The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1912-07-05
CHAPTER XIV.
Rucqies' Offer.

"LSSiCS cECi'
He felt as he waited for her in that
6ower-flled room, for she had recov-
cred from her distaste for flowers, as
he glanced at the photographs Of wom-
en- like herself in costumes more or
less frank, more or less vulgar, he
felt as though he wanted to knock
down the walls and let in a big view
Of the west-of Montana-of the hills.
With such a setting he thought he
could better talk with the lady whom
he lac come to see.
Ruggles held an u~nlighted cigar be-
tween his fingers and goosefesh rose
all over him. His glasses bothered
him. He couldn't get them bright
enough, though he polished them half
a dozen times on his silk handker-
chief. His clothes felt too large. He
seemed to have shrunken. He moist
ened his lips, cleared his throat, tried
to remember what kind of fellow he
had been at Dams age. At Dams age
he was selling a suspender patent on
the road, supporting his mother and
his sisters-hard work and few temp
tations; he was too tired and too
pOor.
Miss Lane kept him waiting ten
minutes, and they We're hours to her
guest. He was afraid every minute
that Dan would come In. The thoughts
he had gathered together. the plan of
action, d~lsarranged itself in his mind
every time he thought Of the actress.
He couldn't forget his vision OF her
on the stage or at the Carlton, where
she had sat opposite them and be-
witched them both. When she came
into the sitting-room at length, he
started SO violently that he knocked
over a vase Of flowers, the water
trickling all over the table down on
to the floor.
She had dazZled him before the foot
lights, charmed him at dinner, and It
was singular to think hat he knew
how this dignided, quiet creature
looked in ballet clothes and in a
dinner dress, whose frankness had
made him catch his breath. 1t was
a third woman who stood before
Ruggles now. He had to take her into
consideration. She had expected him,
saw him by appointment. She had
not climbed to her starry position
without having acquired a knowledge
Of men, and 1t was the secret OF her
success She showed 1t in the dress
in which she received her visitor. She
wore . short walking skirt OF heavy
serge, a simple shirtwaist belted
around, a sailor hat on her beautiful
little head. She was unjeweled and
implanted. very pale and very sweet.
1t II had not been for the marks of
fatigue under her eyes she would not
have looked more thar eighteen. On
her left hand a single diamond, clear
as water, caught the refracted light.
"How-de-do? Glad you are back
again."
She gave him a big chair and sat
down before him smiling. Leaning
her elbows on her knees, she sank
her face upon her hands and looked
at him. not coquettishly in the least.
but AZ q child might have looked.
From her small feet to her golden
head she was utterly charming.
Ruggles made himself think Of Oar.
Miss Lane spoke slowly. noddins
toward him. in her languid voice: ITS
no use, Mr.. Ruggles. no use."
Holding her face between her hands.
her eyes gray - winters seas and A
profound. she looked at him intently:
then, In . lash. she changed her no
siuon and instantly transformed her
character. He saw that she Wa .