The Redwood gazette., 1909-11-10

rant and found her only too glad to
go. At his suggestion she spoke to
Frances, only to meet a fat refusal
Il don't want to go yet. mother"
protested the girl I'm having a
splendid time here in my own way.
and | can't see any reason for leav-
ing. I'd like to ride up to Coamo and
try the Spanish baths and then go on
through to San Juan It's an easy
ride, and | can meet the ship there.
Suppose you and Edward go around
! by ship and let me come through the
/ other way. l think that would be
splendid plan"
Mrs. Durant looked at her daughter.
startled
Frances. 1 think you must be out of
your head"' she exclaimed How
could you come through alone? Prob
ably you are planning to have Lieu
tenant Sommers take charge of you?"
Frances expression showed only
amazement, but her heart was beating
hard.
Lieutenant SommersY' she asked,
with well simulated surprise.
Mrs. Durant made an Impatient
gesture.
Now, don't pretend, Frances. that
you are ignorant of the fact that the
Roanoke is expected here in the har-
Dor, and he is ON board.
us hep said Frances, still seeming
surprised. Why, how nice that would
be-"
'Nonsensew snapped her u~ther.
Frances. l don't care for that young
naval officer, and l don't see why you
can't get him out eff your head
The girls face flushed hotsy.
He isn't in my kead." she exclaimed.
Her mother was not to be put off SO
easily.
"Humph! Maybe he isn't in your
head, but sometimes I've feared he's
in your heart, which is worse Now.
Frances. don't be foolish. You know
Edward cares for you, and you know
that your father and would like to
see you two married."
The girl shook her head decisively
5 answered.
4 I'm very sorry, mother. to disap-
point you and dad. but | must tell you
once and for all | wouldn't marry Ed
ward Pinekney If he were the only
5 man on earth"
. The mother looked at her daughter
D amazed.
FRAMES Durant. I'm ashamed OF
, your she cried Here you've had me
: enduring that horrid yacht for a month
r past merely because thought it wouIo
: help to bring this match about. anC
t now yo1 tell me you'll never marry
him! I've never been so treated in my
Q life.'
Frances could not help laughing. She
slipped her arni about her mothers
: neck affectionHteiy
''Im awfully sorry. mother dear. but
. i don't see how | can help you. You
, wouldn't have me marry a man | don't
r love. would your
NO agreed her mother uncertain
+ ly;'1 don't want to force YOU
Then expect it's settled" decided
, the girl. with long breath of salts
f faction. We won't say any more
about it,
Mrs. Durant knew Frances well
+ enough not to try to argue the matter
She still had some hope. for she had
+ .dwelt on the prospect so long that she
+ could not at once give it up entirely.
I One change of scene had failed to
work She would try another.
! well. then, for goodness sake.
Frances. let's go home" she said eager
, ly. Il want to get settled in my own
+ room and feel the floor stay STILL
The girl sighed.
Very well, mother; We'll go HON,
whenever you WISH" she agreed.
Down in the courtyard of the ole
fashioned Spanish hotel Pinckney wa:
: talking to the captain of the Irv esss
anxiously.
You say the Roanoke is in? ht
asked.
The captain nodded
Yes. sir She cast anchor in the
harbor an hour ago. he declared.
Then get up steam at once. cap
TAIN" ordered Pinckney I'VE will
q
leave tonight"
4 The officer from the yacht hesitated
i "Of course, if you say so. sir. he
agreed, '+but | would strongly suggest
waiting over bit There is a bad
. storm brewing. and storms in this lat
, itude are apt to be awkward. Don't
you think you'd better lay over until
the weather clears up?"
Pinckney whirled on him angrily.
I'm giving the orders.'' he snapped
Still the seaman could not quite
agree. He knew his business. and he
felt a grave responsibility at the
thought of taking the wife and daugh-
ter of the owner into danger.
:. Certainly, SIR I'm under your or
ders.'' he said. shut we have the ladies
on board. and they might not like a
Storm
Nonsense" snapped Pinckney.
you're too cautious. We leave TO-