The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1913-03-20

1t was impossible to contradict her,
for her pale face and cloude eyes be-
trayed some nervous strain. Sir Geof-
Trey contented himself with obtaining
permission to inquire after her health
at al early hour next day, and re-
paired to his club, where he speedily
found distraction at the caro- table.
But Prue. tired as she was, a no
intention of going home without one
more attempt to see Barbara, to whose
mansion in Park lane h was forth
with conveyed. Her friend was at
home and the servants, aware of the
intimate relations between the
two ladies', did not hesitate to admit
Prue, and inform her that supper was
then being served in the Painted Room,
a 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
blins for high stakes, charades imi-
tated from the entertainments of the
French court and similar amusements
kept gossip on the qui vive.
There was no gathering of wits and
beauties tonight. however. The room
SWhlch took its name from the myth
illogical paintings with which the cell
ing and walls We're decorated) was
brightly lighted. but unoccupied, and
In the small conservatory opening out
of it. at a little table set for two
among the banks of blossoming plants
and ages of bright hued birds, sat
barbara coquetting with Robin Free
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and outlaw-who
was in the very act of raising her
hand 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 o really expect me?" asked
Prue, with irrepressible irony. Meeting
you nowhere. l feared you might be in
disposed, but | am vastly relieved to
find that you reached home without
nishap"
Nothing could be more triumphant
~ successful than our escape cried
Baroara, gayly ignoring Prue's lofti-
ness; and, as you see, / am taking
excellent care of my captive"
Dearest Barbara, l know well what
an Incompatible hostess you are" she
epned dryly, and now that / have
seen for myself that you are safe,
and not too greatly incommoded by
your exploit, 1 will take my leave. as
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 a veritable statue of amazement
and modification.
But Barbara caught her by both
hands and drew her to the table.
Nonsense. Prue,' she laughed. "Do
9 th1nk II am going to let you run
orr like that? Sinking with fatigue in
deed. III warrant you will flutter
from ball room to ball room for the
next two hours If l do not keep you
mere. Captain de Cliffe and I were
ABOUT TO bore each other to death over
a tete-a-tete supper and you have come
IKE a good fairy to preserve us from
yawning in each others face-(Prue
smiled s~atirically); at least sup with
me, lear Gossip; twill rest you more
than going home to bed"
My chair waits Prue began.
though not without signs of hesitation
What matters that? 1t shall be dis
missed n l will send you home in
mine"
The temptation of returning in such
state as h a is well nigh irrepressi-
pie Prue conceded, feeling that she
nag q peen sufficiently eoaxed to do what
sne particularly wanted to dc without
sacrificing her dignity She began to
the mantle in which she was
enveloped. but 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 If he pleased.
You will stay. then?" cried Bar
bara. That is delightful. will orr
Ger another cover and a bottle of your
favorite Chambertin, and we will have |
q little festival to wish your friend bon |
voyage
And she rustled away; more out of
compassion for Robins disconnected |
tally.
Prue seated herself behind a bank of
shrubs. as far away as the
ilItie conservatory would allow. and
after q ~momentary hesitation, Robin
followed. s@
Have ! been so unfortunate as to
incur your displeasure. dearesto" he
inquired ~anxicusly.
MY displeasure, sir? Certainly not"
she replied. What can it matter 10
ME how many~ladies' hands YOU kiss?o
At this Rob (who. although a nov
in love. was no fooD was completely
relieved. He was even quite eiated
the little display Of jealousy
which proved that Prue was far ROM
Indifferent to him. when / am not
With you, dear Prue,'' he said in a a
of gentle freproach. my heart is
80 full OF you that 1t flows over with
to anyone who will but utterl
your name. II you had heard what
Lady was saying about you,
would not have been surprised toll
see me embrace her feet instead Of
her hand
"Wha did she say?" asked Prue. herl
curiosity overcoming her petulance.
She said many things In praise of
dearest of women, said Robin.
courage to seat himself beside
her, but. best of all. she assured me
not n of all your score Of suit
ors could boast of half the interest YOU
had shown today In the poor OUTLAW,
20 you wonder that kissed her
hand 2"
Barbara is very indiscreet, said
Prue. smiling a little. Besides, she has
most beautiful hands in the
world,,
Are they beautiful? II was think
Ing toosnauch OF her kind words to no.
tfce aught else. Yet she warned me
my love for you is hopeless, and
indeed she As right. + must leave Eng
land ! q q few hours. perhaps for
And what tight has Barbara to-
think u love other than hopeless
knows nothing about 1t. / have a
mind, cried Prue, s.sto tell her
all and see what she says then. But,
40! she would think me a fool for
throwing myself away on a man who.
loves me so little that he can bear to,
talk Of leaving me for q day. let alone
81 ovs YOU more than nay II life