The state herald., 1913-10-10


Just as soon a. tell the fortunes.
OF course l wouldn't go to all this
trouble for nothing. Now look. This
card is Fran-the queen Of hearts,
This one is Simon Jefferson-and this
one Is Bob. And you-but It's no use
telling all Of them. Now; we want to
see who's going to marry"
Abbott spoke In his most authori-
tative tone: Fran! Get up and come
with me before somebody sees you
here. This is not only ridiculous. it's
wrong and dreadfully imprudent.'
Fran looked up with flashing eyes.
.'T wont!" she cried. mot till I've
go away until she's done what she
came to do" Then she added mildly.
Abbott, Just had to say It In that
voice. SO you'd know meant It. Don't
be cross with me-"
She shufiled the cards.
But why must you stay out here to
do it," he groaned.
Because this is a new bridge. I'd
hate to be a professor, and not know
that It has to be In the middle OF
new bridge. at midnight, over running
water. in the moonlight. Now you keep
still and be nice: want to see who's
going to get married. Here is Grace
Noir. and here is Fran -
And where am II" asked Abbott.
In an awed voice, as he bent down.
Fran wouldn't tell him.
He bent over. "Oh. see, see!" he
cried. This Is me-" he drew card
from the pack-''the king of hearts"
He held it triumphantly. We'll. And
you are the queen of hearts. you said."
Maybe l am" said Fran. rather
breathlessly. but whose hearts are we
king and queen Off That's what
want to find out" And she showed
her teeth at him.
I'VE can draw and see" he suggest
ed. sinking upon one knee. And yet.
since you're the queen and I'm the
king. II must be each Others hearts"
He stopped abruptly at sight OF her
crimsoned cheeks.
That doesn't always follow" Fran
told him hastily; mot by any means.
For here are other queens. See the
queen OF spadesf Maybe you'll get
her. Maybe you want her. You see.
she either goes to you. or to the next
card"
But 1 don't want any queen OF
Spades" Abbott declared. He drew
the next card. and exclaimed dramatic
ally, Saved, saved! Here's Bob. Give
her to Bob Clinton"
"Oh, Abbotti" Fran exclaimed. look
ing at him with starlike eyes and rose
like cheeks. making the most fascinat-
ing picture he had ever beheid ut mid
night under silver moon. DO you
mean that! Remember you're on a
new bridge over running water"
Abbott paused uneasily. She looked
less like child than he had ever seen
her Her body was very slight-but
her face was 1t is marvellous
how much Of q woman's seriousness
was to be found In this girl. He rose
with the consciousness that for mo-
ment he had rather forgotten himself
He reminded her gravely-''We are
talking about cards-just cards.
NO." said Fran. not stirring. I'VE
are talking about Grace Noir. You say
you don't want her; you've already
drawn yourself out That leaves her
to poor Bob-he'll have to take her.
unless the joker gets the lady-the
Joker is named the devil So
the game isn't interesting any more"
She threw down nil tho cards. and
looked up. beaming. MY! but I'm
glad you came"
He was fascinated and could not
move. though ss convinced as nj the
beginning that they should not linger
thus. There might be fatal consc-
qucncoa: but the charm OF the little
girl seemed to temper this chill knowl.
edge to the shorn lamb. He temper.
lied: why don't you 20 on with
your fortune.telling. little girl'"
Il just wanted TO md out n Grace
Nolr IN going TO get you" sho said
candidly: ''it doesn't matter what be-
comes OF her. Were you ever on this
bridge before1"
Fran, Miss Grace In one OF the best
friends have. and--and every body nd
mircn her. The fact that you don't like
hcr. shows that you are not all you
ought TO be-"
Fran's dropping head hid her face.
Was she contritc. or mooklng7
Presently she looked up. her ospron.
sion that OF grave chocrfulnoss. Now
you've said what you thought YOU had
10 say" she remarked. 80 that's over.
wcro you over on this bridge beforef"
Abbott was offended No
Good. goodl" with vlyncioua crthu.
niasm. both OF ~ must crosr II nt
tho same time and make wish. Help
mo up--auick"
shc reached up both hands. and Ab.
butt lifted her 10 hor feet.
"whonovcr you cross now bridge"
rhe explained. "yop must make wish.