Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1913-01-10

uefH0n and n poet might be merely
Willing away a pleasant fortnight
amid congenial companions. Suppose
Punderson was trining with Eunice's
love and ACKNOWLEDGMENT
why do you look so very aer.ef p
she laughed suddenly.
Il was thinking" he said. somewhat
iamely.
And d~lsngreenble as the thoughts
must be Judging from your frowu you
win not sell them Cor peDnlesY' She
Jlngled some coins In q tiny pocket Of
her jncket.
Il wns thinking what I'd do to the
man who ever caused you one heart
acheF' he burst out passionately.
She paused and faced him with n
blank look in her eyes. "why-why do
you shy such a thing2r she asked with
nj effort.
"B~ecause-oh. Eunice. because I love
you. You needn't turn away. OF
course know It IS Of no use-Im NOT
the sort to attract you-but 1t relieves
my mind to tell you" he ended bitter.
". lie did not look mt her face: his
eyes were fixed on tho dead leaves on
tho ground under their feet.
How do You know that It is of no
use3' she said quietly. and as ne look.
ed up. startled, her eyes drooped.
"Eunicel" His hands went out ana
were withdrawn. clinched, to his sides.
"Oh. OF course l know I'm not the
type you admire-one bns only to read
your stories TO recognize TINT. Eunice.
nut. Eunice, If you ever need me IN
light for you until the last
Il need you now. Mark" she said al
most lnaudibly.
"Ahl" His hands clasped hers this
time. and he looked at her eagerly.
Who is It, Eunice2 You needn't be
afraid to tell me-" hi urged.
The fringes lifted, and I'm another
Instant he would have glimpsed a
heaven In their depths. but then there
came On 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
Ali l thought had the woods to
myself he stammered awkwardly.
Il 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. l was about to
turn back. We started for church, but
the motor broke down at the cross
roads. The Grenvilles 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 Eunlce's carelessly put
question checked him.
"Who YVES with Alice Grenville I"
she asked.
"Why-er-Tommy Tapham, / be-
lieve, and-er-her father was driving
the machine. I'm afraid you'll be late
for luncheon II 1 detaln you n
longer" he said, and, with a nod of
farewell that included Mark, leaning
against a nearby tree, Mr.. Punderson
ramped back over the fallen leaves
md wns soon out OF sight.
"shall we go on?' asked Eunice. (
Their walk was resumed in a silence {
hat was not broken by any reference I
0 their interrupted conversation. A
had settled around Marks I
ps, and his chin looked more square 6
han ever. Eunice's fair brow was O
uckered in a frown, and there was a '
look in her eyes. 8
When Mark did open his lips once U
lore 1t was to speak Of the brilliant a
ltumn colortng or the scampering 0
squirrels that crossed their path.
t last they emerged upon a cleared q
pace browning a high blum that jut- f
ID into the sea. Here were the 0
barred and crumbled ruins Of a once .
eautiful stone chapel. b
Mark removed his hat and drew a Il
eep breath of the sweet pure air. h
Windymere is beautiful, but If | had d
~ choice I'd build a home right here b
n this headland, he said thoughtfully. Ii
There is a good road that leads into s.
he highway" observed Eunlce quiet is
? as she seated herself on the stone u
of the ruined edifice. IL have 7
ought this land, Mark. Don't you n
hink It will make Il beautiful home Il
meT" She was looking at him a
dropping lashes.
Yes" he returned DULY, staring Z,
at the glistening waves. He was a
linking of the ideal life Euniee would q
with her poetic husband IL she NJ
larrled Punderson. And he was sure II
nat she cared for the Engllshman. n
II want to tell you something about v
II. Punderson," went on Eunlce. 81 II
N sure you will understand that 1t is h
ltirely confidential" z,
YES" he repeated grlmly. bl
swell, Mr., Punderson is very much I'd
love with Alice Grenvllle, and she n,
flirting outrageously with every man "a
le meets. Just at present 1t is Tom al
Lapham, whom no one takes Sc IN
Dusly,. yet poor Mr.. Punderson Is abb CO
AamNaua - IT,.