The Irish standard., 1908-04-18


Mr.. Crocker's low request for an i'm
mediate word with Alfred He told
her of it as they walked slowly down
the room.
She saw an angry gleam in his eye,
saw his set. stern jaw; but he spoke
hardly word. Stella almost felt that
his anger was for her. In vain shelooked
for some tender glance, some whisper
that would explain. She could not
know that Alfred was lighting one OF
the few fierce battles of his life; that
he was almost ready to strike out
with his fist for possession of her, to
defy Mr.. Crocker. business. all the
sane and safe and dutiful things of
life. But the wild moment passed,
and more than once on his way to the
door he looked back tender messages
to her.
The supper hour came; but she
would not go with Gideon upstairs,
where it was laid in the corral" fear
ing that Alfred, in his first search for
her. would miss her. Neither would
she dance afterward, but sat out a
schottische, refusing all on plea of
fatigue.
Gideon danced with no one but Stel.
la, and hung about her, entranced by
her new beauty. When at last a
waltz was called love and anger Joined
hands. "Just a few steps, Stella" he
pleaded: when Vincent comes I'll
give way. Why doesn't he come in
spite of Charley Crocker and claim
his dance like man?"
But he must stay If Mr.. Crocker
Wishes" she said, her lips defending,
her heart sore.
do you suppose so Charley Crock
ers or railroad jobs would keep me
from a promise to you?" Gideon asked
vehemently.
Something in Stellas passionate
heart responded for moment to Gid
cons lawless flame, though deep In
ored Alfred's devotion to duty.
Anyway, I'd think you would be
ashamed to let him see so plainly that
you love him. Men don't care for girls
that fling themselves openly. They
despise EN-"
stung as by a lash. Stella rose. and
without word stepped out on the
floor with Gideon. In any garb he was
striking figure. Tonight his fault
less dress enhanced his Spanish grace
and Joy softened his dark, inscrutable
face. Since childhood the two had
danced together. Even in the grim
desert station Stella's father had often
yielded to their coaxing and tuned
their measures on his old violin.
She saw Alfred enter and pause sud-
denly in the doorway as Gideon
whirled her on toward him. She
caught the frank alteration in Alfreds
eye as it rested on her and the CLEAN
of almost savage hostility as his gaze
shifted for an instant to Gideon. Her
heart leaped with quick relief. Gid
con did not know. Alfred did love
her. did not despise her, would
Take me to my seat! Hurry, Gid
con! L"
The music stopped suddenly. Al
fred was standing by Sally B., who
was speaking. An unusual. solemn
gentleness in her voice recalled Stella
to her surroundings. Mrs. Sackett
was dead! What did the people wish
, done with the money so generously
given for her that night? Sally B.
paused an instant, then went on a lit
tie unsteadily: "Will you have this
you've paid in here go fur the pore
woman's debts, an'-an'-fur the bury
in'?"
Assent was quiet but hearty. They
did not move at once. Each spoke a
few sympathetic words to his neigh.
Dor.
There was no more jollity. Admir-
ing young eyes. regretful in the face of
tragedy for the early close of their
rare festival, watched as sacred rite
the unstringing and boxing of the in
struments. Subdued, the people rose,
the less bashful to clasp Sally BIS
hand in farewell, others wishing en-
viously for courage to do the same,
yet passing out without venturing the
conspicuous courtesy.
Soon all had stepped into the starry
night; and the house slipped from
merry-making to dreamland.