Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1917-01-19

ME at the Office at any time that suits
them"
Vandervyn shrugged and went in
doors, his smile a trifle forced. He at
once Joined his party in their eager
acceptance Of Dupont's most cordial
expression of hospitality, his eight.
year-old whisky. Marie had excused
herself to the guests. By the time she
reappeared every member Of the party
was aglow with good feeling. The girl
at once became the target for a shower
of compliments, all in doubtful taste.
and some decidedly too free and easy.
She looked to Vandervyn, and met
only with an uneasy smile. Seeing
that he would say nothing, she replied
to the offenders with a wit and dig
nifty that soon altered their bearing
toward her. They were puzzled to find
a garden rose in this rough wilderness,
but she soon brought them to the reali-
Z;ttiOn that they We're not at liberty
to splash mud on her petals. The
luncheon completed her conquest
Eandervyn came to the table with
all the uneasiness gone from his
smile. He took his seat, and proceed
Ell to extol Maries skill as a chef.
Oinna, bearing tray, came in, and
began to serve luncheon. Though eX-
trelnely Shy, she started With deft-
ness that showed careful training.
Several moments passed before Van
dervyn looked up and perceived her.
| The surprise was too sharp even for
his assurance. He stopped short n
his talk, and stared at her, discon-
certcd.
At ztght Of his frcwr the girl
empty, ana with a little gasping cry
ted from the room. She did not re-
appear. Marie passed off the aWk-
ward incident with smile and Il tact
ful explanation OF Oinna'S excessive
sllyness. The Indian boy finished the
serving.
Vandervyn had delivered Hardy's
nteS&a ge3. They .lil been raf ~,
alike by Marie and ny the cUlnn'>,is''*
erS without comment After iuncre>.
|
proposed that Hardy be summoned tC
attend upon them. Vandervyn inter,
posed with the suave suggestion thar
| the acting agent might leave in the
safe some of the papers necessary to
a full understanding Of the affairs OF
the agency.
At this the party fingered only fOl
a parting nip ut Dupont's liquid hos
pitality. Assuring Marie that they
would return in time for dinner, they
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 q chair, somewhat
pale, but outWardly very calm. She
did not advance single step. Yet,
blinded by his oW1 ard0r, 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. "What's the
matter? Is this the way to welcome
me back sweetheart?"
The term Of endear1nent brought
quick blush into the girls cheeks. But
she replied in cold, even tones: care
you now at liberty to address ne as
your 1iancec"
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
til we are sure Of the mine. There is
something else, as we'll"
This is quite enough for the pres
ent," she broke in. Il 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?"
"HCW can help it?' he urged, seek
ing to melt her with his ardent gaze.
"You are the only woman-the only
one iii all the world to me. There is
not another half as beautiful, tenth
as charmingw
She quiyered 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.
FYou 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 them
| sweetheart"
But the girl drew back from his
pleading arms.
NO she said. "If I must wait, so
must you. II you mean what you say,