The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1915-08-26

OF course De followed ner. NoN' |
Rossmund nung herself down on the
succeeded In getting her hand. You've
simply got TO come. Why, you'll make
that crowd starel There isn't one of |
them that can come anywhere near
you. for looks. I'll be awfully proud OF
you"
"why," Her hand moved In his,
with the slightest possible caress- She
put something into her blue eyes that
made them burn with tenderness
Hall drew her gently toward him.
and whispered: "Come over here, and
I'll tell you"
She hesitated a second, then permit
| ted a closer contact, arranging II 30
that she could look up at him dream.
lily. well, what!" Now her eyes
went down. Her fingers worked nerv-
ousiy. Very fine work. for that sort OF
a girl.
His arm frightened about her. he
drew her head still nearer his. One In
slant she protested mutely. then, with
a sigh she shut her eyes and shivered.
Hall kissed her once, twice-thrice.
She clutched his hand tightly.
When she did raise her lids, II was
to look at him with big. pleading, won
dering eyes. There were tears In
them-almost. What do you want to
kiss me for. Hail!"
He kissed her again. why shouldn't
want tor
The time had come. She jumped to
her feet. Hall, I'm going! can't
ever come here again. You've spoiled
sverything7 It's only fun for you.
but--but /" she choked a sob-"but
can't play at II, that way!" She
turned and walked to the window.
"Ob. I'm sorry-really." Hall walked
toward her again. 81 didn't mean"
"Oh. care too much. I'm afraid"
she sobbed. and sat down mournfully.
refusing to look at him.
1, you mean - Rosamund!" He
, stopped, bit his lip and looked at her
keenly. Rosamund could not be awak-
3 ward or ridiculous. The dedalian gods
. had granted her the superb gift OF
0 grace. She sat In limp. detected but
perfectly graceful attitude. picture
d OF grief and wounded pride. A keener
- | ulhu Woulu udNd tOOhcu thoiC epeh
v don In her woe. a touch OF the gro
tesqueness Of despair, something OF
convincing intensity. Perhaps Hall
n himself, at any other time. when his
!, mind was free. might have had a sus'
i picion that all was not genuine. But
!. now he saw only woman who loved
, him tenderly, and on whose emotion
o he had carelessly played. A wave oi
a, tenderness for her swept over him
{, regret for his having touched her
3. keen nerve; but 1t was colored. also
with the pride OF the male in his con
r. quest. The chase had already excited
I him She was there, beautiful ant
'r fond, his victim-conquered by hi
force Of personality. Try as he nigh
O. to subdue this baseness. his egotisn
4 rose triumphant over his sympathy
tt The woman was his!
y. Then, with the thought. lightning
flashed In his brain. Here was tn
TO thing to do! He must be married be
u fore midnight. Why not Rosamun,
10 for his bride? She was ready, willin
IN to be won, affectionate, beauty whom
he could be proud to exhibit as hi
wife. Mrs. Royalton might give hin
prestige, introduce him to a smart sci
present him, as her dover, with Unfit
ence and position; but where woul
she be beside the compelling beauty @
= Rosamund Gale? Carolyn. perhaps
| was better fitted to be his mate-sht
| too. was OF the socially elect, and sh
/ had youth. Youth? Had not Ross
| mund the full fragrance of Its charms
All this in whirling instant-the
with a swift rush, he had her In hi
embrace.
"Rosamund, dear Rosamund!" he 81
claimed softly, IL did mean it-I wan
you. dear! Let me love you'll" Ho'
careful he was to be honest! Il war
| you--for my wife. Rosamund l mus
| have you'll" He held her tight an
4 close; he kissed her more and NOR
fervently.
: Slowly, slowly, she lifted her blu
eyes to his. Really. Hall? Really ?
- Smiling through her tears. Sine nestle
y close.
Then you do really love me, Ros,
mund?" Hall asked. after a minute {
demonstration.
"Oh, Hall!" She ran her finger
through his hair.
- Hall had queer new sensation I
- pleasure. So far he had thought onl
OF his marriage and his millions: bu
Ito with Rosamund warm and soft in
arms, her hair in his eyes. her hea
beating so near-Rosamund had mao
him forget, for minute. Fot the m
., ment. II not In love with her, he was
=, least fascinated. She set his bloc
afre.. His eagerness was not all di
~, stimulation, when he said:
-, Then we must be married immet
- ately! can't wait. Rosamund. What
the use of being engaged? want "