Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1908-07-09

4 = = + II n .
you will be glad when your self
imposed task has come to an end?"
Glad? Well, yes-and-no I've
been awfully interested, and the
hours have sped away like a Dream
You've not paid much attention to
your own special charge"
How could /, Esther? Besides,
you were looking after her. hope
| she's all right"
you will be glad to have her out
of the house, | expect"
Really, I've not had time to con-
slider the matter yet Is she begin
ming to bore your"
On the contrary, she interests me
more and more. / want you to see
her, and help her if you can"
"Yes?'
ut was through you she was
brought here, and you cannot shirk
your responsibility very we'll you
| know"
II don't know that l have shown
any disposition TO do so" he said, col
oring slightly.
scarcely inquired after her, in fact.
Even mother has remarked 1t. You
might be sorry you brought her here"
II don't pretend to be greatly in
terested,' he remarked indifferently.
"Of course. all women are obnox-
ious in your eyes"
NO. You are not" and he laughed
little harshly.
ooh, am your sister, and don't
count But listen" and she told
Marion's story in as few words as pos
sible.
well, what am to do2" he asked
"You might advise her how to act
She will not be able to travel for
some days, that is certain. In the
with this Mr.. Mayhew?"
THAT is a matter she can surely
decide for herself" he said, in q tone
of Indifference.
b "Oh, no doubt!"
Besides, women will always go
them. They are So
You needn't be cynical" she inter-
rupted. Will you come and see
Marion West?"
"See herr ..ss
'.She Is in the yellow room. We are
having tea together directly. You
might join us. Mother has gone to
call on Mrs. Parkyn."
Then I'm to join you or have tea
alone?" he questioned. knocking the
ashes from his pipe.
THAT is just how matters stand"
she answered, laughing.
He placed his pipe on the mantel-
piece and began walking up and down
the room. He was conscious of a
distinct fluttering Of the heart, and
the fluttering annoyed him He had
vowed that no woman should ever in
terest him again. He had done with
the sex forever. He had anathema-
tized woman in the mass with the
whole wealth Of his vocabulary, and
felt keen sense OF satisfaction in
doing 1t.
Yet now the humiliating fact was
forced home upon him with irresisti-
BILE conviction that he was interested
In a woman that pale, sad. immo-
bile face had haunted him during the
last two days and nights, that he had
been curious beyond. anything he had
ever known before to see that finely
ehiselled face. light up with the glow
OF intelligence, that he had wondered,
times without number, what her eyes
were like.
He had hidden his feelings, he
knew, in a pretended indifference,
had simulated an unconcern which he
did not feel, had fought himself DUR
I ing Wakeful hours Of the night, and
had refrained from asking questions
during the day: but the quickened
beating Of his heart indicated to him
that the battle was not yet finished.
will drink tea with you with
pleasure" he said, turning suddenly
on his heel. and he smiled In con
| fdent way.
That is right, Glenn. will order
It at once" and she got up and LETT
the room.
= may as well face the foe first as
last, he reflected, when he found
himself alone. After my experience,
I am not likely to be deluded second
time. .5i
His first impulse was to 20 to his
room and change his clothes, but after
q nome M reflection he decided that
would be q sign Of weakness. He
was not anxious to make an impress
sion. It was matter Of indifference
to him what she might think Of hirn.
Eliza came ut length and announced
That tea was ready, ana he nsde his
way slowly up the stairs. AT the vel
low room door he paused and drew q
deep breath. He was absnrdly ner.v-,
ous. and was angry with himself IN
consequence. }3.f
81 He knocked timidly then turned
the handle and pushed open the door.
HIS eyes sought the couch 1T once.
His sister was sitting with her back
toward him. Marion raised her head
and their eyea met.
II was . TRANSPORTED face he saw,
land tor i moment he felt unahIe to
Esyithdraw his gaze. It was like the
EtAreshe had seen before b,,t only M