Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1913-09-05

meant not to be beaten. Jim squared
himself In the middle of the path
touched Agatha's shoulder with the
lightest, most respectful finger, and
requested: But would ask you. az
special favor, to stay a few min
utes longer"
Jim's tone left Agatha no choice
She sat down again on the pine stump
but she could not meet Jimmy's eyes
He stood few feet away from her
When he spoke, his voice was firm
and steady. ringing with earnestness.
There was no doubt now but that he
was In the game for all he was worth.
Agatha. you shall not turn me
down like this. Wait until you know
me better. and know yourself better.
You've had no time to think this mat
ter over, and It involves a good deal,
admit. But we have lived through
good deal together in these few
weeks. I'm here; I'm here to stay.
You can't say now, dear, that you
care nothing for me-can your"
What is the use of all this, l aski
You will always be my friend, my res
cuer, to whom / am eternally CRATE
full"
Jimmy emitted a sound halfway be
tween "Shucks" and Damn" and
swung impatiently clean round On his
heels.
Grateful be hangedi ! don't want
anybody to be grateful I want you to
love me-to marry me. Why, Agatha"
he argued boyishly, his hopes rising
as he saw her face soften a little,
you're mine, for plucked you out of
the sea had to have you. / guess ]
knew 1t that Sunday. only 1t was way
on. somewhere In the back of my
brain. You're q dream I've always
loved. just as this old house In. You're
the woman could have prayed for.
Ill do. I'll be. anything you wish; I'll
change myself over. but oh. don't say
you won't have me. Agatha, Agatha.
you don't know how much you mean
to mel"
Before his speech was finished.
James, according to the good old fash
lon. was down on his knees before his
lady. and had imprisoned one Of her
hands. Stole she was, not to Yield
Her eyes had suspicious moistness,
As she shook her head.
You will always. be the most gal
ant, unselfish friend I have ever
But"
"But-what?'
Marry you / can not"
why mott"
Il can not marry anybody"
Then Jimsy said a disgraceful
hing. You kissed me once. Will you
10 II again?"
At this impudence, she neither got
Ingry nor changed her mind-a bad
ign for Jimmy. She put his hand
way, saying: you must forgive me
be kiss"
Jimmy jumped to his feet with an
Their inarticulate sound, every whit
s bad as an oath. and stood before
er.
Agatha Redmond. viii you marry
ief"
mo"
Jim turned In his tracks and left
he wood.
Two hours later, at supper, Jim was
lquired for.
Our last supper together, and Mr..
not herel" mourned Cham
erlain.
Agatha felt guilty, but could scarce
; confess It. you are all invited for
ext year. you know" she said.
And we're all coming" announced
-elanie. But poor Mr.. Hambleton
I'll miss his supper tonight"
The poor Mr.. Hambleton" struck
gatha. Il think Mr.. Hambleton "a
ping very well indeed. l saw him
art OF for a walk this afternoon"
"Jim's a chump. Give him q cold
'tato," jeered Aleck.
But after supper, was over, and the
Wight deepened into darkness.
gatha sought Aleck where she could
'eak with him alone.
II think Mr.. Hambleton was
Dubbed when he left here this after.
'on," she said. Can you think
here he would be likely to GOT He
not strong enough to bear much
Ird exercise yet"
Aeck looked at her keenly.
IF he went anywhere, think he'd
} straight to the yacht"
II feel little anxious, someway.-
Agatha.
Chamberlain's voice broke IN upon
EN-. Anybody ready to take me
'wn to the Sea Gull in the carr"
As Aleck started for the machine.
9 anxiety in Agatha's face percept.
ly lightened. "And may / 70 with
NJ" she asked eagerly.
Cro BE CoNTINUED)