The evening world., 1914-04-22

Of falling earth as the ever-changing
Rio Grande ate away Its banks.
Home, the censorious family. Bob.
seemed very far away. Forgetfuiness
was in the languorous air OF spring.
Much and little had happened since
she had become a part OF the placid
picturesque village life.
The war with Spain was we'll under
way, and she had come to know Ben
Evans far better than she had ever
expected to know him after tho dis
appointing episode at the Esmeraldas
ranch.
Spiser had let her distinctly alone.
which was not like Spiser. but she
was not curious as to his reason
since II was 80. Mrs. Gallagher now
called her chiquita occasionally. ana
In unguarded moments showed her
affection. Nan rode daily on horne
back and studied Spanish With the
pompous schoolmaster.
She felt twinge OF conscience
when anxious and reproachful letters
came from home In tho cratic mails.
and she dreaded rather than well
coined their. for they only served to
remind her that some time this
dreamy. unreal life must end. And
when she thought OF that she thought
Of Hen Evans.
She was waiting for him now. as he
had sent word that he might be able
to come. and soon her listening ear
heard him greeting a Mexican In the
plaza. The big sorrel he rode ambled
into sight and stopped at the bars
az the moon rose full and round.
flooding the world With Its white
light.
He dropped the reins at the horses
I'd OaFlv
He did not let 20 the hand she ex-
tended, but kept II In his own a. he
sat down beside her.
The tinkle of many guitars now
mingled with the sound of the river
and the air was sweet with the
scents of spring and the incense-like
odor Of burning pinon. The village
looked a corner Of fairyland In the
light Of the luminous moon and the
spell OF the night was upon them
both.
"I'm glad you could come"
Are you-honest
Honest"
~"I wanted to come-I couldn't stay
away tonight"
Not even II you lost your Job?'
forgotten that.
DON'T" 1t was a sore subject
with him now. >,
They were silent for a time. but II
was a. silence 40 Significant "a
words.
II like you," he said at last, husk-
fly, with an effort.
Like me? 10 that ALI"
"A whole lot"
81 like q great many people q whole
lot-Mrs. Gallagher. for instance she
looked at him slyly.
"Ah-you know what mean
How should ! II you don't tell me ?
He moved uneasily.
Better than anybody"
She considered.
Better than Edith Blakely"
Ben hesitated and Nan suddenly
felt more than a pang Of jealousy.
More than Edith Blakely" Thu
demand this time was vehement.
more than Edith Blakely." he ad'
mitted.
After another silence Nan said IN
nocently:
1T isn't 30 much to say that yo,
like me better than anybody"
What would l say" he asked. sur
prised.
Cant you imagine?' Her eye'
danced.
lie shook his head.
You might say that YOU love me.
He drew back startled.
Lord. ! couldn't say that"
She took her hand away. "Of cours
not, II you don't feel It,"
"Tain't that" he explained anx
iously; but that's soft That's talk
In like novel"
"Nonsense-say IT."
He squirmed, and Nan saw hin
grow red In the moonlight,
"Aw-g'wan-I couldn't say that"
SAY II, II you mean IL" she dc
manded imperiously.
you won't laugh at me-" suspi
ciously.
She shook her head.
Shamefacedly he stammered Will
the perspiration came out on his fore
head:
"Love-I love YOU
more than anybody"
more than anybody" he repeate
after her.
! He did not hnd II 20 dinicult sgair