Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-07-22
CHAPTER III-Continued.

Mercy. HALL Not hereI Not now.
Not yet" She took few steps from
him, and turned to look him over,
even as he had looked at her. She
looked as a woman looks at a hat in d
milHuer's, then shook her head, as if
she were not sure it was becoming.
mo, Hall, I'm afraid I must have a lit
tie time. 1 can't decide Just now"
Renal"
mo, Hall. You must be patient
dear. Give me a week"
see here!" Hall spoke deliberately.
evil you let me know tonight? You're
coming to my party here, tonight,
aren't your"
"Why, yes, I was"
'1Wnl you give ne your answer
then?"
She hung fire for a moment. Hall
gave a gesture of agony-it was his
supreme effort and had a touch of
genius. Mrs. Royalton, seeing, capt.
uIated Well, then, all right, to-
night"
Hall tried again for an embrace
even while repuIsing him she let him
taste her lips, then she feebly pushed
him away. ooh, Hall, you mustn't!
Not yet, anyway-you know I haven't
accepted you, yet. Oh, I cant decide
I've got to think it all over calmly"
Lord, not calmly, Renal" he ex-
claimed. He gazed sadly at his shoes.
The suspense will be t9rrible!" ne
my darling!"
ooh, Faint heart ne'er won fair
LADY," Mrs. Royalton seemed fully
two inches taller than when she had
come In. Now, must go, Hall. Good
by" She held out her hand, an en-
press to a slave. He kissed it with
fervor And with that she smiled, and
walked out
For ten minutes F1odie had stood
stealthily by the door. trying to listen.
She had barely time to spring back to
her desk.
'Good-by, Miss Fisher" Mrs. Royal
ton paused condescendingIy q think
II you used almond cream for your
face it might do it a great deal of
good. Try one of those wrinkle-bands,
why don't you! They're really very
ef1cacious" She swished into the
dressing room to put ~ her veil
FlOdie waited a moment in scornful
silence. then burst into the studio to
find Hall gazing in a stupor out the
window, hands in pockets, a scowl on
his face. What did she say?" she
whispered. Hall didn't hear What
Gid she say, Mr.. Bonistelle!" FIodie
was perishing of suspense
Hall walked to the couch and
dropped down, shaking his head
"She wanted time. Time! Confound
1.-THE only thing I haven't got!
What d'you think of that! feel as if
I'D done a weeks washing! I'm all
used up! Say, Flodie, it takes lots
of energy to propose, did you know
that?"
Flodie regarded him wistfulIy. 81
should think it would-especi
when you don't mean it."
"Oh, I mean it all right. I'll stand
for it, Four millions! Lord, why
wouldn't mean it? I'd mean any
thing."
7 mean when you don't really love
her, Mr.. BonisteIle. I don't see how
you could do it. I could never do
anything like that"
We'll, you ought to be glad you
don't have to Flodie Unfortunately,
do. Why. she'll make a good wife,
won't she? I don't say I love her, ex-
actly; but, we'll, I've always liked
Rena Royalton. She's a good fellow.
She's got the looks. and the style and
the family connections and everything.
I wouldn't be bit ashamed of her as
Mrs. BonistelIe. What's the matter
with YOU. Flodie? You look so queer!
Ill or anything"
"0h, I'm all right" F1odie smiled
bitterly. "Only-only-"
We'll. I'll be hanged! Why, any,
body would think it was you who were
In a hole, not me Lord, thought you
cared enough for me to help nae out!"
She moved instinctively toward
him; instinctively she withdrew. "Oh.
] do really I do Mr. Bonistelle! How
can help you? Tell mel"
We'll, what am going to do If Mrs.
Eoyalton refuses me, BY jove! Just
think of its being in that womau's
power to cost me four and a half mil
lions! Its outrageous!"
Don't you let her, Mr.. BonisteIle."
FIodie broke out eagerly. ooh, it isn't
right. Surely there's some other way
"a better way than that. Mr.. Boni-
steue."
a better way? What d'you mean?"
Hall looked az her, puzzled,
Flodie screwed up her courage, and
reached gently for his hand. But, no.
she didn't quite dare take it. Her