Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1908-05-28
THE LADY OF
I n { R O Sc S
BY r. HARRIS DEANS


The traveller paused and, leaning on
the little white gate, eyed them
Ihoughtfuly. From so many one would
never be missed, or if missed, regret
led. He gazed around, not stealthily,
get undoubtedly searchingly.
He opened the gate and entered;
buccaneers may have worn such a look
Is he, Few gardeners but would quail.
Around clump of bushes he strobe.
Obi" cried the girl. Startled, she
dropped handful of roses, which fell.
ed and white, on the gravel-path.
She was clad in muslin, material
which, however unsuitable from hor-
icultural point of view. was artistically
Incompatible.
From beneath sheltering sun-hat
her eyes cleaned with annoyance
inquiry? She Strengthened herself
from her STOPPING posture and brushed
! curl from off her brow.
The intruder dropped quickly on one
knee. Her look of incipient alarm
AIDED as she observed that he gathered
together the roses which lav scattered
at her feet. Yet one might have
thought this latter action was in the
nature of an after-thought-an excuse
or an impulsive movement.
He rose to his feet and with court
ly gesture restored her spoil. Almost
she accepted it as a gift She retreat
ed step-an act which aroused him
to an appreciation of his intrusion.
Madam, he murmured, bow>lg low
that her age was but 20 summers
was no reason for employing the vo-
cabulary of Madam"
he said accordingly, dare l apollo
gize?"
She gave permission with an incli-
nation of her head.
Where there is no regret" he re-
flected, however there can be no
apology"
"An expression of regret" she sug-
gested. would be but polite" Albeit
she was not insistent, leaving the point
for his consideration.
"Polite| he protested. She gave to
his accompanying glance meaning
which brought deeper tinge of pink
to her cheek.
Desirable then" she amended cool
ly enough. With her head on one side
she awaited his judgment.
II crave" said he, bowling to her
wish, your pardon; little as regret
having given you cause for displeas-
ure."
She cast a questioning glance at
him.
For the reason" he explained, that
had I not offended should not have
been permitted to-apologize."
She bowed-a bow inferring an &C
ceptance both of the apology and the
compliment.
"You came" she hazarded, with an
indicatory sweep of the arm, for
roses?"
He was forced to admit the truth of
the accusation.
HAD I but suspected your pres
ence," he pleaded, II should not have
come-for roses"
Red and white roses; their perfume
scented the air.
Nevertheless" she insisted, you
came for roses"
He watched her movement anxious
ly. From a neighboring bush she
plucked red rose. With her head on
one side she considered it for an in
slant. Then with the air of one max
ing a concession she added to this =
white rose.
She glanced from the roses to him,
and caught his eye fixed upon her
With gesture lowering between en-
barrassment and intimacy she prof.
fered them.
They limited at the inevitable, and
reluctantly he accepted both.
A desire is never satisfied; achieve
ment is but dam which diverts its
course. Therefore he fingered.
81 am seeking words" he responded
to her raised eyebrows, "wherewith
to thank you"
"They are unnecessary" she said, as
her eyes fell before his glance.
Slowly she moved towards the gate,
a rustling among the bushes hasten
ing her progress.
At a bench by the gate she paused.
and fumbled awhile at her gown.
"Oh!" she cried at length, dis
tressed.
The intruder offered her a wealth of
service.
Half a CROWN" she murmured in
some confusion.
Even that was at her disposal.
Thank you," she said, as she placed
it upon the seat.
She passed through the gate, and he
followed, bewildered.
The flush deepened in her cheeks as
she answered his unspoken query.
"I-I also was just passing" she ex-
planned softly.