The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1912-11-16
CHAPTER v.

more hideous and hopeless II
became. He began to feel that he had
been to blame. Why had he allowed |
the foolish pride of lovers quarrel to |
keep them apart for two weeksf
When he came downstairs he paused |
at the door. Harriet was playing and |
singing again. and the soft tones or her
voice were healing. He walked gently
to the door of the music room, leaned
against the panel and watched and
listened.
At last she stopped reluctantly, tip
ped her golden head sideways in CO.
ouettish little triumphant movement
and In the quaintest imitation OF a
mans voice said:
~ congratulate you. Miss Harriet
like that very much!"
do you, professor Oh. I'm SO glad
to please you"
She shook her curls with genuine de-
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 seized
his hand.
did you see me. Jim2 Was very
foolish!"
Certainly not quite agree with
the professor. You will some day sing
before kings and queens. little girl
He left her waving and smiling to
him from the steps. He walked with
new vigor and a deepening sense or
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
measurement. He would compel her to
hear him. IL was an absurd hour to
call. 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 misjudged her?
She pressed his hand warmly and
nngeringly.
"Oh. Jim, I'm 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
that her love for you was a thing
she couldn't lay aside as a cloak she
had worn. | told Nan the day sh'
promised to marry Mr. Bivens that yor
were worth a dozen such men, no mat
ter how many millions he had. Yol
have always been my choice-yo'
know that"
Stuart could control himself no long
er. He rose and faced Mrs. Primros
with a look which brought her elo
quence to an abrupt end.
Mrs. Primrose. for once in my lif
am going to tell you the truth Yo
have always been my bitterest fot
You brought Nan to New York to &c
her away from me-"
The mothers eyes blazed with hoI
est wrath
"Yes. l did: and I'm glad I did it
you ungrateful wretch
And you have always been bus
poisoning her mind against me an
corrupting her Imagination wit
dreams of a life of luxury"
And. thank God. I've succeeded
last in bringing her to her senses
time TO save 0eT ITOUJ luTOWlHS Lei sc
away on you. Jim Stuart
AS Mrs. Primrose left Nan quietly e
tered the room. Her face was set I
battle in a proud defiant smile 81
was totally unprepared for the way
which Stuar; met her.
With quick step he was at her sic
seized both her hands in a grip of fer
tenderness and in low tones of vibra
passion said
This thing don't go with me, Ns
won't accept it. I'm going to fight
fight for my own-for you are mine
mine by every law Of God and ms
and you are worth fighting for!'
The hard smile of defiance melt
from the beautiful face. and flush
tenderness slowly oyerspread
cheeks 1t was sweet to be loved Il
that by a strong, masterful man. S
started to speak. and he raised
hand:
II know. dear. you said our enga
ment was broken. / don't believe J
mean it. couldn't. The news
your engagement to Bivens came a
bolt out Of the blue sky. I refuse
accept such an act as final You die
out Of pique. You don't mean It J
can't mean It'll l told you the OF
day l had a surprise for you. l ha
It's worth a day. You promised
one in the country before our foo
quarrel. 7 want 1t now. You
conner
She hesitated a moment and said:
Yes"
Within an hour they had reached
hills overlooking Gravesend bay,
the magnificent sweep of water be
the Narrows. Nan had scarcely spo
on the way, answering Stuarts a
tions in friendly mods, smiles and n
osyllables.