Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1915-11-26
CHAPTER lII-Continued.


Mercy, HALL Not herel Not nowl
Not yeti" She took a few steps from
him, and turned to look him over,
even as he had looked at her She
looked as a woman looks at hat in a
milliner's, then shook her head, as II
she were not sure 1t was becoming.
mo, Hall. I'm afraid must have a lit
tie time. can't decide Just now"
Renal"
mo, Hail. You must be patient,
dear. Give me a week."
See herei" Hall spoke deliberately.
will you let me know tonight? You're
aren't your"
why. yes. I was"
will you give me your answer
them"
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.
ulated. We'll, then, all right. to-
night"
Hall tried again for an embrace
even while repulsing him she let him
taste her lips. then she feebly pushed
him away. "Oh. Hall, you mustn't
Not yet, anyway-you know haven't
accepted you, yet. Oh, l can't decide.
I've got to think 1t all over calmly"
Lord. not calmly, Renal" he ex-
claimed. He gazed sadly at his shoes.
1.-The suspense will be terriblel" he
said. and with elaborate emphasis,
my darlingl"
"Oh, Faint heart ne'er won fair
ladyl'" Mrs. Royalton seemed fully
two inches taller than when she had
come in. Now, must go. Hall. Good
byl" She held out her hand, an en-
press to slave He kissed it with
fervor. And with that she smiled, and
walked out
For ten minutes Flodie 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 condescendingly. II think
II you used almond cream for your
faoe 1t might do 1t a great deal OF
good. Try one of those wrinkle bands
why don't you'll They're really very
crossing room to put on her veil.
F1odie waited a moment in scornful
Silence, then burst into the studio to
md Hall gazing In stupor out the
window, hands In pockets, a scowl on
his face. What did she say?" she
whispered. Hall didn't hear. What
I'D she say, Mr.. BonistelleI" F1odie
was perishing of suspense.
Hall walked to the couch and
cropped down, shaking his head
she wanted time. Timel Confound
h-the only thing l haven't gotl
What d'you think OF thatl feel as II
I'd done q weeks washingl I'm al
used upl Say, Flodie, 1t takes lots
Of energy TO propose. did you know
that2"
F1odie regarded him wistfully. %
should think 1t would-especially
when you don't mean IT,"
"Oh, / mean 1t all right. I'll stand
for 1t. Four millionsl Lord, why
wouldn't / mean itf I'd mean any
thingl"
II mean when you don't really love
her, Mr.. Bonistelle. / don't see how
you could do 1t. 1 could never dc
anything like thatl"
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? l don't say l love her, ex
actly; but, well. 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
j wouldn't be a bit ashamed of her as
Mrs. Bonistelle. What's the matter
with you. Flodie? You look SO queer
III or anything"
''Oh. I'm all right" FIodie smiled
bitterly. "Only-only-"
well, I'll be hanged Why, any
body would think 1t was you who were
In hole, not me. Lord, thought you
cared enough for me to help me outl'
She moved instinctively toward
him; instinctively she withdrew. "Oh
j do, really I do. Mr.. Bonistellel How
.oan help your Tell mel"
well, what am going to do II Mrs
Royalton refuses me. BY jovel Just
think of it's being in that woman's
power to cost me four and a half mil
honsl It's outrageousl"
Don't you let her. Mr.. Bonistellel'
rodie broke out eagerly. ooh, it isn't
right. Surely there's some other way
"a better way than that. Mr.. Boni
stellei"
"A better way7 What d'you meanf'
Hall looked at her, puzzled.
Flodie screwed up her courage. and
reached gently for his hand But. no
she didn't quite dare take it Her