The Green Forest tribune., 1909-04-09

"You are not wholly unknown to me, Miss Drummond, although I con fess I never saw you until today" said Valdean, slowly Last Easter I chanced to be at St. Marks church in the city, and there I heard you sing for the first time. I know it was you, for I could not be mistaken in the voice. I did not see you, nor was I able to find out who you were or where you lived, but your voice has haunted me for whole year. In my thoughts, in my dreams, you have been known to me only as the Easter lady; but now-at last"
 He checked himself, and deliberate ly began to turn the vehicle into cross-road leading at right angles from the one they were following. The girl quickly laid a small gloved hand on his arm.
 NO, mol" she cried; mot that way. Keep straight on. Mrs. Camperdown lives"
 "Mrs. Camperdown can wait" said Valdean firmly as the car shot into the new road at an increased rate of speed. T am not ready to take you to Mrs. Camperdown yet. 1 have waited whole year for this oppor- tunity; do you think I am going to turn you over to Mrs Camperdown so soon?"
 Miss Drummond sank helplessly back in her seat He knew she was staring fxedly at him, and he half-ex- pected an outburst of expostulation, but he did not turn his head. Am I being kidnaped?" she asked I at last; and the humorous note in her voice assured him that his bold move was being condoned. Valdeans face frightened with a quick gleam of excited pleasure. Then you will let me drive you to town?"
 Indeed it will be a great favor to me. I hope 1t is not asking too much of you"
 "Oh, shall be delighted. And we can dine at the Red Eagle inn, which | is directly on the way, and still get home before nightfall." | The ice was broken; it was aston ishing how quickly these young peo- pie arrived at mutual and cordial understanding. By the time the Red Eagle inn loomed up before them they were chatting as gaily and unreserved- ly as if they had known each other for years. They dined cozily and happily at the inn, consuming much more time than was necessary in the perform ance, and then taking their places in the car once more, they resumed their journey toward the city.
 T was sure something portentous would happen today" said Valdean enthusiastically, as they bowled along the highway
 And has anything portentous hap pened?" asked Miss Drummond, curi- ously.
 Surely. Nothing could be more significant than this chance meeting between you and me-"
 "But-does it portend anything?"
 "To me it does. It holds beautiful promise. It is the fate of the Val deans. Listen, Miss Drummond," and the young man became very serious. Easter is strangely mixed up with | the destinies of the Valdeans My father met my mother for the first time on Easter day. My grandfather and grandmother first knew of each others existence on an Easter morn ing and they were married the same evening. It was the tricksy spirit of that festival that brought my great grandparents together nearly a hun dred years ago. As far back as the record goes the members of my family have all met their affinities at Easter time. Will you contend, Miss Drum nd-Margaret-that our meeting to-day has no meaning for the future?"
 She gave him quick, frightened look. Then the warm color streamed into her face and neck, and her eyes dropped.
 Might it not mean" he continued with desperate earnestness, that we are both controlled by the same fate that rules in the Valdean family. Might it not mean that you and r."
 "Nonsense!" interrupted the girl, but her voice was very faint and tren.- ulous.
 will you let me hope, Margaret2" he whispered again.
 l She slowly shook her head. We have known each other so short a time," she protested.
 "We have known each other for five hours," said Valdean, looking at his watch. What does 1t matter? It Is fate. At least, tell me that I may hope"
 She was silent long time; but at last she sighed softly and lifted her eyes trustfully to his.
 "Yes, IT think you may hope Richard"