The Columbus journal., 1908-07-08

81 am very sorry" l said. with Q
reflection of the bantering air she had
assumed.
"Oh, indeed" exclaimed the young.
er woman. to whom my eyes had
turned as Mrs. Knapp spoke her name.
How very unkind of you to say so.
when l have just won a pair of gloves
by it. Good evening to you!" And
she held out her hand.
1t was with strong effort that l
kept my self-possession. as for the
first time l clasped the hand of Luella
Knapp.
Was it the thrill of her touch. the
glance of her eye, or the magnetism
of her presence. that set my pulses
beating to a new measure, and gave
my spirit a breath from a new world?
What ever the case, as l looked into
the clear-cut face and the frank gray
eyes of the woman before me. l was
swept by flood of emotion that was
near overpOwering my self-control.
l mastered the emotion in a mo-
ment and took the seat to which she
had waved me.
l was puzzled a little at the tone in
which she addressed me- There was
a suggestion of resentment in her man.
ner that grew on me as we talked.
Can l describe her? OF what use to
try? She was not beautiful, and "pret-
ty" was too petty word to apply to
Luella Knapp. Fine looking" if said
with the proper emphasis, might give
some idea of appearance, for she was
tall in figure, with features that were
in their attractiveness.
Through all the conversation the
idea that Miss Knapp was regarding
me with a hidden disapproval was
growing on me. l decided that Henry
had made some uncommon blunder
on his last visit and that l was suf-
fering the penalty for it. The admira-
ton l felt for the young woman deep
ened with every sentence she spoke,
and l was ready to do anything to re-
store the good opinion that Henry
might have endangered, and in lieu
of apology exerted myself to the ut
most to be agreeable.
l was unconscious of the flight of
time until Mrs. Knapp turned from
some other guests and walked toward
us.
Come, Henry" she said pointedly,
''Luella is not to monOpOlize you all
the time. Besides, there's Mr.. Inman
dying to speak to her."
1 promptly hated Mr.. Inman with
all my heart and felt not the slightest
objection to his demise; but at her
gesture of command l rose and accom-
panied Mrs. Knapp. as young man
with eyeglasses and smirk came to
take my place. l left Luella Knapp.
myself over my clever.
ness in escaping the pitfalls that lined
my way.
Now I've chance to speak to you
at last" said Mrs. Knapp.
AT your service" bowed. Il owe
you something"
"Indeed?" Mrs. Knapp raised her
eyebrows in surprise.
For your kind recommendation to
Mr.. Knapp"
MY recommendation? You have
a little the advantage of me-"
l was stricken with painful doubts,
and the cold sweat started upon me.
Perhaps this was not Mrs. Knapp after
all.
"Oh, perhaps you didn't mean it"
l said.
Indeed l did. if it recon-
I'm afraid uncOn.
scious. though. Mr.. I'm. 5 not
consult me about his busic
| was in doubt no lOnge,. 1t was
the injured pride of the wife that
spoke in the tone.
I'm none the less obliged I said
HE assured me that he
acted on your words"
What on earth are you doing for
Mr.. Knapp she asked earnestly.
dropping her half-bantering tone
There was a trace of Apprehension in
her eyes.
I'm afraid Mr.. Knapp wouldn't
think your recommendations were
quite justified if should tell you. Just
get him in a corner and ask him."
Il suppose it is that dreadful stock
market
"Oh. madam, let me say the chicken
market There is wonderful OppOr-
tunity Just now for corner in fowls"
There are good many to be
plucked in the market that Mr.. Knapp
will look after" she said with smile.
But there was something of worried
look behind it. 'Oh, you know,
Henry, that can't bear the market. ]
have seen too much of the misery that
has come from it."
She shuddered as she looked about |
her. as though in fancy she saw her
self turned from the palace into the !
street.
MIR. Knapp is not man to lose."
said.
''Mr. Knapp is strong man." she
said with a proud straigtening of her |
figure. But the whirlpool can suck |
down the strongest swimmer"
(TO BE CONTINUEDD
S~22yAe-