The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1914-07-23


Les" he said. 81 only hope you'll
| take it as nicely if she says nay to
YOU"
An uneasy look leaped into Leslie's
face. He seemed noticeably less cor
pulent about the chest He wondered
if Booth knew anything about his
initial venture. A question rose to
his lips, but he thought quickly and
| held it back. Instead, he glanced at
his watch.
Il must be off. See you tomorrow,
I hope"
so long," said Booth, stopping at
the top of the steps while his visitor
skipped down to the gate with
nimbleness that suggested the forma-
ton of a sudden resolve
Leslie did not waste time in part
ing inanities he strobe off briskly in
i the direction of home, but not without
furtive glance out of the tail Of his
eye as he disappeared beyond the
hedgerow at the end Of Booths gar
den. That gentleman was standing
where he had left him, and was filling
his pipe once more
| liz Ody "co W val anu AtSlIC was
in a dripping perspiration when he
reached home. He did not enter the
house but made his way direct to the
garage.
Get out the car at once, Brown"
was his order.
Three minutes later he was being
driven over the lower road toward
Southlook, taking good care to avoid
Booths place by the matter of a mile
or more. He was in a fever of hope
and eagerness. 1t was very plain to
him why she had refused Booth. The
iron was hot. He didn't intend to
J lose any time in striking.
And now we know why he came
again to Saras in the middle of a
blazing afternoon, instead of waiting
until the more seductive shades of
night had fallen, when the moon sat
serene in the seat of the Mighty.
He didn't have to wait long for Het-
, ty. Up to the instant of her appear
ance in the door, he had reveled in
} the thought that the way was now
paved with roses. But with her en-
, trance. he felt his confidence and
courage slipping. Perhaps that may
explain the abruptness with which he
proceeded to go about the business
in hand.
81 couldn't wait till tonight he ex
planned as she came slowly across
= the room toward him. She was half
t way to him before he awoke to the
q fact that he was standing perfectly
still. Then he started forward. some
/ how 1mpelled to meet her at leas,
I halfway You'll forgive me, Hetty
if l have disturbed you"
: 81 was not lying down, Mr.. Wran
y DALI" she said quietly. There was
nothing ominous in the words, but hi
y experienced a sudden sensation o
cold won't you sit down? Or would
q you rather go out to the terrace?"
Its much more comfortable here
if you don't mind II suppose yol
e know what it is 1 want to say to you
s YOU
Is Yes" she interrupted YEARLY
. "and knowing as much, Mr.. Wrandall
l. it would not be fair of me to lie
y you go on"
u Not fair?' he said in honest amaze
!. ment. But, my dear, L"
- please, Mr.. Wrandall,'' she e1
- claimed, with pleading little smil
:, that would have touched the heart @
anyone but Leslie. please don't g
-, on 1t is quite as impossible now
- it was before l have not changed"
,, He could only say, mechanically
" "You haven't"
-, ~ mo l am sorry If you hav
thought that l might come to"
~ Think, for heavens sake. thin
~ what you are doing!" he cried, feelin
- for the edge of the table with a SUI
-, port-seeking hand. II had Sara
word that you were not"
= unfortunately Sara cannot spea
-, for me in a matter of this kind. Than
YOU for the honor you would"
Honor be hanged" he blurted GU
- losing his temper. Il love you! 1t
- a purely selfish thing with ma. an