The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-01-23

| lLA it her "web," but only In secret conference. Graydon Ban semer lounged there in blissful con ] temptation of roseate fate, all the more enjoyable because his very ease was the counterpoise of doubt and un- certainty. No word of love had passed between the mistress of the web and her loyal victim But eyes and blood had translated the mysterious, voice less language of the heart into the sim plest of sentences They loved and ] they knew 1t.
 After leaving Rigby at the club Gray don drove to the north side, thrilled to the marrow with the prophecies of the night. His heart was in that little room on the library-and had been there for months. It was the abode of his thoughts. The stars out above the cold, glfttering lake danced merrily for him as he whirled up the Drive. The white carpet of February cr1nkled and creak- ed with the chill of the air, but his heart was hot and safe and sure. He knew that she knew what he was com ing for that night--the first kiss! | OdAC H x0~C W06 VI dAAAAt ACA " No AAsAA the tender glow of joy expectant; her voice was soft with the promise of coming surrender. Their hands met and clasped as she stood to welcome him in the red, seductive dimness of the little throneroom. His tall frame quivered; his lean, powerful, young face betrayed the hunger of his heart; his voice turned husky. It was not as he had planned. Her beauty-her mere presence-swept him past the prelimi- nary fears and doubts. His handclasp frightened, and his face drew resistless- ly to hers. Then their hands went sud denly cold.
 'sYou know, don't you, Jane, darling?" he murmured.
 "Yes," she answered after moment softly, securely. He crushed her in his strong arms. All the world seemed to have closed in about her. Her eyes, suffused with happiness, looked sweet ly into his until she closed them with the coming of the first kiss. .T love you-oh, love your' she whispered.
 "I worship you, Janew he responded. "I have always worshiped your
 It was all so natural. 80 normal. The love that had been silent from the first had spoken, that was all-had put into words it's untold story.
 "Jane, am the proudest being in the woridl" he said, neither knew how long afterward, for neither thought of time. They were sitting on the couch in the corner, their turbulent hearts at rest. gro think, after all, that such beautiful being as you can be mine foreverl It's-why, it's inconceivableg'
 You were sure of me all the time, Graydon." she demonstrated. "I tried to hide it, but couldn't. You must have thought me a perfect fool all these months"
 You are very much mistaken. if you at times that I was sick with uncer- tainty."
 Well, it's all over now," she smiled. And he sighed with great relief.
 All over but the-the wedding" he said.
 "Oh, that's a long way off. Let's not worry over that, Graydon."
 "A long way of? Nonsense! won't wait"
 .sWon't?"
 'I should have said can't. Let's see. This is February. March, dearest"
 "Graydon, you are so much younger than thought A girl simply cannot be hurried through a-an engagement Next winter"
 Next what? That's nearly year, Jane. It's absurd! Pm ready"
 "I know. It's mighty noble of you too But l just can't, dearest. No one ever does."
 "Don't-don't you think I'm prepared to take care of youy he said, straight ening up bit.
 She looked at his strong figure and into his earnest eyes and laughed so adorably that his resentment was only passing.
 'I can't give you home like this" he explained. "But you know I'll give you the Best have all my life"
 "You can't help succeeding, Gray don." she said earnestly. Every one says that Of you. I'm not afraid. Pm not thinking of that. It isn't the house I care for. It's the home You must let nae choose the day"
 T suppose it's customary" he said at last. "June is the month for brides, let me remind you"
 Before you came this evening I had