The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-02-09
Copyright. 1918. BY Dodd. Mead {. Company
By j. Hartley Manners

Tutors were engaged to prepare her
for the position she might one day en-
JOY through her dead uncle's will.
They lid not remain long. She show
ed either marked incapacity to acquire
the slightest veneer of culture-eise 1t
was pure willfulnSss.
The only CLEANS of relief she had
were on the occasions when Jerry Wis
ited the family Whenever they could
avoid Mrs. Chiches,er's watchful eyes
they would chat and laugh and play
like children
Her letters TO her father were at
first very bitter regarding her treat.
ment by the family Indeed. SO resent
full did they become that her father
wrote to her In reply urging her, IL she
was So unhappy. To at once return to
him on the next steamer, The month
she had promised to stay was drawing
to an end. But one more day remain
ed Ii was to be a memorable one for
Peg.
Jerry had endeavored at various
times To encourage her TO study. One
day he gave her large. handsomely
bound volume and asked her TO read
II at odd tines and he wonld examine
her in II when she had mastered its
contents She opened\it wonderingly
and found il to be Love Stories OF
the World"
1t became Pegs treasure. She kept
il hidden from every one in tue house.
She made Il cover for it out Of a piece
of cloth. so that no one could see the
ornate binding, She would read It at
night In her room, by day out In the
fields or hy the sea. The book was a
revelation to her 1t gave all her i'm
agination full play. Through its pages
treaded Il stately procession OF kings
and queens Wagnerian heroes and
heroines. Simkesl'earean creations, me-
lodious in verse. and countless Others.
All through the month Christian
Brent WAS frequent visitor If Peg
only despised the Chichesters she posi-
lively loathed Rrent Peg was wait
MIR. Brents real character The op-
portunity came.
On the night Of the last day of the
trial month Peg was lying face down
ward on sofa reading her. treasure
when she became conscious of some
one being in the room watching her
She started dp in panic. instinctively
hiding the hook behind her She found
Brent staring down at her in open ad.
miration. Something in the intentpess
of his gaze caused her to spring to her
feet
The hook must be absorbing
What is it:" he asked.
Peg faced him. the book clasped In
both of her hands behind her back.
her eyes flashing and her heart throb.
bing
"fou mustn't be angry. child. What
is 1t. Ell? Something forbidden:" and
he leerel knowingly ut her Then he
made quick snatch at the book. say.
Ing, SHOW 1t me-
Peg ran across the room and. turn
ing up a corner OF the carpet. put the
book under it. turned back the carpet,
put her foot determinedly on it and
turned again to face her tormentor.
Brent went rapidly across TO her
The instinct VI the chase was quick in
his blood.
"a hiding place. eh? Now you make
me really curious Let me see." He
again made movement toward the
hidden book
Peg clinched both of her hands into
little fists and Slared at Brent. while
her breath came in quick sharp gasps
"! love spirit" cried Brent.
Then he looked at hcr charming
dress. Mt her stylish roiffure. at the
fimple spray of flowers at her breast.
He gave an ejacuiation Of pleasure.
What wonderful ch.nge in n
month. You most certainly would not
he sent to the kitchen now. Do you
know you have grown into most at
tractive young lady? You are really
delightful angry. And you are angry.
aren't you* And with me. eh: I'm
30 sorry II I've offended yon Let us
Kiss and be friends" He tried To take |