Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-12-26

nifty that soon altered their bearing
toward her. They were puzzled to find
garden rose in this rough wilderness,
but she soon brought them to the reali-
cation that they were not at liberty
to splash mud on her petals. The
luncheon completed her conquest.
Vandervyn came to the table with
all the uneasinesS gone from his
smile. He took his seat, and proceed
ed to eXtol Marie's skill as a chef.
Oinna, bearing tray, came in, and
began to serve luncheon. Though ex-
tremely shy, she started with a deft-
ness that showed careful training.
Several moments passed before Van
deryyn looked up and perceived her.
The surprise was too sharp even for
his assurance. He stopped short in
his talk, and stared at her, discon-
certed.
AT sight of his frown the girl
dropped her tray, now fortunately
empty, and with a little, gasping cry
fed from the room. She did not re-
appear. Marie passed off the awk-
ward incident with smile and tact
shyness. The Indian boy finished the
serving.
Vandervyn had delivered Hardy's
messages. They had been received
alike by, Marie and by the commission
ers without comment. After luncheon
one of the commissioners brusquely
proposed that Hardy be summoned to
attend upon them. Vandervyn inter-
posed with the suave suggestion that
the acting agent might leave in the
safe some of the papers necessary TO
full understanding of the affairs of
the agency.
At this the party fingered only for
parting nip at Dupont's liquid hos
pitality. Assuring Marie chat they
would return in time for dinner, they
left under the escort of their host.
With the excuse that he had mislaid
his hat, Vandervyn returned to the
dining room. When he came out, he
shut the door. Marie was alone in the
parlor. All the suppressed fire of his
passion famed In his face, as he
turned and came swiftly back to the
waiting girl There could be no doubt
that he expected her to meet him half
way.
She stood beside a chair, somewhat
pale, but outwardly very calm. She
did not advance a single step. Yet,
blinded by his own ardor, he came on
without needing the look in her face
until within arm'S-reach of her. Then
at last he perceived her lack of re-
Spouse, and stopped.
81 say!" he exclaimed. whats the
matter? Is this the way to welcome
me back, sweetheart"
The term of endearment brought
quick blush into the girls cheeks. But
she replied in cold, even tones: "Are
you now at liberty to address me as
your fianceeT
His eyes shifted before her level
gaze. Don't be foolish, Marie. You
know you're the only woman. You
know that engagement must stand I'M
III We III Z &c VI lAC 4ACAS 10
something else, as we'll"
'.This is quite enough for the pres
ent," she broke in. 81 promised to
wait for you until you should come
back-free from your cousin. You have
returned, but you are not free from
her. Is it honorable for you to speak
to me now"
SLOW can help it?" he urged, seek
ing to melt her with his ardent gaze.
you are the only woman-the only
one in all the world to me. There is
not another half as beautiful, tenth
as charming!"
She quivered In response to the deep,
golden notes of his voice, yet held her
self firm with all the strength of her
resolute will.
"You speak of love-" she rejoined.
"You say nothing of marriage"
How can IT. he asked in an ag-
grieved tone. You know that until
we get the mine But that won't be
long now. These commissioners are
jumping jacks in the hands of my I'M
Gle. They will hustle matters through
for us-short order. Once I-we-get
the mine, I'll be free man, and then,
sweetheart"
But the girl drew back from his
pleading arms.
"No," she said. IF l must wait. so
must you. If you mean what you say,
you should be satisfied that l still feel
| may have to wait"
you mean-what?" he stammered.
She clenched her hands convulsively.
''Why did you come first? Why could
I not have known him first?"
81 see," he muttered. Its that
that tin soldier"
Eyes, it is-that gentleman ~ she
flashed back. Again the slender finger
nails cut into her palms.
Mice fatherly old fogy," sneered
Vandervyn. You're far too much alive.
too much of real woman, to mistake
your feeling toward him for love.
Love- that's the word, sweetheart
youth and love and happiness You
and /. sweetheart"
kC1lC biuSnSQ t1tLhVACds DdI cAC
had spent all the days of his absence
in that intimate comradeship with
Hardy. AT the moment when Wander
vyn thought TO take her into his arms.
her will rallied, her eyes hardened
with resolution.
Il have said that l win wait That
is enough You also shall wait"
His eyes narrowed. Has it never
occurred to you that you may be a biz
TOO sure of me? The mine may pinch
out after the first few hundred thou
sands I'm in on another deal that
stands to net cool million. When /
get that in bank. can have any girl
/ choose TO 60 after"
If l had ten times a million, and
could buy you character like his, /