Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-08-01
The Argus Daily Story
The Blond Giant-By Clarissa Mackie.
Copyrighted. 1912. by Associated Literary Bureau

JOu- IOu hSSuu TURN away. VI
course know it is of no use-rm not
the sort to attract you-but it relieves
my mind to tell you" he ended bitter
~. 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
user she said quietly. and as he look
ed up, startled, her eyes dropped.
"Eunlcer' His hands went out and
were withdrawn, clinched, to his sides.
"Oh. Of course l know I'm not the
type you aimire-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
II need you now. Mark" she said al
most inaudibly.
'Ah!" His hands clasped hers this
time. and he looked at her eagerly.
who Is 1t, Eunice2 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
trod 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 a light came into his eyes.
"Ah! I thought I had the woods to
myself" he stammered awkwardly.
81 thought you had gone to church
with Dora and Dick" observed Eunice,
recovering her composure. Il was TAX
ing Mr.. Ellsworth over to the ruined
chapel. Won't you join us?"
Thank you; no. 1 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 1
was out of humor for church, walk
! ed back" He made as If to retrace
his steps, but Eunice's carelessly put
| question checked him.
"Who was with Alice Grenviller
she asked.
| "Why-er-Tommy Lapham, be-
! lieve, and-er-her father was driving
the machine. I'm afraid you'll be late
| for luncheon If l 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 a 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 a 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 browning a high bluff that 1ut-
ted into the sea. Here were the
charred and crumbled ruins Of once
beautiful stone chapel.
Mark removed his hat and drew a
deep breath of the sweet pure air.
"Windymere is beautiful, but II had
my choice I'd build a home right here
on this headland," he said thoughtfully.
There is q 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 hand, Mark Don't you
think 1t will maze 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 toll you something about
! Mr. Punderson." went on Eunice. Il
am sure you will understand that 1t Is
entirely confidential"
Yes" he repeated grimly..
"WelI, Mr.. Punderson is very much
in love with Alice Grenville, and she
is flirting outrageously with every man
she meets. Just at present it is Tom
my Lapham, whom no one takes Sc
riously, yet poor Mr.. Punderson is abb
surdly Jealous. IL he understood wo-
men he might see that Alice is In love
with him and that she is afraid some
body will discover that fact. Stupid.
isn't hei" pink flush wavered in
her cheeks and her blue eyes were
quite hidden.
Mark breathed quickly. He took a
step toward her, light in his dark
eyes. "Eunice," he said hoarsely, ARE
all women like that-do they try to
hide their love from the man who
loves them?
Not all. Mark" she said in tone
between tears and laughter. "but those
Of us who are not sure, when we give
our love first, we've must dissemble.
such as describing our hero as a blond
giant when as a matter OF fact Oh,
Mark as he took her I'm his arms.
When as a matter of fact he re-
peated, laughing down into her eyes
HE Is like you" she whispered, her
lips against his.