The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-05-23

OAhoLt
At last she stopped reluctantly, tip
ped her golden head sideways in CO.
quettish little triAhphant movement
and in the quaintest imitation of a
mans voice said:
II congratulate you, Miss Harriet
like that very much!'
"Do you, professor? Oh, I'm so glad
to please you"
She shook her curls with genuine de-
light and played out the little dialogue
with vivid imaginary touches.
Stuart laughed.
The girl leaped to her feet, blushing
scarlet, rushed to his side and seized
his hand.
"Did you see me, jim? Was I very
foolish"
Certainly not. l quite agree with
the professor. You will some day sing
before kings and queens, little girl"
He left her waving and smiling to
him from the steps. He walked with
new vigor and a deepening sense OF
gratitude to her. His breath deepened,
and his step grew firm and swift. He
would fight for his own. He would go
straight to Nan and laugh at this an
nouncement. He would compel her to
hear him. 1t was an absurd hour to
call, but all the better.
Mrs. Primroses greeting was so cor
dial, so genuinely friendly, that for
moment he was puzzled. Could 1t be
possible he had misjudged her?
She pressed his hand warmly and
lingeringly.
"Oh, Jim, I'm so glad you've come!
Why have you stayed away so long?
1t was SO foolish Of you. You gave up
without a struggle. I'm shocked be-
yond measure at Nan. I told her that
his millions would never bring happi-
ness unless her heart went with them
that her love for you was a thing
she couldn't lay aside as a cloak she
had worn. l told Nan the day she
promised to marry Mr.. B1vens that you
were worth a dozen such men, no mat
ter how many millions he had. You
have always been my choice-you
know that"
Stuart could control himself no long
er. He rose and faced Mrs. Primrose
with a look which brought her elo-
quence to an abrupt end.
Mrs. Primrose, for once in my life
I am going to tell you the truth. You
have always been my bitterest foe.
You brought Nan to New York to get
her away from me-"
The mothers eyes blazed with hon
est wrath.
eyes, l did; and I'm glad 1 did tt
you ungrateful wretchT'
"And you have always been busy
poisoning her mind against me and
corrupting her imagination with
dreams of a life of luxury"
"And, thank God, I've succeeded al
last In bringing her to her senses in
time to save her from throwing herself
away on you. Jim Stuart"
AS Mrs. Primrose left Nan quietly ell
tered the room. Her face was set fol
battle in a proud defiant smile. She
was totally unprepared for the way il
which Stuart met her.
With a quick step he was at her side
seized both her hands in grip of fierce
tenderness and In low tones of Vibrant
passion said:
'This thing don't go with me, Nan
1 won't accept it. I'm going to fight
fight for my own-for you are mine
mine by every law OF God and man
and you are worth fighting forr'
The hard smile of defiance melted
from the beautiful face, and flush O.
tenderness slowly overspread he
cheeks. 1t was sweet TO be loved ltk'
that by strong, masterful man. Sh'
started to speak, and he raised hi
hand:
II know, dear, you said our engage
ment was broken. don't believe yoV
mean 1t. l couldn't. The news o
your engagement to Bivens came as
bolt out of the blue sky. refuse t
accept such an act as final. You did
out of pique. You don't mean 1t. Yo'
can't mean it! I told you the othe
day had a surprise for you. have
It's worth a day. You promised m
one in the country before our foolis
quarrel. l want 1t now. You wi
Gomez
She hesitated moment and said:
"YeS"
Within an hour they had reached th
hills overlooking Gravesend bay, an
the magnificent sweep OF water beaO'
the Narrows. Nan had scarcely spoke
on the way. answering Stuart's QOs'
! tions in friendly mods. smiles and MOI
Osyllables.
r sBefore we go farther" Stuart ~
= when they had left the car. II want
1 show you a model home a friend c
/ mine has built out here. It's my hea
and think you'll like It,"
AS they entered the gate. half hlt