Las Vegas optic., 1911-11-11
FATE PLAYED
CARDS
By SUSANNE GLENN

iess from haste and the last warm
rays OF the summer sun.
we were delayed. Aunt Hannah
! had callers"
, She dropped upon the rustic seat
with unstudied grace.
Callers are great event with us,
you know" she added with a smile.
and these-have decided to spend
the night, i believed"
They gazed at each other solemnly
for moment, and then laughed.
What a gem this girl was among
these good, simple hill people, with
her delicate beauty and refined waysl
James Blakeson gazed at her until the
soft color deepened in her cheeks. and
her reproachful eyes dropped to her
pink gingham lap.
you have not always lived here,
Colette?' he said, gently.
Why do you ask?"
You seem different from these peo-
pie, some way. Have you no homer"
only the sort of home my aunts
make for me-" answered Colette Grey
quietly.
Determination clutched the heart Of
Blakeson.
But how will your mother receive
an inexperienced hill girl?" whispered
Discretion In his ear.
She will receive my wife unless I
am greatly mistaken" answered De-
termination with grim purpose.
But you must remember you are
Keeper at The Bowlders, insisted
discretion, with unnecessary persis-
tence
Whatever am, love her with ev-
cry beat of my heart!" cried the
whole being Of the man fiercely.
"Colette." he said, great strength
pulsing under the calmness of his
manner. going to her and lifting her
gently to her feet. "Colette, look at
mel"
The girl lifted her eyes bravely and
the flush that flooded her face at his
look faded suddenly, leaving her pale
and shaken.
Il love you! l love you!" he said.
mo, mol" she cried.
mo, mol" she cried. "You must
not"
Z "Will you marry me?" he looked at
her compellingly.
The experienced heart of the girl
beat as riotously as true pink gingham
hearts and supposed to do. Many
nen Of many stations in life had
begged for her hand when It was soft I
md white and jewel-decked, but never ,
g this man did for the little brown
and Of Colette Grey! r
"Oh, ! cannot-you do not under y
tand," she murmured miserably. II
4 have deceived you!" h
"Will you tell me you do not love a
le?" he insisted still more gently. G
Oh. IL only he were not keeper a
hat man he was! But 1t could 0
ever be; she could never have the t
ourage. Sobs shook her and she hid g
er face against his coat Il
What does anything matter since
Te love each other, dear?" he asked, '
Then she was quiet. u
Colette remained motionless, fight 7
|
lght or to be strong; but when one
las family traditions, and two dear d
hough exacting maiden aunts, one d
must never weaken!
Upon the soft evening air, there Il
anne Unexpectedly the sound of un- g
ertain steps and a refined, impatient h
-oice:
Il am certain Hannah said Patricia y
vent down this lane, but assuredly q
zee nothing OF her" 7
"Oh," whispered the girl, lifting her
ead in sudden alarm. 81 cannot see
hem now! What can dor"
James Blakeson glanced through
he wild cherry bushes at the two ap- {
'roaching figures, and back at the
iris appealing face.
Then lifting her bodily, he set her
IN her feet on the opposite side of
he wall, vauIted it himself. and II
rashed hastily through the under n
.rowth Il
"Scamper," he said, grasping her U
land firmly, and breathlessly they =
ped over the rough ground to the 2
helter of the woods below
Lets begin over again." said the
'oung man. when they were COM U
ortably seated on a convenient log u
nd had regained their breath.
What is the use? What told you g
) final!" Colette tried to speak aus a
erely p
But you answer too soon You did !
lot hear what | had to say" . .
II do not wish to hear; cannot en- :, =
ure it. jamie. for my answer must be :, :.
he same" 70
Dear, dear girl!" His hand went :,
ut to the pink gingham where it fiut- q .
cred over the rough log. STILL you =
ught to listen 1t isn't fair not to :,
ct me tell you-and it isn't fair for y
ou not to hear!" = =
The girl sat in unhappy silence. :
"Colette." he said at last, laying her
and against the rough bark and
hon uQhtfl1Ilv anroodinO har ura++x a.,