The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1914-04-21
The Romance of an Eastern Girls
-: Adventures in the Big West 80:


How are YOU. boys" he said
brieny, and they responded with
equal brevity:
How are YOU"
Nowhere did Spisers appearance
seem to evoke enthusiasm. Nan was
not thinking Of this. but VI the star
tied. even shocked look In Ben Evans's
eyes when they rested upon her In
recognition. There was no mistak-
ing the surprise and disappointment
they held.
Her voice and manner were strained
and self-conscious when the cart
stopped ut the door OF the cottage
and Sriser raised his arms TO help
her out. while all the occupants Of the
bunk house across the road looked
on In silence.
papier- mache AFFAIR Of Miss Spiser's,
was on the porch. Perhaps In all her
life Nan never had known q mare
uncomfortable moment than when
Spiser opened the door Of the guest-
chamber and told her to make herself
entirely at home.
Wen have the cook bring supper
over here" said Spiser as he was go
Nan protested hastily:
But Id rather--much rather--have
supper WneTe tne rest OF tnem
Her preference had no weight with
him.
II don't eat with my men when I
can avoid II" he returned CURLY.
Some subtle change had come over
Spiser which Nan was quick to feel
an added assurance, n satisfied man
ner which conveyed the impression
that he was master OF n situation en-
tirely to his liking. Her uneasinesa
Increased, as more and more keenly
she realized the awkwardness OF her
position.
The stiffness Of the musty house
added TO her nervousness. though she
tried to reassure herself with tho
thought that her fears would seem
absurd enough when Miss Spiser ar
rived.
"You haven't any sand At ALL" she
told her reflection In the mirror. "to
get In such state over the frst un-
usual situation. You!-who were
plninE FOR this kind" the pale image
answered back.
shortly Nan heard the cook laying
the table. but she did not leave her
room until Spiser raped upon her
door ana announced supper. Con-
strained to a degree under the in
Quisitive eyes OF the cook, she took
her seat at the table which was laid
for two only. Spiser pushing her
chair beneath her with a great show
OF Eailantry. He seemed curiously
gay and elated. she thought.
Nan looked In annoyance at 4 wine
glass set conspicuously before heI
plate. Was II not possible for him q
see that her position was sufIicienti,
: uncom Portable without that? Shs
turned her sIlss with a little more
vigor than necessary. That sparklt
Spiser liked leaped into her eyes.
"What--no wine?"
Nan replied coldly:
mo wine."
: The cook glanced at her oddly q
he placed platters upon the table.
I'm sure you'll change your mind.
. Spiser replied. unruffled. ~ AWAY
: keep a little out here on the rancl
-, for celebrations" he added. "Clar
j ence. MI Miss Galbraith's glass"
This time Mans eyes flashed un
mistakably.
Positively not" and she lifted he
D small hand In n decided negative.
Spiser shrugged his shoulders.
D suit yourself. That'li he all. Ciar
ence. we won't want anything mor'
tonight"
But your sister" Nan looked a
here shortly
"Oh," he answered carelessly
! Clarence can get her uF something
n she comes
I III she comes?"
] The cook would have given mucl
+. to have heard Spiser's answer 10 tn
sharp Interrogation. but he dared no
loiter. and already he had heard
enough to strengthen Pen Evans
hnt NJ I'M
wrong that me girl who had beeI
I in his mind day and night since III
had glimpsed her on the bench unde
. tho cottonwood tree. and Spiser'
Z usual women guests. were not OF al
;. Tx.
Mans appetite waH gone. Dismay
apprehension, angry resentment hat
2 taken n entirely. She felt that nh
!. had been tricked. but for what pur
e pose she. as yet. could not clearl,
see. She was too accustomed 10 r.
}. spect and Difference to believe tina
h Spiaer or any other person woul'
;. dare 10 offer her serious offense.
The unrespOnsive coolness witt
which sho mot his gaycty seemed 4
r disturb Spiser not at all m he at
and drank with keen enjoyment. atop
r ping occasionally to regard her will
4 broad satisfaction,
I Finally lighting a cigar he lesne'
y back in his chair and considered he
comfortably,
. Looks pretty good TO me- to AZ
n YOU setttn' there opposite 50 scotia bl
and homelike."
4 Mans teeth shut together hard.
u Don't you think you'll like it?" ii
I half closed His eyea and looked at he
d through n cloud Of smoke.
u It's detsstable!" she cried furi
I" ously. "You are detestable! I dom
a understand why you should hav
placed mo In this position"
. "Oh. Yes. YOU do" hs contradietet
: good -naturedly. Don't waste you
- breath telling any pretty little femi
nine fairy tales like that. Any WON
;. an only half AN smart AS you ar
could see I've been crazy about 80
ever since I first saw you"
Nan flushed hotly
Isn't It pOssib" for YOU to under
" stand the light In which you haN
placed me-" she demanded, ar" 20
u too utterly dens" 10 rcaliz" what "A
a unmanly, dlshunorable advantage 80
J. have taken OF me- I know now tina
= YOU had no intention of hrinE
your sister. You lied - me-"
:. come. come. little girl, don't MAX
q fuss and spoil a pleasant evening