Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1911-05-26

yet DeyO0u Oer UNDERSTANDABLE. NiTDy
knew that he was dealing with no CO.
quette, who sought to pander to van
ity or who considered oil men the play
thugs Of an idle hour. 1t was not so
much Adele's words as her manner.
which betrayed frank liking and in-
terest. which. despite his modest argu-
ments to the contrary. could no longer
be attHbuted to an impersOnal regard
for his safety and welfare. He saw
that. unknown to herself. she was rap.
idly passing through the various stages
Of liking and interest. heading straight
for that inevitable climax which Is
dignified by the term love. In view Of
the fact that he had already arrived
there and had made every effort to as
sist her toward the same goal, tue
present misgivings and self censure
which now assailed him We're decided
" out Of place.
True to his character. he had acted
first aud considered last. He had put
forth every effort to please, to awaken
her heart. and now that there were
signs that 1t was answering be was
dismayed In the flush Of his new and
welcome experience he had forgotten
his calling. his reputation-forgo;ten
shat he was . common gambler. with
no claim upon such society as he was
now enjoyiDg-forgotten everything
but that. by some miraculous fortune.
he had been transplanted to the land
Of his dreams, had met its central zig.
ure and had promptly plunged head
over heels in love.
Kirby's thorough IL tardy self cen.
sure, however, was hardly justified.
for he had made no conscious efforts
to enlist Adele's regard. and their mu-
tual attraction had been as instan-
taneous and spontaneous as it was nat
ural and to be expected. But the
knowledge of her identity had awak.
ened him to a lively sense of his true
position. and. although he was far
from being the scoundrel which Mo-
reau had pictured and Adele believed
him, his regard for her clearly showed
him that by remaining he was leopard
izing her future peace and happiness.
He must save her from herself aud
from him and. no matter how difficult
1t would prove. kill her dawnins inter-
est, which naturally was based on the
suppOsition that he was gentleman
privileged to associate with one Of her
standing. Filled with this resolution.
he now turned and said:
to me than any woman ever was. You
saved my life this morning. But my
friend is right. I'D better go. Already
you've helped me more than you
ought"
Instantly the angelic. wrapt expires.
sion was sponged from her face. and.
astonished. almost angry. she turned
upon him.
why? What right have you to say
that" she demanded. do you think
l don't want top
mo" he admitted. "But-but l
can't stay"
do you want me to believe that
you're afraid?'
Yes. I'm afraid"
Afraid because We expect the real
Colonel Moreau tonight or tomorrow:
I'm not afraid Of his coming. and you
can't make me believe that you are.
l don't believe you were ever afraid
of man in your life" She stood very
straight and looked into his eyes. an
incredulous. challenging smile on her
lips.
mo. I was never afraid of man"
he admitted quietly. But I am afraid
or
"Of me?" she whispered interpreting
the pause.
YES" he said simply.
Her eyes battled to meet his own.
but every effort proved futile. and at
length. coloring wildly. she sought the |
garden seat. half turning her back, \
while he pre-empted the arm. toying
restlessIy with the white camellia he |
still carried.
II gather from the stories you read |
the General" he continued, bending |
toward her. while he smiled half cyu-
ically. that the bad prince always
keeps following the beautiful princess.
and of course she always finds him
out. Now. it looks to me like weak |
ness in his character that he doesn't |
quit before she has the chance to. In
my opinion. he's q fool to take the |
risk"
Her answer came TREMENDOUSLY. but
withal brave and to the point.
II suppose l could find q story in
which she would want him to take the
chance. Now-now. are you going to
stay?" turning and looking up. half
daringly. into his eyes.
Il can't" he said doggedly. And
the sooner l so the better. Don't let
ever make you sorry that
you helped me. Goodby." And. throw.
ing the camellia on the bench. he res
olutely offered his hand.
But she ignored the hand and picked
up the discarded flower.
mot yet. not yet" she whispered.
'"There is Ann calling me. and must |
dress for dinner But | shall expect |
to see you again before you leave.
You will wait here? You may tell me
goodby then-if you wish to-"
He bowed, seating himself detected
" on the garden seat. while she flew
into the house.
The sun had set. and twilight was
fast approaching. the shadows OF the
trees blending in one solid gray i'm.
palpable mass. 1t seemed as II the dis.
appearance Of the SUI and Adele bad