Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1913-03-28

shadow. ignoring alike her snubs and
the gibes of those who fancied them
selves ON the trail of ii in
fatuatiOn. In self defense she kept Sir
GeoffrcN in close attendance, reckless
of significant glanccS from curious
eyes that were swift tn mark his air
OF triumphant pruprietorship. until at
last, worn out with disappointment
and fatigue, she begged him Il" call her
CHAR. as she was dying to go home
and get to bed.
And do. I inplore YOU. leave me to
s." away alone. Sir Geoffrey.' she en-
treated. i'm most pathetic tones. II ann
too Weary tn entertain amy one. YOU
must sec for yourself that ] ann almost
too tired to speak"
II was impossible to contradict her.
for her pale face N cloided eyes be
tfaNed some nervous strain. Sir C;eOf-
frey contented himself with obtaining
permission To inquire after her health
at an early hour next day. and re-
paired to his club. where ha speedil:
found distraction at the card table.
hut l'rue. tired as she was, had no
intention OF going home without one
more attempt to see Barbara. to whose
mansion In Park ane she was forth
with conveyed. Her friend was at
home and the servants. aware of the
TINA relations between the
~" e~ASs NiN INV IlCSlldtG w uuILIll
Prue. and inform her that supper was
then being served in the Painted Room,
ii charming apartment. where Barbara
was in the habit of holding high revel-
~ with her closest intimates, and Civ
ing gay supper parties at which gam
bling for high stakes, charades imi-
tated from the entertainments of the
French court and similar amusements
Kept gossip on the qui vive.
There vas no gathering of wits and
eauti tonight. however. The room
(Which took it's name from the myth
oIoGlcai paintings with which the CELL
Ing and walls were d%ecorated) was
in the small conservatory opening out
or it. at a little table set for two
among the banks of blossoming plants
and cages of bright hued birds, sat
Barbara coquetting With Robin Free
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and outlaw-who
was in the very act of raising her
nam to his lips when the door opened
to admit Prue.
MY dearest Prue. here YOU are at
last: l had almost given up expecting
you!. cried Barbara. greeting her with
effusion.
Did you really expect me?" asked
Prue. with irrepressible irony. Meeting
you nowhere. l feared o might be in
but ! am vastly relieved to
lind that you reached home without
mfshap"
Nothing could be more triumphant
~ successful than our escape" cried
Barbara, gayly ignoring Prue's lofti-
ness: and. as, o see. l am taking
excellent care of my captive"
Dearest Barbara, / know we'll what
an Incompatible hostess you are" she
replied dryly, and now that I have
seen for myself that you are safe.
n not too greatly incommoded by
your exploit, I will take my leave. as
l am positively sinking with fatigue
And she made as though to withdraw
without deigning a second glance to-
ward Robin, who had risen, and stood
there n veritable statue of engagement
and modification.
But Barbara caught her by both
hands and drew her to the table.
Nonsense Prue." she laughed. do
off like that? Sinking with fatigue in
deed! I'll warrant you will flutter
from ball room to ball room for he
next two hours IL I do not keen you
here. Captain de Cliffe and 1 were
to bore each other to death over
q tete-a-tete supper and you have come
Ike q good fairy to preserve us from
yawning In each others face-(Prue
smiled satirically); at least sup with
me. dear Gossip: twill rest you more
going home to bed"
my chair watts" Prue began
though not without signs Of hesitation.
What matters that? It shall be dis
missed and l will send you home in
mine"
THE temptation of returning in such
state as that is we'll nigh i%rrepressi-
ble." Prue conceded, feeling that she
q been sufficiently coaxed to do what
she particularly wanted tOado without
sacrificing her dignity. She began to
unfastcn h mantle in which she was
enveioped. u when Robin sprang for
ward to assist her she allowed it to
drop to the floor and walked away,
leaving him to pick it up IL he pleased.
You will stay. then?' cried Bar
bara. That Is delightful. l will or
another cover and a bottle of your
Chanbertin. and we will have
a little festival to wish your friend bon
voyage"
And h rustled away; more out of
compassion for Robins disconnected
aspect than the mere impulse Of hospi-
tality.
Prue seated herself behind a bank of
towering shrubs. as far away as the
little conservatory would allow, and
after a momentary hesitation. Robin
followed.
Have / been % unfortunate as to
Incur your d~ispleasure. dearest?- he
inquired ~anxicusly.
NY ~dtopleesure, sir? Certainly not"
q replied. What can 1t matter to
me how many ladies' hands you kiss ~
AZ this Robin (who, although a now
Ice IA love was no fool) was completely
relieved. He was y quite elated
over the little display OF jealousy
which proved that Prue wa far from
indifferent to him. when I am not
with you, dear Prue." he said In a
tone OF gentle reproach, my heart u
- full Of YOU that It flows over with
DtAt1tndo- 10 anyone wh0sNill but utter
Lady Barbara was aaying about YOU.
;you W0uldsn0t have bean surprised to
: me embraceh her feet instead %
her hand"