The Holbrook news., 1911-04-14
Alter the first shock he mapped out

wholly by the motive of self-protec- ton, and he could not foresee the ef- feet 1t would produce on the girl. Miss Dorothy Lees great pride should have prevented her taking no tice of hotel clerk; but at the same time Miss Lees vanity was outraged by this very clerks attitude, too marked to escape her observant eyes.
 Haddon, too. noted it, with a smirk of triumph which Elmers could only pretend not to see She noticed that the assistant invariably handed her the mail. that Elmers eluded an introduction to her, that he not only talked, but danced, with the other guests. and thereupon she was ire sistibly impelled to conquest.
 Miss Lee, one morning. in riding attire, deliberately waylaid Elmers, who chanced to be alone at the desk. buying postage stamp to cover the act
 Tt is a splendid day" she ven tured.
 Tt is" was the courteous, but dis couraging reply.
 'Is it far ride to the river?" she pursued. will I have time to go there and back before lunch?"
 "Oh, yes,' said Elmers, forced into talking. You can do it easily in two hours-smooth going all the way"
 That's good" she said. brightly. I'm lazy rider-I hate bad roads"
 She paused, but Elmers said noth- ing. She turned to go. Just then Haddon came down the stairs and she caught the look he bestowed upon Elmers. She read its meaning.
 Elmers. who had neither courted TOT desired Miss Lees favor, re- sented doubly Haddon's attitude. His fists cienched on the edge of the counter and he involuntarily stepped forward. The girl unconsciously stretched out a detaining hand. By her expression, Haddon realized his mistake. Miss Lee, recalling herself. moved away. Elmers gazed after her quite hopelessly. yet thrilled with the memory of her finger tips.
 More and more annoyed by Had don's air of proprietorship, and piqued by Elmers' continued avoid ance. Miss Lee pursued the latter most cruelty. to the final forcing of his hand. So, he told her most bluntly.
 Now. do you understand? he ended violently.
 "Yes," she gasped
 If he had planned revenge, 1t could not have been more successful; for Miss Lees pride was stabbed by the revelation. But sudden respect for this man brushed irritation aside. and she recklessly added:
 q understand, but I don't approve"
 Surprised, and not wholly awake to her meaning. he began, You mean .of my course?" he asked.
 Exactly" Waxing bolder, she transferred her attention from the register to his face.
 What do you want?" he de manded. Gan even a man break down impossible barriers?"
 It was her turn to question. Where do you draw the liner" she asked, still lingering the book. but looking straight at him.
 Right herel" cried Elmers. He banged his hand on the counter with such violence that she hastily with drew hers and jumped back slightly.
 In an instant he recovered himself. and both looked around ito see if any one had noticed. Miss Lee flushed uncomfortably to think. that he had been the one to recall the difference in their social station. With a sud den revulsion of mood she moved | away abruptly.
 That night he danced as usual with | many, excluding Miss Lee. But that l lady's mood again veered. After all | she was leaving soon, and consider ing the reason that kept Elmers from her-perhaps-
 Mr. James Haddon claimed dance.
 "The next" she promised, and con tinued her way toward Elmers.
 "So you haven't come from behind the counter yet?" she said.
 Eimers flushed. The music was just starting. From over her fan she could see Haddon moving toward her
 Do you know" she went on, as Elmers, stung by the idea that she was playing with him, made no an- 5wer, If were a man, and I came upon a dividing line, and I wanted very much more than anything else n the world what was on the other side, I'd" She paused deliber- ately.
 For once Elmers dropped his as- sumed reserve. What would you. io?" he demanded.
 '1f 1t was a chalk line" playing with her fan and not looking at him, I'd wipe 1t out"
 'But suppose 1t was higher, big ger, stronger?" said Elmers
 MT. James Haddon was very close, n an instant more at her side. She ,losed her fan and turned toward Jim, at the same time flashing a mile on Elmers-