Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1914-10-22

appointment as the nefghDOrhOOd was
left behind One afternoon Kazia, in
company with another young woman,
emerged from the grounds as he was
passing and gave him cool imper-
sonal nod. He guessed that 1t was her
recreation hour and marked the time
The quick leaping interest should have
been warning to him. Perhaps 1t
was, for:
I'm making fool OF myself" he
growled. What do | know Of this
woman?"
On the third day thereafter, at the
same hour. he passed the hospital.
This time Kazia appeared alone. She
gave him again the cool impersonal
nod and would have passed on But
he drew the horses up sharply and
called: 'Kazia!"
She paused. hesitated a moment.
then went over to the curb.
win you drive with me for a
while?"
Il ought to walk" she answered.
Please. Kazia." 1t did not seem
absurd to him that he pleaded.
She hesitated again. then
Yes" she said.
+ He would have alighted to help her
to the seat. but she forestalled him,
Don't get out" And she was be-
side him.
He touched the horses with his whip
and they sprang forward.
You aren't WELL" she said abruptly.
And he, ascribing to that fact her
unexpected compliance, was at the mo
nent almost glad of his disability.
Is 1t obvious? | believe I'm not
In fact, my doctor has ordered me to
get out and play--I find 1t very hard
work. That's why--that's one reason
why-I asked You. i needed company.
The circumstance" he smiled. ought
to appeal to you professionally"
Nurses are VIGOROUSLY hard
hearted"
Yes? Then can't work on your
sympathies. On The Whole, I'd ratner
have 1t SO. You'll have to admit II
took courage to ask you to play with
me. because-you'll admit again-you
weren't exactly cordial the last time"
What did you expect?"
but expected nothing he re-
torted. Il didn't know you would be
at Romans. Why, hadn't even heard
of you for--Ive been counting 1t up
Ia years. That isn't gross fiattery, is
It? But, Of course. you aren't the sort
of woman that likes fiattery. Are
your
Then you're not SO sure. after all,
But l do like it."
Il must remember that" He
chuckled. Playing becomes distinctly
easier. Isn't 1t lucky happened along
by the hospital just when l did,"
But , thought" She almost
smiled Il thought 1t was habit"
so you've seen me? Now you men.
ton it, ! may as well confess that
this isn't luck. but the result of avery
clever plot. I've been driving past
the hospital almost every day In the
sneaking hope that just this would
occur"
you say, sneaking hope
You see," he confided, "rm easily
| frightened. How could know that I'd
find you $3.50 beautifully human?--
Are you preparing to snub me for
that?"
II am considering It," The smile
was unmistakable now But l won't.
because today is one OF the days when
/ can't help being beautifully human.
| I'm SO healthy that sometimes | just
have to take a vacation from myself.
And I'm SO unhealthy that. though
I'd like to, can't give Truitt the slip
for even an hour. He's persistent
beggar--as you may have noticed the
last few weeks"
They laughed.
1t was a clear afternoon. beautiful
with the mellow radiance. OF autumn
sunshine. But the wind that swept
sky and air clean was crisp and pene-
trating. To her. superbly healthy. II
gave only rare tinge Of color that
| enhanced her charm, gave the last
needed softening touch. His wasted
body, despite the heavy overcoat he
wore, could not resist the chill breath
But, though he knew he would prob
ably pay later for the exposure. he
| would not by SO much as minute cur
tail the hour.
II haven't had so pleasant-it's q
puny word, but let that go-so pleas
ant a time in years." he declared.
Il see.' she laughed. you have
taken me at my word"
But / mean ii" he protested. I'D
like you to believe that mean it."
He became grave,
"Since that day at Romans I've
been thinking a good deal OF what we
said-about my having harmed you
II regrets--but there's nothing 80 use
less. That sort of thing isn't easily
forgiven. is it?'
"Oh, very easily
''You are thinking that | give toe
much significance TO our little affair
do not
mo, | mean | have never blamed
you. OF course, we were too young fol
Il 20 nave any lasting significance
And, II | remember Alright. invited
il and so put you In what must have
SEEMED very tragic quandary at the
tine The most critical ear could
have discsrned nothing ungenuine ~
her ripping laugh
4 60 RE toNTINUs5s5)