Charlevoix county herald., 1908-05-30

| an, holding out her hand. You havS
neglected us for long time" There
was something of reproach ~ well ~
civility in the voice.
YES" l replied, adjusting my man.
er nicely to her, Il have been very
busy"
Busy? How provoking of you to
say so! You should never be too busy
to take the commands of the ladies'"
THAT is why l am here" l inter
rupted with my best bow. But she
continued without noting it:
'Luella wagered with me that you
would make that excuse. l expected
something more original"
Il am very sorry" I said, with a
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 | have Just won pair of gloves
by it. Good evening to you," And
she held out her hand.
1t was with strong effort that
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 I 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 little at the tone in
which she addressed me. There was
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
impressive in their attractiveness.
Through all the conversation the
idea that Miss Knapp was regarding
me with hidden disapproval was
growing on me. l decided that Henry
had made some uncommon blunder
on his last visit and that | 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.
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."
l promptly hated Mr.. Imam 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 a smirk came to
take my place. / left Luella Knapp,
congratulating 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" l bowed. Il owe
you something"
"Indeed?" Mrs. Knapp raised her
eyebrows in surprise.
For your kind recommendation to
Mr.. Knapp"
MY recommendation? You have
little the advantage Of me-"
| was stricken with painful doubts,
and the cold sweat started upon me.
Perhaps this was not Mrs. Knapp after
all.
ooh, perhaps you didn't mean it,"
I said.
Indeed l did, IL it was recon-
mendation. I'm afraid it was uncon.
scious, though. Mr.. Knapp does not
consult me about his business"
I was in doubt no longer. 1t was
the injured pride of the wife that
spoke in the tone.
I'm none the less Obliged" / said
carelessly. 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 l should tell you. Just
get MIN in a corner and ask him."
Il suppose it is that dreadful stock
market"
"Oh, madam, let me say the chicken
market There is a wonderful oppor-
tunity just now for corner in fowls"