The evening world., 1911-12-08

- why ent nnd Sinlitu tcNerhi
times during their talks over
things IN which ne had been able to
sec no humor. Then II would answer
the question tina had formed In his
mind concerning tho fiuency OF her
speech. Western girls that he had
met mad not attained that ease and
poise which he saw was hers 30 natur-
ally. Yet In spite Of this accomplish
ment she was none the less a woman
eyed. ready to blush and be-
come confused rs easily as . Western
oma Assured of this, he dropped
the slight constraint which up till now
had been plain In his voice and an In
ward humor seemed TO draw the cor
ners of his mouth slightly downward.
II reckon that folks where you come
from don't wear mi at all. ma'am.''
he said slowly.
She looked up quickly. surprised into
meeting his gaze fairly. His eyes did
not waver. She rocked vigorously.
showing some Embarrassment and CIV
ing undue attention to her sewing.
"How do you know that?" she ques.
toned, raising her head and looking at
him with suddenly defiant eyes. 81 am
not aware that ] told you that I was
a stranger herel Don't you think you
are guessing nowT'
His eyes narrowed cunnlngiy.
I don't thin | need to do any guess
in ma'am." he returned. when a
man sees a different girl. he don't have
to guess none"
The different girl was regarding
him with furtive glances, plainly en-
barrassed under his direct words. But
there was mucl defiance In her eyes.
as though she was aware OF the trend
OF his words n was determined to
outwit him.
II think you must he a remarkable
man. she said. with the faintcst trace
Of mockery In her voice. ito be able to
discover such a thing 40 quickly. Or
perhaps II Is the atmosphere-tt Is mar
vellous."
L expect II amt exactly marvellous"
he returned. laboring with the last
word. when q girl acts different. u
! man In pretty apt to now It." lie
leaned forward n little. speaking earn
estly. 81 know that I'm taikin' pretty
plain to you. ma'am." no went on.
but when a man has been bit by a
RATHER an has sort of give up hope
an has had hds life saved by a girl.
he's some acquainted with the girl.
An then when he finds that she's some
different from the girls he's been used
10 seein'. I don't SEQ why he hadn't
ought TO take a lot OF interest IN her"
OH she exclaimed. her eyes droop-
Ing. And then. her eyes danoing az
they shot a swift glance at HINT
should call that q pretty speech"
He Redeemed with embarrassment.
Il expect o are laughin' at me
nApv "a 10 ~ aAA .A
| thinkin' to make any pretty speeches.
] was tellin' you the truth"
She soberly piled her needle. and he
sat back. watching her.
Il expect you are a stranger around
here yourself" she said presently. her
eyes covered with dropping lashee.
How do you know that you have any
| right to sit there and tell me hat you
TAKE an Interest In me? How do you
know that I am not married?"
lie was not disconnected. lie drawled
slightly over his words whom he an
swered.
"You wouldn't listen at me at all.
( ma'am. You cert'nly wouldn't stay
an listen to any speeches that you
thought was pretty if you was mar
Red" he said. Plainly. he had not
lost faith In the virtue of woman.
but If / ala llstenY' she questioned,
her face crimson. though her eyes were
still defiant.
He regarded her with pleased eyes
1--WE been lookin' for a weddin' ring
he said.
She gave It up IN confusion. II don't
know why I am talking this way to
you" she said. IT expect II Is because
there isn't anything else to do. But you
really are entertainIng." she declared,
for a parting shot
once Fergu. ON had seen n band ~
travelling Ministries In Cimarron. Their
Jokes Iof an ancient vintage) had taken
wen with tho audience. for the latter