The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-01-03

ssNot only one, but several" she an
swered. 81 didn't love. them They
were not like you, Howard, Yo1 are
strong, manly and proud. You have
more pride than any man ever met"
LETS talk of something else,'' he
said, his face darkening, as he turned
from her and stood at the balustrade.
s"Why?' she asked, drawing near to
him again. her appealing eyes fixed on
him.
Because it is doing neither of us a
bit of good he replied firmly. ~You
would never let yourself care deeply
for a man like me even if you had the
inclination. All you people with money
are bound down to money and all that
goes with it. The poor young man
who marries an heiress these days is
a born fool-that is, if he meets an
heiress fool enough to marry him. The
woman OF that sort is not born who
will not sooner or later throw 1t In his
teeth"
That night after the dance was over
Cora went up to her room. Her moth
er, in the adjoining chamber, heard
her and came in and sat down. She
wore a light blue dressing gown and
was a blond who quite resembIed her
tsI thought you all would never get
through down there" she said YEARLY.
81 wish could get out of the habit
Of lying awake till you come in. Well,
did you have good time r.
yes" Cora said, slowly, without
looking at her mother, and beginning
30 take down her abundant hair.
al don't believe it." Mrs. Langham
said firmly. ''1 don't believe it be-
cause you are down in the mouth as
you have been for the last week. What
is the matter with your
Nothing" fCora's tone was sharp
and full of irritation. Nothing,
mother
The older woman rose and stood at
her daughters side. There is some
thing wrong, and I think I know what
it is You have allowed yourself to
get interested in Howard Tinsley. You
know well enough that he is out of the
question. You are sentimental, as 1
used to be, but you have too much
common sense to think of marrying
such aman. Still, that is all the more
reason for you to imagine you care for
hin. Cora, want to know one thing,
and want to know it before I go to
bed"
What is it, mother?', Cora sighed
as she met her mothers stare
81 want to know if Howard Tinsley
really is going away?'
Yes, the day after tomorrow
ct is settled?''
Absolutely
Has he had the cheek to ask you
have you engaged yourself to him ?'
mo. mother; he has never made any
proposal We may not even correspond
He is not an ordinary man He is
different from ali the rest Oh, don't
talk to me any more tonight I'm tired.
don't know what I am saying"
s'Wen," Mrs. Langham replied sharp,
" I'm glad he's going. You are in
dangerous mood. I've known girls
to make themselves miserable over
such things. I promised your father
to watch over you carefully, Nand here
in this poky, sleepy town you are on
the verge Of making goose of your
self. YouNare like most other girls
you want what is out of your reach.
You know you can't marry that noun
tain boy, and for that very reason you
think you love him. Yes, certainly
shall be glad when he is gone Surely
you VIII come to your senses then
Alone before her mirror Cora finish
ed undressing. She blew out her
light and lay down on the big cool
bed before a wide open window. ST
wonder, she unused, eff I do love
hfm7 I don't know, and yet-and
yet
After breakfast the next day How
ard sauntered out on the street and
looked about him Several white hood
ed wagons from the mountains were
standing near to the sidewalk, their
owners passing from store to- store
VITA samples of produce Clerks were
sweeping out the stores and display
ing their wares. 1t was busy, at
tractfve scene. With a fresh pang at
heart Howard realized that there was
only one other day before him and all
this would be out OF his life In a
group Of farmers and clerks in front
of Tarp's widely advertised 'empori-
UNI" he noticed a tall, brawny farmer
shaking hands with everybody that
passed. It was Pole Baker who, with
valise in hand, had just alighted
from the south bound train He had
Aughing brown eyes, great shock of
stim chestnut hair and a bushy mus
tache- Seeing Howard, he came to
him with his bronzed hand extended
cordially. ''How are you, Howard,
old boy?'' he said. Didn't look for
me home so quick, did Scu-after our
long talks about Texas? Here L am
back on the old ston1pin' ground, an
they tell me-. by gum, that you are
jest gettin' ready to CO."
'1ou have come back after your
wife and children, I suppose Howard
said. Have you selected Iocation2''
Have I?'' Baker wiped his facile
lips with his big hand and smiled and
winked. 81 was tellin' these fellers
had to let myself down easy, but I
hain't a-goin' to lie to you, Howard.
Do you know what I'm a-goin' to do,
my friend? I'm goin' to settle down
over thar in them mountains an eat