The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1915-09-10

Der that; and not just to help catch q
| fortune!"
Hall watched her, fascinated, as she
strobe up and down, her eyes flashing
her body 1.-THE and eager, accentine
her anger with free, unconscious ges
lures. "By Jove!" he exclaimed, q
wouldn't know you! Why, 1 never
saw you like this before! What's hap
pened to you? l didn't know it was
in you!"
She turned scornfully. ooh, I've got
lot in me that you'll never know,
Hall Bonistelle. I've got little pride
for one thing"
He seized her hand; in spite of her
self, she let it rest in his, while he
asked, soothingly: "And haven't you a
little love, too, Flodie?"
She snatched her hand away. Love!
What do you know about love!" she
exclaimed scornfully, and walked
away from him. why, your janitor
knows more about real love than you
do-a thousand times!"
Still he stood and looked at her as
at marvel "FIodie Fisher" he de.
clared, you may believe it or not. but
am in love with you. swear am!
Why. you're magnificent! BY Jove,
never saw such spirit! Why in the
world haven't you ever shown me
what you were, before? I'd have pro-
posed to you six months ago!"
well, you're too late, now!" She
was trembling. Suddenly her strength
left her. She burst into tears
He went up to her appealingly
"See here, Flo, do want you, don't
you understand that, little girl? And
I'm going to have you, too, no matter
what happens! On that money,
anyway! wish it never had been left
me! See here, Flo, let's begin all
over again! come on out right now
and marry me, will you-will your"
mol" she sobbed.
Now there are two nos a woman
can say. One comes through clenched
teeth; it has rising infection; the
other is an out-and-out bark and has
the downward fling. Few men know
what different things they mean. Hall
stood silent for a moment. watching
her. Then his tone changed. well, /
don't know that blame you," he said
finally. 1--WE been all kinds Of a cad
today, but guess this is the limit OF
course I've been blind You're right.
I've been SO close to you / haven't
really seen you. And now that do,
it's too late. Say, F1odie, did you
mean that? Is it really too late?
Won't you let me prove that am in
earnest, at last?"
"Oh, how can l believe you? You're
not honest! You've been lying all
day! You've lied to Mrs. Royalton,
and you've lied to Miss Dallys and
Rosamund. And now you're lying to
me! Mol" she said, "Tll never believe
you" Then she dropped her head on
her hands over the table. Go away!"
she sobbed.
Hall walked toward the door,
wretched and ashamed.
Isn't there any chance for me?" he
pleaded. Don't you lovo me enough
to forgive me, dear? Don'l -ay no
Flodie!"
She looked up with tears in her
eyes. She had a strange, exalted look
on her face as she spoke through
clenched teeth. Hall Bonistelle," she
said, Il will not marry you! There!"
She turned away. li
Hall suddenly caught fire. He shook
his fist at her. "F1odie Fisher, you
shall marry mel" The door slammed.
AS soon as he had gone, Flodie
jumped up, and stood for a moment
thinking. She glanced at the clock,
scowled, then walked stealthily to the
door and listened. Opening 1t, she
looked out into the hall.
ooh. Alfred!' she called. and then
she waited
In moment the janitor appeared.
pale and sad as a specter. yes. Miss
Fisher?"
She regarded him eagerly. ALFRED"
she said, you said you'd do anything
for me, didn't your"
Yes, Miss Fisher. that's what l
did"
you will do anything. no matter
what ask?"
"oh. yes. Miss Fisher! Indeed l
will"
Then go and get your hat and coat
hurry"
"Yes, Miss Fisher"
He left hastily. and Flodie went to
her closet and drew forth her own hat
and coat and put them on. still alb
sorbed in thought. She was drawing
on her last glove when Alfred re-
appeared.
What is it you want me to do. Miss
Fisher?"
"Alfred." she replied, smiling elfish-
ly on him, Il want you to go down to
the city hall with me. We're going to
get marriage licensed"