The Holbrook news., 1911-03-10

in week. You probably don't re- member he wrote. but I had start ed 10 tell you something when I was called away. something that, as said. I can hardly hope will interest you very keeniy, but that l intend you to know, nevertheless, even if the telling of it is rot a matter of much importance. in syonr- eyes" Kitty's lip curled T don't see why he makes such a point of it." she murmured; he could have told me in the letter." Then a hard little sob caught in her throat. Her hands clenched in an effort to crush back the pain that was gripping her heart. She tore up the letter hastily. and going to the telephone called up Har- old Graham
 '1s that you. Harold? Well, I've changed my mind. I'll go out with you in the auto this afternoon. That is, if you haven't arranged for any thing else"
 Certainly not. You're a brick" came back the enthusiastic answer I'll be around at three 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 her self in the clutch of a trembling fear and uncertainty.
 You know I don't love you, Har- old" she told him, firmly.
 T know. dear. but you will I will try so hard to make you. Please, Kitty, let me try. You don't care for any one else, do you?"
 She was silent for moment. No" she said at last, resolutely. T won't T won't-I won't care for him." she cried desperately in her heart
 Then will you, dear?"
 Give me till Thursday night" she pleaded, "and I will tell you then"
 Thursday afternoon found her still wavering in a wretched indecfsion- Putting on her things she started off for "a three-mile walk that led through the woods and along by the edge of the lake. As she came slow ly back along the shore. gazing out dreamily over the ruffled waters she decided that she would marry nEm. Harold loved her, and she could at least try to make him happy.
 Hardly had she arrived at this de- cision when she became conscious of mans form approaching. She glanced indifferently along the path and her heart gave a sudden bound as she recognized Jack Neville. She took fierce grip on herself and smiled nonchalantly as they met.
 Why Jack, Back already"
 "Yes.' he said, keeping her hand in his and looking steadily into her eyes. T have been to the house, and they told me you had gone off for a tramp, so I came out here. knew this was a favorite walk of yours
 T came out today to decide a-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 I will
 He stopped short in the path and his face went gray.
 50 you knew what I wanted to tell
  are telling me this to-"
 AS a return confidence, yes.' she laughed Harold told me what you were interrupted in saying"
 Harold told you," he echoed. blankly.
 About your engsgement-yes.''
 My engagement" he repeated. stupidly. 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"
 Harold told me-" she obeyed. a strange excitement stirring her heart. that you were engaged tosassBoston girl-that Peggy Desmond told him.
 He emitted sound between laugh and groan.
 q told Peggy" he explained. that Miss Daird was soon to be a member of the family That's all She is en- gagged to my brother I never dream ed she would take such a ridiculous meaning out of my words. And you believed it?''
 ''Yes." admitted Kitty. her eyes downcast.
 Even after had begun to tell you -. Oh, I see, you thought But what does it matter" he ended bitter ly. since you are going to marry Ora ham,"
 TT told Harry didn't love him." she brought out, desperately.
 Then why-Kitty," He searched her face eagerly, incredulous;y. yet with 9 surging hope. Kitty, was it because"
 Yes murmured Kitty, the blushes hot in her cheeks, 'it was because"
 "Oh. sweetheart"
 But why" she asked presently, drawing away from him, did you say 1t was something that might not in- terest me?"