The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-09-24
watched and

l against the pane watched and 1 listened.
 1 At last she stopped re1uctantly, tip i ped her golden head sideways in a co 1 quettish little triumphant nov cement : and in the quaintest imitation of a l mans voice said: i ''I congratulate you, Miss Harret-I
 like that very much!' sf i .Do you, professorf Oh. I'm 90 glad i to please your
 She shook her curls with genuine de- 1 light and played out the little dialogue with vivid imaginary touches. | Stuart laughed
 The girl leaped to her feet, blushing scarlet. rushed to his side and set8ed his hand
 Did you see me, Jim? Was very foolish ?''
 Certainly not I quite agree with 1 the professor. You will some day sing before kings and queens, little girl 1 He left her waving and smiling to him from the steps. He walked with new vigor and a deepening sense of ] gratitude to her. His breath deepened. and his step grew firm and swift. He would fight for his own. He would go straight to Nan and laugh at this an- inouncement. He would compel her to hear him. 1t was an absurd hour to icaT, but all the better
 Mrs. Primrose's greeting was so cor dial, so genuinely friendly, that for moment he was puzzled Could it be possible he had mfsjudged herr She pressed his hand warmly and lingeringly. "Oh, Jim, Pm so glad you've come! Why have you stayed away so long? 1t was so foolish of you. You gave up without a struggle. I'm shocked be- yond measure at Nan. told her that his millions would never bring happi- ness unless her heart went with them that her love for you was a thing she couldn't lay aside as a cloak she had worn. I told Nan, the day she promised to marry MT. Bivens that you were worth dozen such men, no mat ter how many millions he had. You have always been my choice-you know that"
 Stuart could control himself no long CT. He rose and faced Mrs. Primrose with a look which brought her elo- quence to an abrupt end
 .tMrs. Primrose, for once in my life I am going to tell you the truth You have always been my bitterest foe. You brought Nan to New York to get her away from me-"
 The mothers eyes blazed with hon. est wrath
 .'Yes. I did: and I'm glad I did it. you ungrateful wretchr'
 And you have always been busy poisoning her mind against me and corrupting her imagination with dreams of life of luxury. And. thank God, I've succeeded at last in bringing her to her senses in time to save her from throwing herself away on you. Jim Stuartr'
 As Mrs. Primrose left Nan quietly en- tered the room. Her face was set for battle in a proud defiant smile She was totally unprepared for the way in which Stuart met her. With quick step he was at her side, seized both her hands in grip of fierce tenderness and in low tones of vibrant passion said:
 This thing don't go with me, Man. I won't accept it. Pm going to fight fight for my own-for you are mine mine by every law of God and man, and you are worth fighting forl"
 The hard smile of defiance melted from the beautiful face, and a flush of tenderness slowly oyerspread her cheeks It was sweet to be loved like that by a strong. masterful man She ' started to speak, and he raised his hand:
 ''I know. dear. you said our engage ment was broken I don't believe you mean it. I couldn't The news of your enga cement to Bivens came a bolt out of the blue sky. refuse to accept such an act as final. You did it out of pioue. You don't mean it. You can't mean it! I told yon the other day I had a surprise for you. have. It's worth day. You promised me one in the country before our foolish quarrel. I want it now. You will -come?'
 She hesitated a moment and said:
 Yes
 Within an hour they had reached the hills overlooking Gravesend bay. and the magnificent sweep of water below the Narrows Nan had scarcely spoken on the way. answering Stuart's ques- tions in friendly nods, smiles and mcn- osylla bles
 Before we go farther" Stuart said when they had left the car. q want to show you a model home a friend of mine has built out here. It's my ideal. and think you'll like it"
 As they entered the gate, half hid den in the hedge. the girl exclaimed:
 What lovely little placer ' A gardener who was watering some flowers on sign from Stuart hastened up the gravel walk and opened the door.
 Every window commanded sntranc- ing views of the bay and ocean. Ev- cry ship entering or leaving the harbor of New York must pass close and could be seen for miles going to sea.
 When Stuart finally led Nan out on