The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-11-13

stant. then a wild desire to crush her against him set his arm twitching.
 What are you talking about?' There was rebel note in his voice.
 About you, you big tempestuous youth. Why did your" Her head was tipped back as she looked up at him from her kneeling posture. He saw the delicate curve of her throat like mist obscured ala baster. Her breast heaved unstead- fly. In her eyes challenged, defiance, , longing, denial spun a starry sheen. Edith, you are beautiful, beautj- ful!''
 She struggled to her feet, facing him. He thought he should never forget the picture she made on that panther skin, her dark green dress clinSing about her, the red flames and l ahadowed trees behind. Then her laughter rippled over him like a light careSS. Well, statue. are you going to bite your pipe in two?'' HIS face became ludicrous With ridiculous haste he snatched at his mouth and the pipe fell at her feet. Her merrisT>ent echoed among the trees. He shifted from foot to foot. blushingly furiously. like an embar-
 rassed schoolboy. Silence came in rush. She ceased as suddenly as
 
 tender though amused. An. me- she sighed whimsical ly, such is the force of habit. Dear boy, sense of humor has shattered romance into chaos. What a faIl!'' He stopped awkwardIy to recover his br;er. Over and over in his mind one thought repeated itself endlesslv. What is all this?'' To him it seemed he was surround ed by invisible walls whose power was felt in superbly maddening color, warmth and lure, but never seen. He was blundering about, trying to see them and only realizing their presence when unexpectedly he bumped his swirling head. folded before her, watching him. He felt lost, as thought he had been cheat ted-but of what? T suppose this is all very funny,~ He smiled ruefully. 'Eltreme1y, Jerry" E'But why? Why is it so funny7" She looked around at the silence forest drean1ily. ''It might easily be 6 primevaI scene but for the Ire and us," she said softly, her voice lifting provok- ingly. Her remark served only to con- fuse him more. Why don't you answer my ques- ton, Edith?'' masculine pose. She shook her head at him, smiling quaintly. ''I did, Jerry" '"The devilI'' She maintained her composure with difficulty. He saw she wanted to laugh, and his anger grew.
  1t seems.' ''Us, Jerry we are, you know" See, here. why don't you explain l things to me?'' ''Exp position of woman is not won1- ! ans business, Jerry. We leave that to
 men. They like it, you know" 'Td like to see the man that could i explain you.' l He turned away from her sullenIy
 kicking a decayed log at his side. | Are you going home?" "Yes. am. Good night" Good night. Jerry.'' Her infection stopped him. He turned and looked at her moodily. She was smiling, her head tilted forward, her eyes sparkling up at him from ! under dropping lids. | He hesitated a moment then strode
 before her, a fine determination in his face. She did not move.
 Edith, you may think am silly. a.
 mere boy and all that. but 1 But don't" No matter what you think I mean | to-" "Of course you do. knew you l would" l She stepped lightly away from him, her eyes teasing. You are so genuinely masculine Jerry 'Edith!" l He stepped forward, his arms out to l her. | Edith, IT will tell you what I think of you. I love you.''