Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1909-12-02

"You are an absolute. idiotic. dream
ing fool" she said, so softly, so ten
derby. that he could not but understand. |
Frances"
he barely breathed her name. Then
all reply was cut off, for she was in
his arms with her own arms about his
neck and their lips were tight to-
gether.
1t was nearly half an hour later
when Frances Durant, her cheeks
flushed. her eyes misty with happi-
ness. opened the big front door and
stepped back into the lighted hall.
SO much had happened in that short
time. She had gone out an anxious.
worried girl. She re-entered a glow
ing woman. loved and loving. sure of
herself and happily confident Of the
future. They were not engaged. No,
indeed! 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 daughter! But when his gun
had been a great success and fame
had come to him then he was to come
and make his formal plea and ask her
father Tor her hand. And she would
be waiting eagerly for her lover. ready
with her answer and prepared. no mat
ter what happened. to follow him to
the ends of the earth.
Edward Pinckney looked up with a
sheer as she entered the library.
ooh, he's gone. has he?" he said
contemptuously.
The girl was too happy to mind the
tone.
You mean Mr.. Sommers" she said,
affecting to misunderstood. YES; he's
gone"
"Of course mean that naval whip
%persnapper. Who do you suppose i
meanty he replied sharply. You
ought to have more sense. Frances.
than to stand out on that cold porch.
You're likely to catch pneumonia or
anything"
The girl smiled slightly.
"Oh. | wasn't cold" she said.
"Ive been waiting to speak to you
began Pinckney again. ITS about
something important"
Frances was in no mood for long,
dull conversation. She wanted to get
away by herself to think over the last
half hour, to feel again the thrill of
his touch. to hear again in her imagi-
nation the sound of his voice. So she
spoke somewhat impatiently.
Wont tomorrow do, Edward?"
He shook his head with decision.
mo; tomorrow won't do. Frances. |
want to talk to you tonight about
something in which l am interested
and in which your mother and father
are interested also-something which
we all wish to bring about"
The girl yawned. She did not have
the least idea what he was going to
say.
"Oh. very we'll. Edward. if it's any
thing you wish and mother and father
wish. too, just consider that l have
agreed and let it 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 the en-.
4 gagement at once" he said master
fully.
The girl recoiled, then tore herself
from his arms.
mo-" she said sharply. you will
not announce any engagement of mine
If you mean yourself as the man"
His face darkened.
you mean you don't care for me?"
he demanded.
She looked at him with a smile.
o course l care for you. Edward;
we've been brought up together. I've
looked on you as Il sort of big brother,
but l don't care for you the least bit
IN the way you mean. and l never
Will"
You mean you Won't marry me?"
he demanded angrily.
y course l won't marry you when
l don't care for you" she retorted, be-
ginning to lose her temper in turn.
Are you out Of your senses? I've
never had any idea of marrying you.
Edward. l will never have such an
idea"
Plnckney saw all his dreams begin to
tumble. 1t made him angry. desper-
ate.
"You will marry met" he exclaimed.
stepping toward her. II tell you you
will marry me! What do you think 1
ana fool? Do you suppose I'm an
1diotic, dreaming fool"
The repetition Of that phrase which
she had heard SO recently reused the
girl to fierce anger.
YES" she cried. you are a dream
ing. idiotic fool If you think Pm going
to marry you or anybody else l don't
love, whether you wish 1t or mother
and father wish it or the whole world
wishes 1t. Understand that once and
for all. Good night" And. turning.
she started for the door.
Pinckney's face was convulsed with
rage. His hands were twitching. He
could hardly control himself.
'Then you're going to marry this