The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1912-01-19
CHAPTER l.-(continued.)

He felt her eyes upon him, seriously
sweet and questioning. and frowned
slightly. wishing he had held his ton
que, though aware that he could not
have. caring the way he did.
why not tell me? I'm waiting
Garrett"
We'll :" It was difIicult: an
impertinence; Incredible, besides. But
now that he had committed himself
he stiffened a resolve and plunged. at
was said that your engagement TO this
man Blackstock would be announced
before long"
That out bluntly, he caught long
breath and, divided between fear and
faith. sat watching her.
The seconds of her silence spun for
him an hour of anguish.
Katherine
She turned. "Yes?"
Have you nothing 10 say?" he
asked invountarily. and at once re-
gretted 1t.
What do you wish me TO say?" Her
tone was dull as If she spoke me-
ChdhlIdllg, Win a Hllhu utldNh'h'
Either affirm or deny. You owe me
that, at least"
do II" She seemed surprised.
But what" she pursued, rousing,
does this man Blackstock'-"
you know | don't like him, Kath-
crime. | can't"
But can and do, Garrett"
There was simplicity In that almost
confessional His fears assailed him
more imperiously.
Then it's true? Don't tell me that
What does Mr.. Blackstock say?"
IL haven't interviewed him. OF
course. seemed too absurd"
"Why?"
The only report he had at command
was pitifully inadequate: Because
love you"
is that any reason why Mr.. Black
stock should not?"
There are reasons why you
shouldn't let your name be coupled
with his"
And they are"
She put 1t crisply His heart sank
foreseeing defeat. He veered at a
tangent, evasive. You haven't an.
swered me. Is there any truth In this
rumor?"
Not yet"
You mean 1t may be true-later?
Its possible" she affirmed quietly
Mr.. Blackstock has asked me to
marry him; he hasn't as yet had my
answer"
Katherine! You can't real
ly-care for him."
I'm trying to be sure, Garrett, be-
fore | tell him so-or you"
"But-but you mustn't! The
things impossible. You"
You'll tell me Why"
Her composure was SOLDERING He
got himself more in hand; she was
not to be moved by storming, he
knew Reason. logic, an appeal TO hel
intelligence: she would require these
of him. Yet when put to II he coulc
not bring himself to tell what he knew
OF the man by hearsay, II very cred
IDLY. Personal defects. lack OF breed
ing, and the like were all unstable oh
jections. In the end the bes
he could do, since some sort OF an an
swer was essential was TO frame |
halting, inconclusive: He's not thu
sort. ="
She misinterpreted his confusion
xnyh N ha
he's not a spoke in our particular sc
cial wheel; an outsider. Must | cor
denim him for that? Are there n,
right men. Garrett. but yourself an,
others OF our 'set?' | know he ha
his lacks; fancy you'd call hir
crude. II you were candid with me
sut men OF his genius. his upbringin
Not that concede an
rrudity In him: it's hardly that: h
merely omething-difficult {
name It; not cultivation. not sensibil
Y. but. I'd say, friends"
He has many.
So she cared enough to fight Il
him. There was bitterness. surpas
ing the bitterness of aloes. in that di
covery.
II mean the right kind, yourself. Il
instance; friends to bring him on
He's quick. adaptable. of a good fan
ly-if not wealthy one"
Coast fell back upon the one me
tlonable objection of which he hi
certain knowledge. He's got a v
famous temper"
Friends would teach him to contr
II. And there are excuses for tha
his sight--his eyes are In bad wa