Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-10-30

time. She had gone out an anxious
worried girl. She re-entered a glow
Ing woman. loved and loving. sure -
herself and happily confident Of the
future. They were not engaged. No.
indeedl They had solemnly assured
each other OF that fact 1t would not
do at all FOR the penniless naval officer
TO formally ask the hand Of the steel
kings daughteri But when his gun
had been great success and fame
had come TO him then he was to come
and make bis formal plea and ask her
! father for her hand. And she would
be waiting eagerly for her lover. ready
with her answer aud prepared. no mat
ter what happened. to follow him t.
the ends OF the earth.
Edward Pinckney looked I'D with a
sheer as she entered the library
"Oh. he's gone, has hep he said
contemptuously.
The girl was too happy to mind the
tone.
You mean Mr.. SommersT" she said
affecting 20 misunderstood. yes: he's
gone"
cor course 1 mean that naval whip
persnapper. Who do you suppose }
meantT" he replied sharply. 'You
ought 20 have more sense. Frances
than TO stand out on that cold porch
You're likely 10 catch pneumonia or
anything"
The girl smiled slightly.
"Oh. wasn't cold" she said.
I've been waiting TO speak 10 You. 4"
| began PinCkney again. ITS about
something important"
/ Frances was I'm no mood FOR long
| dun conversation. She wanted TO get
away by herself to think over the last
half hour. 20 feel again the thrill OF
his touch. TO hear again in her imagi
nation the sound OF his voice So she
spoke somewhat impatieutly.
Won't tomorrow do. EdwardY'
He shook his head with decision.
mo; tomorrow won't do Frances.
want 10 talk 60 you tonight about
something In which I am Interested
and in which your mother and father
are interested also-Somcthing which
we all wish 90 bring about"
The girl yawned. She did not have
the least idea what he was going 90
say.
ooh. very wei. Edward. II It's any
thing you wish and mother and father
wish. too, just consider that / have
agreed and let il go at that Don't
worry me-"
He stepped toward her suddenly and
before she realized it had put his arm
about her.
Then we may announce the on
gagement ut once" he said master
fully.
The girl reconed. then tore herself
from his arms.
mo" she said sharply. you will
not announce any engagement OF mine
II YOU mean yourself as the man"
His face darkened.
you mean YOU don't care for meT'
he demanded.
She looked at him with a smile.
cor course / care for you. Edward.
we've been brought up together. I've
looked on you as a sort OF big brother
but / don't care for you the least bit
IN the way you mean. and never
VIII"
y ~
he demanded angrily.
or course / won't marry you when
/ don't care for you" she retorted. be
ginning 20 lose her temper In turn
Are YOU out OF your senses? I've
never had any idea OF marrying you
Edward. ! viii never have such an
idea"
Pinckney saw all his dreams begin To-
tumble. 1t made him angry, despcr-
ate
You viii marry mer' he exclaimed
stepping toward her. II tell you you
Will marry me! What do you think /
ana fool? DO you suppose I'm an
idlotic. dreaming foolY"
The repetition OF that phrase when
she had heard so recently reused the
girl TO fierce anger.
Yes" she cried. you are a drea m.
ing. idiotic fool IL you think I'm going
to marry you or anybody else ! don't
love, whether you wish il or mother
and father wish IL or the whole world
wishes It. Understand that once and
Tor all Good night" And. turning.
she started for the door.
Pinckney's face was convulsed with
rage. His hands were twitching. lie
could hardly control himself.
Then you're going to marry this
dirty adventurer. SOmmers, are your
he almost shouted.
The girl stopped short and whirled
about, facing him. Her cheeks were
bright. her eyes blazing with anger.
I'm going TO marry the man love.
Edward PiuckneyP' she exclaimed In
voice OF controlled anger. "And that
man will never be you. That's all you
need know. He will never be you
Good night"
CHAPTER VII.
TIE FORGING or THE BIG GUN.