimpse into her unveiled eysN
Il did not wish you to ask me-
What" lie stopped suddenly.
why, then. did YOU make such an al
nouncement to Mrs. Herndon7"
"Oh, that was different" she et
planned. uneasily. Il had TO do that.
had to trust you to help me out. but
but really wanted TO go hons
alone"
He swept his untelieving eyes
around over tho deserted night scene.
not knowing what answer 10 return &c
SO strange ar ayowal "wc,s that what
caused you to appear so distant 10 me
in the hall. 90 vastly different from
what you had been before7"
She nodded, but with her gaze stili
upon the ground.
Miss Naida." he said. 1T woald be
cowardly for me to attempt 10 dodge
this issue between US. IL Il because
you do not like me-"
She looked up quickly. the moon
light revealing her flushed face.
"Oh, no. no! you must never think
that / told you was a girl OF moods:
under those vines had one mood. In
the hall another. Cannot you under
stand?"
Very little" he admitted, for am
more inclined to believe you are the
possessor OF a strong will than tina.
you are swayed by moods Listen. Z
/ thought that a mere senseless mood
had caused your peculiar treatment OF
me tonight. should feel justified In
yielding TO mood also. But ! will not
lower you TO that extent In my estima
ton; | prefer to believe that you are
fha tr1IQ-haartod frankly snOkop Girl