Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1912-09-16

derson and the poet might be merely
Willing away a pleasant fortnight
amid congenial companions. Suppose
Punderson was trihing with Eunice's
love and she-cared-cared.
why do you look so very ferceY'
she laughed suddenly.
II was thinking" he said, somewhat
lamely.
And disagreeable as the thoughts
must be judging from your frown you
will not sell them for pennies?" She
jingled some coins in a tiny pocket of
her jacket.
II was thinking what I'd do to the
man who ever caused you one heart
ache!'' he burst out passionately.
She paused and faced him with a
blank look in her eyes. "Why-why do
you say such thing?" she asked with
an effort.
"Because-Oh. Eunice. because | love
you. You needn't turn away. or
course l know it is of no use-I'm not
the sort to attract you-but it relieves
my mind to tell you" he ended bitter
ly. He did not look at her face; his
eyes were fixed on the dead leaves on
the ground under their feet.
How do you know that it is Of no
use?" she said quietly. and as he look
ed up. startled, her eyes dropped.
"EunicC" His hands went out and
were withdrawn, clinched, to his sides.
"Oh. of course / know I'm not the
type you admire-one has only to read
your stories to recognize that, Eunice.
But, Eunice, if you ever need me I'll
fight for you until the last
Il need you now, Mark" she said al
most inaudibly.
"Ah!" His hands clasped hers this
time, and he looked at her eagerly.
who is it, Eunice? You needn't be
afraid to tell me-" he urged.
The fringes lifted. and in another
instant he would have glimpsed a
heaven in their depths. but then there
came an interruption. Firm footsteps
rrod the crisp leaves, and there came
into view the massive form of Percy
Rainier Punderson. His hands were
stuffed in his pockets and his fair hair
was rumpled and tossed out of its
usual order, He stopped short at
sight of the two. and as his glance
fell on Eunice's lovely, agitated coun-
tenance light came into his eyes.
"Ah! / thought | had the woods to
myself" he stammered awkwardly.
81 thought you had gone to church
with Dora and Dick" observed Eunice,
recovering her composure. II was TAX
ing Mr.. Ellsworth over to the ruined
chapel. Won't you join us?"
THANK you; no. ! was about to
turn back We started for church. but
the motor broke down at the cross
roads. The Grenviles came along
and offered seats for two. and, as l
was out Of humor for church. l walk
ed back" He made as If to retrace
his steps, but Eunice's carelessly put
question checked him.
"Who was with Alice Grenville"
she asked
"Why Lapham, I be-
lieve, and-er-her father was driving
the machine. I'm afraid you'll be late
for luncheon If | detain you any
longer" he said, and. with a nod of
farewell that included Mark. leaning
against nearby tree. Mr.. Punderson
tramped back over the fallen leaves
and was soon out of sight.
"Shall we go on?" asked Eunice.
Their walk was resumed in silence
that was not broken by any reference
to their interrupted conversation. A
grimness had settled around Marks
lips, and his chin looked more square
than ever. Eunice's fair brow was
puckered in frown, and there was a
troubled look in her eyes.
When Mark did open his lips once
more it was to speak of the brilliant
autumn coloring or the scampering
gray squirrels that crossed their path
At last they emerged upon a cleared
space crowning a high bluff that jut-
ted into the sea. Here were the
charred and crumbed ruins Of once
beautiful stone chapel.
Mark removed his hat and drew
deep breath of the sweet pure air.
"Windymere is beautiful, but If had
my choice I'd build home right here
on this headland," he said thoughtfully.
"There is a good road that leads into
the highway" observed Eunice quiet
ly as she seated herself on the stone
steps of the ruined edifice. II have
bought this land, Mark. Don't you
think it will make a beautiful home
for me?" She was looking at him
through dropping lashes.
YES" he returned duly, staring
away at the glistening waves. He was
thinking of the ideal life Eunice would
lead with her poetic husband if she
married Punderson. And he was sure
that she cared for the Englishman.
81 want to tell you something about
Mr.. Punderson." went on Eunice 81
am sure you will understand that 1t is
entirely confidential"