The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1911-12-07
CHAPTER II.


The Girl and the Token.
In his establishment he looked round
quickly to meet the gaze Of mischiev-
Gus eyes that strove vatnly to seem
simple and sincere.
Aware that he faced an uncommon
ly pretty woman. who chose to study
him with Straightforward interest he
was nothing loath to initiate. he took
time to see that she was very fair
Of skin, with that creamy. silken
wilderness that goes with hair Of the
shade commonly and unjustly termed
red. Her nose he thought . trace
too severely perfect in its modelling,
but redeemed by broad and thought
full brow. strong yet absolutely fem
1nine chin, and q mouth Well.
as to her mouth, the young man Sc
lected q rosebud to liken 1t to.
Having catalogued these several
features, he had a mental portrait Of
her he was not likely soon to forget.
For It's not every day that one en-
counters so pretty girl in the woods
of Long Islands southern shore-or
anywhere else, for that matter. He
felt sure of this.
But he was equally certain that he
was as much q stranger to her as
she to him.
She, on her part. had been busy
satisfying herself that he was very
presentable young man, In spite OF
the somewhat formidable reputation
he wore as person of learned attain
TO hfc 1nolYc otfront nd II
not because he was handsome, for
that ne wasn't, but because of certain
signs Of strength to be discerned in
his face, as we'll as an engaging man.
ner which he owned by right of an
cestry, his ascendants for several gen.
erations having been notable repre-
sentatives of one of the First Families
Of Virginia.
The pause which fell upon the girls
use of his name. and during which
they looked one another over, was
sufficiently prolonged to excuse the,
reference to 1t which Amber chose to,
make.
| I'm sure" he said with his slow
smile, that we're satisfied we've
never met before. Aren't WEI"
quite" assented the girl.
THAT only makes it the more mys-.
terious, of course"
"Yes," said she provokingly;.
doesn't it,"
"You know, you're hardly fair to-
me-" he asserted. I'm rapidly be-
ginning to entertain doubts OF my
senses. When left the train at No
komis station l met q man ! know as
well as know myself-pretty nearly;
and he denied me to my face. Then,
little later. encounter a strange,
mad Bengal, who apparently takes
me for somebody he has business
with. And finally. you call me by
name.
1T isn't so very remarkable, when
you come to consider it." she returned
soberly. mr. David Amber is rather
well known, even in his own country.
l might very well have seen your pho
tograph published In connection with
some review of-let me see. :.
Your latest book was entitled The
Peoples of the Hindu Kush, wasn't
it? You see, haven't read It,"
That's sensible Of YOU I'm sure
Why should you? But your
theory doesn't hold water, because I
won't permit my publishers to print
my picture. and. besides. reviews OF
such stupid books generally appear
in profound monthlies which abhor H.
Illustrations"
"Oh!" She received this with q
note of disappointment. Then my ex-
PLANTATION won't dor
I'm sorry," he laughed. but youth
have to be more ingenious-and prac-
teal"
And you wort show me the pres
ent the babu made you?"
He closed his fingers jealousy over
the bronze box. mot until -
You insist on reciprocity"
Absolutely"
That's very unkind Of YOU"
How" he demanded blankly.
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