Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-07-13


called away, something that, as
said, | can hardly hope will interest
you very keenly. but that I intend
you to know, nevertheless, even If
the telling Of 1t is not matter Of
much Importance in your eyes,
hlttys lip curled. Il don't see why
ne makes such a point Of it," she
murmured; che could have told me
IN the letter" Then hard little
SOD caught in her throat. Her hands
clenched in an effort to crush back
the pain that Aas gripping her heart.
she tore up the letter hastily and
4 going to the telephone called up Har-
old Graham.
rs that you. Harold? Well, I've
changed my mind. I'll go out with
you in the auto this afternoon. That
Is, II you haven't arranged for any
thing else"
Certainly not. You're a bricIt!"
came back the enthusiastic answer.
III 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 trembling fear
and uncertainty
You know l don't love you, Har-
old" she told him, firmly.
know, dear, but you will. l will
try 80 hard to make you Please,
Kitty, let me try. You don't care for
any one else, do your"
She was silent for moment. mo, :"
she said at last, resolutely. II won't
III womb won't care for him." she
cried desperately in her heart.
Then will you. dear?"
Give me till Thursday night" she
pleaded. land will tell you then"
Thursday afternoon found her still
wavering in wretched indecision.
Putting on her things she started of
Tor 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 nfm.
Harold loved her, and she could at
least try to make him happy.
Hardly had she arrived at this de.
ciston when she became conscious Of
q mans form approaching. She
glanced indifferently along the path
and her heart gave sudden bound
as she recognized Jack Neville. She
took a fierce grip on herself and
smiled noHchalantly as they met.
Why. Jack! Back already"
Yes" he said, keeping her hand in
his and looking steadily into her eyes
Il have been to the house. and they
told me you had gone off for a
tramp, SO l came out here l knew
this was fayorite walk of yours"
II came out today to decide 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 l will"
He stopped, short In the path and
his face went gray.
so you knew what wanted to tell
you,' he said in dull voice, and you
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 engagement-yes
My engagement" he repeated,
stupidity. Kitty, what are you
Look at me-" he commanded. sternly.
putting his hands on her shoulders
tell me what you mean
Harold told me-" she obeyed, a
strange excitement stirring her heart.
that you were engaged to Boston
girl-that Peggy Desmond told him.
He emitted sound between a laugh
and groan.
II told Peggy" he explained, that
Miss Baird was soon to be member
Of the family. That's all She is en-
gagged to my brother. never dream
ed she would take such ridiculous
meaning out Of my words And You
believed it?"
YES" admitted Kitty. her eyes
downcast.
Even after l 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 Gra-
ham,"
II told Harry l didn't love him.
she brought out. desperately.
Then why-Kitty!" He searched
her face eagerly, incredulously, yet
with a surging hope. Kitty, was II
because"
YES murmured Kitty. the bushes
hot in her cheeks. st 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?"
Because l didn't dream that II
would-because you're such desper
ate little flirt and never dared hope
that you cared"
II didn't" she interrupted, until