Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1913-01-02


Punderson was trifiing with Eunice's
love and she-cared- cared!
why do you look so very fercer'
she laughed suddenly.
II was thinking" he said. some W hat
Iamely.
And disagreeable az the thoughts
must be judging from your frOwn Won
will not sell them for penniesp She
jingled some coins In a tiny pocket OF
her jacket.
II was thinking what I'd do to the
man who ever caused you one heart
ache!" he burst out passionately
She paused and faced him with a
blank look in her eyes. "Why-why do
you say such thing?" she asked with
an effort
"Because-oh. Eunice. because | love
you. You needn't turn away. OF
course ! know ii Is Of no use-I'm not
the sort to attract you-but ii relieves
my mind to tell you" he ended bitter
ly. 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 1t Is Of no
useT' she said quietly. and as he look-
ed up. startled, her eyes dropped.
"Eunice" His hands went out and
were withdra wn, clinched, to his sides
"Oh. of course | know I'm not the
type you admire-one has only to read
your stories to recognize that. Eunice.
But, Eunice. if you ever need me III
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 it, Eunice? 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 light came into his eyes
"Ah! / thought / had the woods to
myself" he stammered awkwardly.
~ 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. / 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, ! walk
ed back" He made as If to retrace
his steps, but Eunice's carelessly put
question checked him.
"Who was with Alice Grenvillef'
she asked
"Why-er-Tommy Lapham, ] be-
Heye, and-er-her father was driving
the machine. I'm afraid you'll be late
for luncheon II 1 detain you any
longer" he said, and, with nod OF
farewell that included Mark, leaning
against a nearby tree, Mr.. Punderson
tramped back over the fallen leaves
and was soon out Of sight
"Shall we go onf' asked Eunice.
Their walk was resumed in 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
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 high bluff that jut-
ted into the sea. Here were the
charred and crumbled ruins Of ence
beautiful stone chapel.
Mark removed his hat and drew
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 thoughtfuliy.
There IL a good road that leads INTO
the highway" observed Eunice quiet
~ as she seated herself on the stone
steps Of the ruined edince. y have
bought this land, Mark DonH yos
think Il will make beautiful home
for meT She was looking ut him
through dropping lashes
"Yes," he returned DULY, staring
away at the glistening waves. He was
thinking Of the ideal hfe Eunice would
lead with her poetic husband II she
married Punderson. And he was sure
that she cared for the EnglishmaA.
81 want to tell you something about
Mr.. Punderson," went on Eunjce. II
am sure you will understand that It is
entirely confidential"
"Yes," he repeated grimly.
well, Mr.. Punderson ia very much
In love with Alice Grenville, end she
IL flirting outrageously with every man
she meets. Just at present II is Tom
my Lapham, whom no one takes Sc
riously. yet poor Mr.. Punderson is abb
surdly Jealous. II he understood wo-
men he might see that Alice Is In love
with him and that she Ii afraid some
body will discover that fact. Stupid,
Isn't her pink fiuah wavered in