Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1910-06-30
CHAPTER VII.
IN THE PARK

KeNTO q scene or rural tranquil
lity in Hyde park rode briskly
about the middle of the morn
ing Jocelyn Wray and others.
The glow on the girls cheeks har-
monized with the redness of her
lips. The sparkling blue eyes mocked
at all neutral hues Her gown and an
odd ribbon or two waved. as it were,
light defiance to motionless things
still leaves and branches. flowers and
buds, drowsy and sleeping. Some
galloped the horse bearing John Steele,
and as they went at fair pace, pre-
ceded and followed by others of a gay
party, the eyes of many passersby
turned to regard themt
by Jove, they're stunning! 1t isn't
"Or a girl more the picture of
healthp'
"And beauty"
Unconscious of these and other COM
ments from the usual curious contin-
gent of idlers filing the benches or
strolling along the paths, the girl now
set yet swifter gait. glancing quickly
over her shoulder at her companion.
DO you like hard gallop? Shall we
let them out?'
His Frightening gaze answered.
They touched their horses and for
some distance raced madly on. passed
those in front and left them far be
hind. Now Steele's eyes rested on the
playing muscles of her superb horse,
then lifted to the 1.-THE form of JOcelyn
Wray. the straight shoulders, bit Of
a tress, disordered, floating rebellious-
ly to the wind.
AS abruptly as she had pressed her
horse to that inspiring speed she drew
him in to walk.
wasn't that worth coming to the
park for?" she said gayly.
"More than worth it,"
"You see what you missed in the
past" she observed in a tone Slightly
mocking.
"You were not here to suggest It,"
he returned quietly, with gaze only for
blue eyes.
She suffered them to linger 81 sup
pose l should feel fiattered that a sug-
gestion from little me-
"a suggestion from little you would.
1 fancy, go a long way with many
people" A spark shone now in the
mans steady look. The girl seemed
not afraid of it.
II am fortunate" she laughed-"a
compliment from Mr.. John Steele"
He started as if to speak, but his an
swer remained unuttered. The mans
lips closed tighter.
He offered no comment. The horses
moved on. Suddenly she looked at
him.
'Do you know" she laughingly re-
marked "you are not very interest
ing?"
He started Interesting"
He bent a little nearer. She swept
back the disordered lock. An instant
the man seemed to lose his self pos
session. "Ah," he began as If the
words forced themselves from his lips.
"if only 1 might
What he had been on the point Of
saying was never finished. The girls
quick glance. sweeping an instant
ahead. had fingered on some one APP
preaching from the opposite direction.
Isn't thar Lord ROnsdaleT' asked
the girl. continuing to gaze before her
A black look replaced the sudden
fame In Steele's gaze. The hand hold
Ing the reins closed on them tightly.
Rather early for him. ! fancy" she
said. regarding the slim figure OF the
approaching rider. with his devotion
70 clubs and late hours, you know.
DO you, Mr.. Steele. happen TO belong
10 any OF his clubs?"
'No" He spoke In a low voice. al
most harshly.
Her brow lifted His face was turned
from her. Had he been mindful he
might have noted a touch Of displeas-
ure on the proud face that she regard
ed him as from a vague, indefinite
distance.
lie remained silent She frowned.
then turned 10 the nobleman with a
smile. Lord Ronsdale found that her