The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1909-04-23

/ suasvned at IT with a singular eager
ness and then tossing 1t carelessly back
on the tray, remarked emphaticaily:
please say I'm not at home"
rs that Ereddiep asked Ella, look
Ing up suddenly and stopping the maid
by d gesture. And as her sister replied
with sullen nod, she continued, Il
think you'd better see him, dear
"Oh, I'm not afraid to see him, If 1t
comes to that" said Bertha, defantly.
"Show Mr.. Markham up, Mary" said
Ella, to the maid.
you'll do the explaining, dear, won't
your" pleaded Bertha, when they were
alone as she darted to the pier glass
and criticized herself anxiously. you
can talk to him. you know. How do
look? Tell him that ] have nothing to
add to my letter, and all that. Is my
hair all rightl Hush, here he ISL
Mr.. Markham bowed quietly as he
entered the room with Ills hat in one
hand and large brown paper parcel IN
the other. Bertha, with her foot on the
fender and her arm on the mantelplece,
acknowledged his bow, with a frigld
inclination Of her head, while Ella hur-
ried forward and shook hands cordial
ly, and hoped that Mr.. Markham would
be seated. Then she volunteered the
suggestion that it was nice day.
Mr.. Markham agreed that 1t was
very nice day, indeed. Then he added,
studiously addressing himself to Ella
all the time:
II have brought few things with
me which must ask your sister to let
me return. l thought l ought to call
personally, as quite understand you
may reasonably expect some apology
from me for sending your sister home
alone on Tuesday, and beg you
will"
"Oh, It's too late now!" interrupted
Bertha, with rather fierce emphasis.
"Oh, quite understand that" said
Mr.. Markham, still addressing Ella.
"But hope you will believe that am
very sorry about 1t all. If you will
accept my apology, Ter, think that Is
all. There is nothing more to be said"
And he rose from his chair.
Nothing said Bertha, looking
fiercely into the fire stove.
"Oh, Mr. Markham, do please excuse
me-" cried Ella, starting up from her
chair suddenly and running to the win
dow. but there's Harry coming down
the lawn, and he's brought me such
lovely bouquet. Bertha, you'll show
Mr. Markham out, won't you" And
she was gone in moment.
The situation had become somewhat
dlsquieting. Bertha turned rather red
and began to contemplate minutely the
shape Of her dainty boot which was
resting on the fender. Mr.. Markham
brushed his hat pensively on his elbow
and seemed to be troubled with a slight
cough.
"I--er, think that Is ALL" he said
at length.
"Oh, yes" said Bertha, deliberately.
After what has happened 1t is easy
to see that we can be nothing more to
each other"
"Er-yes. l suppose that is so,' said
Mr.. Markham, refiectlvely, as he con-
tinued to brush his hat with extraor.
dlnary diligence,
"And dare say you're very glad to
be out of it, said Bertha, sitting
big sigh of resignation, as she left the
and walked to the win
low.
"Oh, no, not at ALL insisted Mr..
Markham. I'm rather sorry In one
way. you know, because | thought"
Il see you've brought back my pres
snts,' she said coldly. but you need
lot have bothered, I'm sure. was go
ng to send yours back tonight. I've
rot them all packed up"
"0h they don't matter, assure
'ou," Mr., Markham hastened to assure
Ter.
There was an awkward pause, and
hen to relieve the strain he crossed to
he table and laid the brown paper
'arcel glngerly on the extreme edge
BY that time he had thought Of some.
hing to say.
Tn afraid I've tied up rather an
wkward bundle; but wanted to get
he parcel done up In hurry, because
'ack Kingston surprised me In the mid
lie of 1t. He came in to know IL |
vas going to the Tomlinsons' dance,
nd"
Bertha wheeled around suddenly, as
she had quite forgotten the painful
lature of the interview.
Are the Tomlinsons going to give
dance2' she asked eagerly. II won.
er who's going, VIII Jessie Hamilton
g thereY"
Then the sad formality of the oc-
aslon dawned upon her, and she sighed
nd turned TO the window again,
Il really don't know" said Mr..
iarkham. I'm not going"
"0hf pray don't stay away on my
ccount," urged Bertha. sarcastically.
Il - er wasn't going to - I
lean---"
THANK You for the compliment" she
aid ironically bowling at the same