Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1911-10-27
FATE PLAYED
CARDS
By SUSANNA GLENN

You are late, Colette," said the
young man reproachfully, as the girl
appeared at the spring a little breath
less from haste and the last warm
rays Of the summer sun.
We were delayed. Aunt Hannah
had callers"
She dropped upon the rustic seat
with unstudied grace.
Callers are great event with US,
you know" she added with smile.
and these-have decided to spend
the night. I believed"
They gazed at each other solemnly
for moment, and then laughed
What gem this girl was among
these good, simple hill people, with
her delicate beauty and refined ways.
James Blakeson gazed at her until the
soft color deepened in her cheeks, and
her reproachful eyes dropped to her
pink bingham lap.
You have not always lived here
Colette?" he said, gently.
Why do you ask"
You seem different from these peo
pie. some way. Have you 10 homer"
only the sort of home my aunts
make for me-" answered Colette Grey
quietly.
Determination clutched the heart of
Blakeson.
But how will your mother receive
an inexperienced hill girl?" whispered
Discretion in his ear
'She will receive my wife unless
am greatly mistaken" answered De-
termination with grim purpose.
But you must remember you are
Keeper at The Bowlders,'" insisted
Discretion, with unnecessary persis-
tence
Whatever l am. love her with ev-
cry beat of my heart!" cried the
whole being of the man fiercely.
"Colette." he said great strength
pulsing under the calmness of his
manner, going to her and lifting her
gently to her feet, "Colette. look at
mel"
The girl lifted her eyes bravely. and
the flush that flooded her face at his
look faded suddenly, leaving her pale
and shaken.
Il love you I love you'll" he said.
mo, mol" she cried.
mo, MOI" she cried. You must
not"
"Will you marry me?" he looked at
her compellingly
The experienced heart of the girl
beat as riotously as true pink Bingham
hearts and supposed to do. Many
men of many stations In life had
begged for her hand when it was soft
and white and jewel-decked, but never
as this man did for the little brown
hand of Colette Grey!
"Oh, l cannot-you do not under
stand" she murmured miserably. 81
Il have deceived you'll"
"Will you tell me you do not love
me?" he insisted still more gently.
Oh, II only he were not a keeper
what man he was! But it could
never be; she could never have the
courage. Sobs shook her and she hid
her face against his coat
What does anything matter, since
we loke each other. dear?" he asked.
whenish was quiet
Colette remained motionless, fight
ing for strength. She did not wish to
fight or to be strong; but when one
has family traditions, and two dear
though exacting maiden aunts. one
must never weaken!
Upon the soft evening air. there
came Unexpectedly the sound of I'M
certain steps and a refined, impatient
voice:
Il am certain Hannah said Patricia
went down this lane. but assuredly
see nothing of her!"
oh whispered the girl, lifting her
head in sudden alarm. Il cannot see
them now. What can-I do?"
James Blakeson glanced through
the wild cherry bushes at the two ap-
preaching figures. and back at the
girls appealing face.
Then lifting her bodily, he set her
on her feet on the opposite side of
the wall vaulted it himself, and
crashed hastily through the under
growth.
"Scamper," he said, grasping her
hand firmly, and breathlessly they
sped over the rough ground to the
shelter OF the woods below.
Lets begin over again. said the
young man. when they were COM
fortablv seated on convenient log
and had regained their breath.
"What is the use? What / told you
is finall" Colette tried to speak aus
terely.
But you answer too soon. You did
not hear what | had to say"
Il do not wish to hear; cannot en-
dure It. jamie. for my answer must be
the same!'
@near. dear girll His hard went