Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1908-02-20

"Well, upon my word" he said. with
a touch of irritation.
"Oh, you are so dreadfuIly literalv'
she shrugged, brushing her straight.
sensitive nose with the pink blossom.
81 only said it to give you chance. If
you are going to be stupid. good
night" But she made no movement
to go. Eyes. then; have avoided you,
and 1t doesn't become you to ask why"
Because kissed your"
"You hint at the true reason so chiv-
alrously, so delicately," she sid. 'that
scarcely recognize It," The cool
mockery of her voice and the warm.
quick color tinting neck and face were
incongruous. He thought, with slow
surprise, that she was not yet letter
perfect in her role of the material tri-
umphant over the spiritual.
Il am sorry | came" she said re-
fectively. 'You don't know why |
came, do you? Sheer loneliness. Mr.. ST.
ward. There is something of the child
in me still, you see. 1t seems my fate
to pass my life in bidding you good
night" she said. Strengthening up and
turning to him with the careless laugh
ter touching mouth and eyes again.
Then, resting her weight on one hand
her smooth white shoulder rounded be-
side her cheek, she looked at him out
of humorous eyes
what is it that women find so at
tractiye in you? The mans expert
enced insouciance? The boys uncon-
scious cynicism2 The mystery of your
self sufficiency? The faulty humanity
in you? The youth in you already
showing traces of wear that hint of
future scars? What will you be at
thirty-fve, at forty? Ah," she added
softly, what are you now? For
don't know, and you cannot tell me if
you would"
What counts, with you?" he asked
after a moment.
Counts? How"
"In your affections. What prepos-
sesses your"
She laughed audaciously. "Your
| traits-some of them-all of them that
you reveal. You must be aware Of
that much already considering every
! thing
| One slim white hand held a rose
against her cheek; the other lay idly
| on her knee, fresh and delicate as a
! fallen petal and he laid both hands
over it and lifted it between them.
''Mr. Siward, am afraid this is be-
coming habit with you" The gay
mockery was not quite genuine, the
curve of lips too sensitive for voice
so lightly cynical.
He smiled, bending there. consider
ing her hand between his, and after a
moment her muscles relaxed and bare
round arm and hand lay abandoned to
him.
"Quite fawless-perfect," he said
aloud to himself.
do you-read hands?"
Vaguely" He touched the smooth
palm. Long life, clear mind and
he laughed-"hear supreme over rea-
son There is written white lie, but
pretty one"
TT is no lie."
She suddenly flushed and attempted
to close her hand, doubling the thumb
over. There was a little half hearted
struggle, freeing one of his arms
which fell. settling about her slender
waist; silence. breathless moment
and he had kissed her. Her lips were
warm this time.
She recovered herself, avoiding his
eyes, and moved backward. shielding
her face with pretty upflung elbows
out turned. 81 told you 1t was be
coming a habit with your The loud
beating of her pulses married her voice
"Must l establish dead line every
time commit the folly of being alone
with your"
"I'll draw that line" he said. TAX
ing her in his arms.
I'll beg you will draw 1t quickly
Mr.. Siward."
81 do; it passes through your hear
and miner
"Is-do you mean a declaration
again? You are compromising your
self, you know. ! warn you that yor
are committing yourself"
$50 are you. Look at meg'
In his arms, her own arms pressed
against bis breast, resisting, she RAISED
her Splendid youthful eyes. ant
through and through her shot pulse OF
} pulse until every nerve seemed to b
aquiver.
, while I'm still sane" he said, witt
a dry catch in his throat, before tel
you that love you look at me-
Il will If you wish,' she said, with I
trembling smile, "but 1t is useless"
'"That is what l shall find out il
time. You must meet my eyes. Tina
: Is well. That is frank and sweet"
} "And useless-truly it is. Pleas
don't tell me-anything"
"You will not listenT"
''There is no chance for you If yol
mean love. IL tell you in time, yol
see. am utterly frivolous-quite self
ish and mercenary."
! Il take my chance"
mo. I give Won none WhV do vol