The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1910-08-25

( AAAtOS not udNGA
ssassy to interpret Adele's words and
bearing, the cause of which was as
reS beyond her understanding. Kirby
Nnew that he was dealing with no CO.
quette, who sought to pander to van
ity or who considered all men the play
things of an idle hour. 1t was not so
! much Adele's words as her manner.
which betrayed a frank liking and in
terest, which, despite his modest argu-
ments TO the contrary. could no longer
be attributed to an impersonaI regard
for his safety and welfare. He saw
that, unknown to herself, she was rap
idly passing through the various stages
of liking and interest. heading straight
| for that inevitable climax which is
| dignified by the term love. In view Of
the fact that he had already arrived
there and had made every effort to as
sist her toward the same goal. the
present misgivings and self censure
which now assailed him were decided
~ out of place. A
True to his character. he had acted
first and considered last. He had put
forth every effort to please, to awaken
her heart and now that there were
signs that it was answering he was
| dismayed. In the flush Of his new and
welcome expert NSee he had forgotten
his calling. his reputation orgotteG
that he was a common gambler, with
no claim upon such society as he WAO
now enjoying forgotten everythik
but that, by some miraculous foEtWDA
he had been transplanted to the lMz&
Of his dreams, had met it's central g.
ure and had promptly plunged hoAd
over heels in love.
Kirby's thorough If tardy SELL cen
sure, however, was hardly justtAed,
! for he had made no conscious efforts
to enlist Adele's regard, and their mu-
tual attraction had been as instan-
taneOus and spontaneous as it was nat
ural and to be expected. But the
knowledge OF her identity had awak-
ened him to lively sense of his true
position, and. although he was far
from being the scOundrel which Mo-
reau had pictured and Adele believed
him, his regard for her clearly showed
him that by remaining he was leopard
izing her future peace and happiness.
He must save her from herself and
from him and, no matter how difficult
it would prove, kill her dawning inter-
est, which naturally was based on the
supposition that he was gentleman
privileged to associate with one, of her
standing. Filled with this resolution.
he now turned and said:
"Miss Randall, you've been kinder
to me than any woman ever was. You
saved my life this morning. But my
friend is right I'd better go. Already
you've helped me more than you
ought"
Instantly the angelic. wrapt express
sion was sponged from her face, and.
astonished, almost angry, she turned
upon him.
"Why? What right have you to say
that?' she demanded. do you think
+ don't want toy
"No.' he admitted. ''But-but /
can't stay"
"Do you want me to believe that
you're afraid?'
eyes, Pm afraid"
afraid because we expect the real
Colonel Moreau tonight or tomorrow:
Pm not afraid OF his coming. and you
can't make me believe that you are.
/ don't believe you were ever afraid
Of man in your life." She stood very
straight and looked into his eyes, an
incredulous. challenging smile on her
lips.
'Ne, was never afraid Of a man."
he admitted quietly. "But am afraid
off,
"of me?'' she whispered interpreting
the pause.
Eyes" he said simply.
Her eyes battled to meet his own,
but every effort proved futile, and at
length. coloring wildly, she sought the
garden seat, half turning her back,
while he pre-empted the arm, toying
restlessly with the white camellia be-
still carried.
ST gather from the stories you read
the General" he continued, bending
toward her, while he smiled half Gym
ically,. ''that the bad prince always
keeps following the beautiful princess.
and of course she always finds him
out. Now, it looks to me like weak
ness in his character that he doesn't
quit before she has the chance to- La
my opinion. he's a fool to take the
risk"
Fer answer came TREMENDOUSLY. but
withal brave and to the point.
81 suppose could find story In
which she would want him to take the
chance. Now-now, are you going to
stay?" turning and looking up. half
daringly. into his eyes.
"I can't he said doggedly. "And
the sooner j go the better. Don't let
anything ever make you sorry that
you helped me- Goodby." And, throw
ing the camelIia on the bench, he res
olutely offered his hand.
But she ignored the hand and picked
mn the discarded flower.