The Carlisle independent., 1914-07-16
CHAPTER XII.
The Second Encounter.

Booth trudged rapidly homeward after leaving Hetty at the lodge. He was throbbing all over with the love of her. The thrill of conquest was in his blood She had raised a mysteri- ous barrier; all the more zest to the l inevitable victory that would be his. He would delight in overcoming ob- stacles-the bigger the better-for his heart was valiant and the prize no smaller than those which the ancient knights went out to battle for in the lists of love-
 l It was enough for the present to know that she loved him.
 What if she were Hetty Glynn ? What if she had been an artists model? The look he had had into the soul of her through those pure blue eyes was allconvincing. She was wor- thy of the noblest love.
 After luncheon-served with some exasperation by Patrick an hour and a half later than usual-he smoked his | pipe on the porch and stared reminis- gently at the shifting clouds above the tree tops.
 He did not see the Wrandall motor at his garden gate until a lusty voice brought him down from the clouds into the range of earthly sounds. Then he dashed out to the gate, bareheaded and coatless. forgetting that he had been sitting in the obscurity of trailing vines and purple blossoms the while he thought of her. l Leslie was sitting on the wide seat between his mother and sister. l Glad to see you back, old man, said Booth, reaching in to shake hands with him. Day early, aren't you :? Good afternoon, Mrs. Wrandall. Won't you come in?"
 He looked at Vivian as he gave the invitation.
 No, thanks" she replied Wont you come to dinner this evening""
 He hesitated. I'm not quite sure whether can, Vivian. I've got half way sort of"
 "Oh, do, old chap" cut in Leslie, more as command than an entreaty. Sorry I can't be there myself, but you'll fare quite as well without me. I'm dining at Sara's. Wants my pri- vate ear about one thing and another see what mean? ?"
 We shall expect you, Brandon" 1" said Mrs. Wrandall. fixing him with her lorgnette.
 | I'll come, thank you," said he.
 He felt disgustingly transparent un- der that inquisitive glass.
 Wrandall stepped out of the car. "I'll stop off for a chat with Brandy, mother"
 Shall send the car back, dear?"
 Never mind. I'll walk down."
 The two men turned in at the gate as the car sped away.
 Well" said Booth, tits good to see you. Pat!" He called through base ment window. Come up and take the gentleman's order"
 No drink for me, Brandy. I've been in the temperance state of Maine for two weeks. One week more of 1t and I'd have been completely pickled I shall always rem member Maine''
 Booth sat down on the porch rail, hooked his toes in the supports and proceeded to fill his pipe. Then he struck match and applied it, Leslie watching him with moody eyes.
 How do you like the portrait, old man2" he inquired between punctu- ating puffs.
 Its bully. Sargent never did any thing finer. Ripping"
 T owe it all to you, Les"
 ITO me?"
 You induced her to sit to me-"
 So l did," said Leslie sourly. ''I was MT. Fix-it sure enough" He al l lowed short interval to elapse be- fore taking the plunge. q suppose, old chap, if I should happen to need your valuable services as best man in the near future. you'd not disap- point mel"
 Booth eyed him quizzically. q trust you're not throwing yourself away, Les" he said drily. q mean to say, on some one-well. some one not l quite up to the mark"
 Leslie regarded him with some se- yerity. of course not, old chap. What the devil put that into your i head?"
 T thought that possibly you'd been making chump of yourself up in the Maine woods"
 "Piffle! Don't be an ass Whats the sense pretending you don't know who she is?'
 q suppose it's Hetty Castleton, !" said Booth, puffing away at his pipe.
 Who else?''
 Think she'll have you, old man 9, asked Booth, after a moment
 T don't know replied the other, a bit dashed. You might wish me luck. though"
 Booth knocked the burnt tobacco from the bowl of his pipe A serious line appeared between his eyes. He was a fair-minded fellow. without