Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-12-29

came back the enthusiastic answer
"I'll be around at 3 O'Clock"
On the way back In the dusk OF
the evening Harold Graham asked
her to, marry him. She had known
he would, and had purposely given
him the opportunity, but now that the
vital moment had arrived she found
herself In the clutch Of 3 trembling
fear and uncertainty.
"You know I don't love you, Har-
DID," she told him, firmly.
II know, dear. but you will. will
Kitty, let me try. You don't care for
any one else, do you?"
She was silent for moment. INC"
she said at last, resolutely. II won't
Il WON'T won't care for him." she
cried desperately in her heart.
Then will you, dear?"
"Give me till Thursday night she
pleaded, "and will tell you then"
Thursday afternoon found her still
waverfng in wretched indecision.
Putting on her things sne started off
for three mile walk that led through
the woods and along by the edge OF
the lake. As she came slowly back
along the shore, gazing out dreamily
over the r1Iffled waters she decided
she would marry him. Harold loved
her, and she could at least try to make
him happy.
Hardly had she arrived at this de-
cfsion when she became conscious Of a
mans form approaching. She glanced
indifferently along the path and her
heart gave sudden bound as she
recognized Jack Neville. She took q
fierce grip on herself and smiled on
nchalantly as they met.
why, Jack! Back already"
eyes," he said, keeping her hand in
his and looking steadily into her eyes,
II have been to the house, and they
told me you had gone off for q
tramp, so came out here. I knew
this was favorite walk of yours"
Il came out today to decide rather
momentous question:" she told him,
lightly, as he turned to walk back be-
side her Harold Graham has asked
me to marry him, and have just de-
cided that will"
He stopped short in the path and
his face went gray.
$50 you knew what wanted to tell
you," he said in dull voice, "and you
are telling me this TO-"
.'As return confidence, yes" she
laughed Harold told me what you
were interrupted in saying"
Harold told you'll" he echoed
blankly
"About your engagement-yes.'
"My engagement" he repeated
stupidity. kitty. what are YOU
Look at me- he commanded sternly,
putting his hands on her shoulders
and compelling her to face him.
Now tell me what you mean
strange excitement stirring In her
heart, that you were engaged to a
Boston girl-that Peggy Desmond
told him.
He emitted a sound between a
laugh and groan.
'I told Peggy he explained. that
Miss Baird was soon to be member
of the family. That's all She is en-
gagged to my brother. never dreamed
she would take such a ridiculous
meaning out Of my words. And you-
believed it,"
EYES," admitted Kitty, her eyes
downcast.
Even after i had begun to tell
you. Oh, see, you thought-But
what does it natter he ended bit
terly, "since you are going to marry
Graham"
I'll told Harry didn't love him"
she brought out, desperately.
"Then why-kitty! He searched
her face eagerly. incredulously. yet
with surging hope. kitty, was 1t be-
cause
Eyes" murmured Kitty, the bushes
hot in her cheeks. ut was because"
ooh. sweetheart
"Eut why she asked presently,
drawing awav from MIN, did you say
it vas something that might not in
terest Ee?"
"Beca Sc didn't dream that it
would because yo'l re such des-
rerate little f'rt and never dared
hcne trat you cared
/ II didn't she interrupted, until
after v I rad gene and | couldn't tell
you. At least | didn't knew it."
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