Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1909-01-01

BABY and all that sort of thing. To-
day you are-are flirting with me-"
She shot him a quick, inquiring glance
that seemed to say
What does it all meanf"
He answered it by taking her hands in
his, and swaying her gently backwards
and forwards. A moment later he had
grasped her by the shoulders, and was
stopping to look into her eyes.
Hou are still not quite a woman" he
protested, "for you do not understand;
you imagine that I am flirting. Can't
you see that this is not flirting, but
something far more serious2 I am ask
ing you to do me the greatest honor a
woman can do man-to be my wife"
She drew short, sharp breath, as
though terrified, then broke into a rip
ping laugh
L am only H." she said; "you forget
that. couldn't marry yet. 1t is much
too early"
She spoke as simply and naturally as
though she were refusing to go a morn
ing's drive with her cousin, and with no
sense of the Importance of the question
he was putting. He was experiencing
new sensation. He, the practiced LADY,
killer, knew that he had not yet cap
tured this young girls fancy. She
looked straight at him with great, UNI
troubled eyes. He was at the same time
piqued, disappointed, and nerved to fur
Their effort. He vowed that she should
be his; he could not let her escape him.
he was her first wooer; he knew that.
Never until now had she listened to sub
| tie fattery, warmed to delicate atten-
tons, or crimsoned beneath admiring
glances. No man had been permitted to
enter the enchanted gates of the Chase.
Her aunt, Lady Gwendolen Haviand,
the girls sole guardian, only admitted
the wears son, young William DARYL,
commonly called Billy. She made this
exception because he and Lillian had al
ways been playfellows, and because
when Lady Gwendolen was a mere girl,
and Billy's father, Rev. Matthew, was a
young curate, there had been love pas
sages between them. A whole lifetime
had passed since then. Matthew Daryll
was widower, Lady Gwendolen a
widow. Yet she was curiously tender
with Billy. Though she told every one
that she meant to spring her niece on
society, and astonish it with the girls
beauty and vivacity, she let young
DARYL see as much of her as he chose
Nor did she bar the door to Kennedy
Galbraith. He was a second cousin, and
claimed his privileges. Besides, Lady
Gwendolen believed that. with his knowl.
edge of the world, he might prove useful
as an adviser. She herself was not a
very practical person, and she knew it
1t was good to be able to talk of Lil's
future with Galbraith; her aunt did not
| suspect him of any Interior motive
While she preserved this happy uncon.
sciousness, while the sun shone, Kennedy
Galbraith determined to make hay.
The sun shone now upon a young face
wearing a half puzzled, half-pleased ex-
preston. Lii was neither angry MOI
grieved, perhaps a trife elated by the
fact that she had just received an offer
of marriage of which she could speak tt
Billy and so convince him that hereafter
he must treat her with becoming respect
II know that am not worthy of you
Galbraith continued, 'but my great love
gives me courage to place myself at your
mercy"
LiPs forehead became smooth and
clear once more. She liked her cousins
way of addressing her; it resembled that
adopted by the heroes of certain novels
she had read, and had the charm OF
familiarity.
Il don't think l really love you,'
she replied, stammering in bewitched
way.
He caught her in his arms.
81 will teach you to love me, little
one" he cried.
But I haven't said yes; remember
that"
She had disengaged herself, and was
settling the lace at her throat with
queer little clever touches.
81 know it, but in a week you will
have your answer ready for me; it will
not be mo-"
He spoke confidently, too confidently
he feared But she beamed upon him
Lii had an idea that a man should be
masterful. able to command
Il will think it over" she said meekly
"And you will give me your answer
this day week, in the evening-aftel
dinner-here in this very spot? Until
then we will both be silent on the sub.
ject."
'You do not wish me to tell Aunt
Gwen?"
mo, it is our secret"
She clapped her hands.
81 do so love a secret" she said, and
went away looking very wise.