The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1909-11-10

rant and found her only too glad TO
go. At his suggestion she spoke to
Frances, only to meet a fiat refusal
81 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 l 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 a
splendid PLAN"
Mrs. Durant looked at her daughter.
startled.
Frances. I 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 we'll 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 i1ar-
Dor, and he is on board,
us he?" said Frances, still seeming
surprised. Why, how nice that would
be!'
"Nonsenser' snapped her T~ther.
Frances. l don't care for that young
naval officer, and don't see why you
can't get him out eff your head"
The girls face flushed hotSy.
He isn't in my bead" she exclaimed.
Her mother was not to be put off so
easily.
'EHump5l! Marbe he isn't in your
head, but sometimes I've feared hes
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
and her tone was very firm when she
answered.
I'm very sorry, mother, to disap-
point you and dad but must tell you
once and for all | wouldn't marry Ed
ward Pinckney If lie were the only
man on earth"
The mother looked at her daughter,
amazed.
Frances Durant. I'm ashamed of
you she cried. Here you've had me
enduring that horril yacht for a month
past merely because thought it would
now you tell me you'll never marry
him. I've never been so treated in my
life.'
Frances could not help laughing She
slipped her ar2n about her mother S
neck affec,omitely
I'm awfully sorry, mother. dear but
/ don't see how | can help YOU You
wouldn't have me marry a man don t
love. would your
NO" agreed her mother uncertain
ly; Il don't want to force YOU
"Tben I expect it's settled" decided
the girl. with long breath of salts
faction. We won't say any more
about it,
Mrs. Durant knew Frances we'll
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.
One change of scene had failed to
work. She would try another.
We'll. then, for goodness sake.
Frances. let's 90 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 home
whenever you wish" she agreed
/ Down in the courtyard Of the old
fashioned Spanish hotel Pinckney was
talking to the captain of the Iry essa
anxiously.
You say the Roanoke is in?' he
asked.
/ The captain nodded
Yes. sir She cast anchor in the
harbor an hour ago" he declared.
Then get up steam at once. cap
W
leave tonight"
The officer from the yacht hesitated
"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. Pm under your or
ders." he said. "but we have the ladies
on board. and they might not like a
storm"
Nonsense" snapped Pinckney.
you're too cautious. We leave to-
l--I-A