The Colorado statesman., 1911-04-01

Roy placed silver dollar on the
corner OF the table before he left.
Jean found It after he had gone.
She held 1t up with a merry smile.
MY first tip. Dave; / shall keep It,"
she said.
81 have not seen the last OF that
young man." mused Jean-she knew
her power and for once rejoiced In 1t
-"and | don't know that l am averse
to seeing him again. strange to say.
The following day. after Polly was
tucked In bed. Jean sought her IA
vorite nook again and opening tiny
volume of Omar was soon absorbed
in its pages She was SO deeply en-
crossed, apparently. that she raised
her eyes only to look squarely into
the brown ones of her canoeist of the
preceding day. Much to her surprise
Jean blushed as Roy sprang to the
bank and seated himself at her feet
with a word of courteous greeting.
This part of the river is enchant-
ing. l intend to follow 1t up now l
have found my way" explained the
young man rather awkwardly. you
don't mind my resting a bit?"
Jean shook her head and gazed at
him mischievously through her long
lashes until Roy flushed uncomfort-
ably.
May 1 see what you are reading"
he asked.
Forgetting her role Jean extended
the book.
omar! Ye gods Well. who would
appreciate him better than wood
nymph? You have been to school to
some purpose, judge"
The college girl nodded. struggling
to repress a smile; then, pointing to
the volume, motioned to him to read.
II there was one thing that Roy
loved to do, and felt that he could do
well, 1t was to read to an appreciative
listener.
Without hesitation he opened the
book, and for half an hour Jean en-
joyed the tones of his deep, rich
voice. Intermittently, he would COM
ment on the text and look to the girl
for quick approval
Suddenly, the long RAYS of the sun
brought Jean out of her trance of de-
light and she held out her hand for
the volume. Roy reluctantly relin-
quished it.
you should read Steps to
Thought he said. May I come again
some day and bring 1t to you?"
Jean bowed after a moments hesi-
tation. and turned away abruptly,
conscious that she had passed the
hanniact hour of her life
The next day 1t rained, but the fol-
lowing one found Jean under the
pines with some fancy work watch
ine, with beating heart. as Roy round
ed the bend in the river with eager,
expectant glance.
He gave the girl glimpses into his
life and-the language of love needs
no expression save shy glances and
fieeting color. The very air was
vibrant with the power of love and,
on parting, the man felt as If he had
known Jean all his life.
Come" begged Roy one afternoon,
'I have found a view that you must
share"
Jean stepped lightly into the canoe
as she steadied herself by grasping
root that projected over the bank.
Suddenly, there was a tearing
sound. crack-and the girl was
gone. Roy swung the canoe around
frantically, and waited to grasp Jean
as she rose. A second passed with
out a ripple of the smooth surface;
then Roy jumped overheard. landing
up to his neck. Shading his eyes he
peered down into the water and
caught flash of white underneath
the shelving bank. dive and
frantic pull and they rose to the sur
face. Roy struggled up the bank and
knelt beside the unconscious figure.
Girl. Speak to me-" he cried in
despair. Don't look that way" he
gToaned.
Her silence seemed like the still
ness of death He raised her arms up
and down, rhythmically. He had a
vague idea that that was the proper
method to pursue. Presently, with
long sigh, Jean opened her eyes.
whats the matter?" asked Jean,
sitting up in dazed fashion.
"She can talkl" exclaimed Roy.
frantic with relief and astonishment.
Its the shock. Speak to me again!
oh. love you SO and l thought you
were gone, my dear. my dear"
The beautiful face turned scarlet.
"Will you ever forgive me. Roy?" she
murrnured, nesting closer and hiding
her bushes against his wet shirt.
In a flash Roy understood. For
few moments chagrin and anger
threatened to master him; then, the
thought that he had SO nearly lost
her came over him like a flood. "If
you will say. Roy. l love you" He
waited for her answer.
But, I've only known you for
month";" protested Jean. And you
don't even know my name"
81 know you and love you. What
more is there to ask? Say 1t. Jean?"