Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-07-29

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He was properly Indignant by
ioYe, you don't think I'm that kind
of man, do you! I don't care wheth-
er you have or not" He waxed prop
erly heroic. Good Lord, Carolyn, do
you think I would marry for money!"
We'll, then, I don't see"
He looked about the studio fatuous-
II. ooh, Ill-Ill work hard, you know.
I'm sure I can earn enough. In fact
have splendid prospects, Carolyn, real
ly splendid"
She gave him another Of her long
curious glances through half-closed
lids. You certainly are attractive this
morning, Hall. Too darned attractive!
I almost believe III say yes, after all!
But no, must thins 1t over. I don't
want to be hypnotized, you know.
Good-by, Hall, I'm going" For scant
moment she paused, hesitating, self
conscious, as she looked at him with
an expression that was seldom seen
on her face. Then she took his hand
impulsively. ooh, Hall, dear-I
thought it was all joke at frst-just
your fooling-that's why I was so hor-
rid. But now" Then, as Hall at
tempted to draw her nearer she sprang
away, once more proud and cynical.
Don't you be too sure of me, though!
I may see the funny side of it again,
tonight"
''By jove, don't see how can wait
till then" he replied bravely, encir-
cling her waist. Say, Carolyn"
His lips were almost upon hers
not quite. She burst into laughter as
she sprang away. "Oh, no, Hall, 10th
ing like that! I've got long way to
go, my dear, before I'm ready for the
bunny-hug! You go to work, and let
me ponder. e-thee-well!" Then,
without waiting for an answer, she
f1oated out of the studio.
In the Office she came face to face
with FIodie. Carolyn stopped and
looked at her keenly.
Why, Miss Fisher" she said, you
ought to get some fresh air, d'you
know it? You need a change. You're
SO pale" Her intent was kind, but
to poor F'lodie, who had waited in
agony for her to leave, it was infuri-
ating She looked up. with her white
face still whittier.
I'm so sorry I frightened you!"
Flodie gave a sarcastic smile.
Carolyn stopped, as surprised as if
woolly lamb had bitten her. She
looked Flodie up, she looked Flodie
down. Then merrily she laughed.
Good for you! Always speak up, lit
tie one! Be bright and pleasant. 1t
makes customers like you!"
FIodie met her smile for smile.
Thank you so much! And now.
would you mind telling me how to like
customers?"
Carolyn laughed again. well" she
said, 81 may not be a customer very
long. And then perhaps you'll like
mel"
Flodie bounced her fountain pen
down on the desk and jumped up, eyes
swapping. Into the studio she walked.
Hall was heading for the dark room;
she stopped him with a tragic 'Weu?"
What d'you Think" he answered.
"She wants to think it over. tool"
"She didn't accept you, really?" Flo
die gasped.
mo, took it as a joke. Liked it,
though. What TIE purple deuce am 1
going to dog" He looked at his watch.
Here it is nearly eleven o'clock al
ready, end nothing decided yet! Why,
l daren't even buy ring!"
At the word, Flodie gave a sudden
gasp, and her hand few to her heart.
"Oh, I wish could help you'll" she
sighed
He smiled patronizingly and nodded.
Eyes, l wish you could" He started
for the door OF the dark room and
paused. You can't recommend any
one else can you, Flodie? If l could
only find someone who would say yes
and have it over, I could go right
ahead"
She gave him such a look! But the
hopelessness of it kept her dumb.
Down went her eyes to shut the tears
out: Flodie turned away, pretending
that 1t was absolutely necessary that
the Spanish chair be moved two inches
to the right.
Say, Flo, you think up some way to
beat this game, will your" With that,
Hall shut himself into the dark room.
Into the chair Flodie sank, staring
at space, deep in thought. Her fingers
worked together nervously, her brow
was puckered. How blind men were!
Deaf and dumb and blind and half-Wit-
ted! She could not offer herself, she
loved him too well. oh, never until
today did she realize how much Hall
meant to her! Now to lose him-oh,
if he were really in love she might
bear it-but to have him to go like
this-look at everyone and not see her
it was insulting-she felt numb at
the cheapness, the degradation Of it.
No, she was helpless-the greater the
opportunity the less could she avail
herself of it. But wasn't there any
way of showing him, she wondered;
couldn't she make him feel her? Sure
" she couldn't amount to much, after
all, if she had so little magnetism, but
she felt drugged and helpless. Her
wits we're going.
TO BE CONTINUED)
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