Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1924-09-18

for an instant, pulses throbbing Wild
ly. But when his lips found hers the
woman in her awoke. In an ecstasy
of tenderness her arms crept around
his neck, and she chung TO him. A
distant sea surf roared in her ears.
For the first time In her life passion
had drowned coquetry.
They spoke in kisses, In caresses. In
little murmured nothings, as lovers
will TIL the end Of time. Something
sweet and turbulent swelled In her
bosom, an emotion new and inexplic-
able. For the first time In many ex-
periences OF the sex duel she was
afraid OF herself, OF the strength Of
this impassioned feeling that was
sweeping her. She disengaged her
self from his embrace and stood back.
Beneath the quick probe Of his eyes
a faint tremor passed through her
body. The long lashes fell to the hot
cheeks and curtained lambert win
dows OF light.
"what are we doingT' she cried
softly.
"Doingf I'm making love to you,
sweetheart, and you're telling me you
love me for H." he answered. captur-
ing her hands.
Eyes, but I don't want you
to make love to me that
way"
.You do" He laughed aloud, and
with swift motion drew her to him
again. I'VE belong. you witch"
His ardent kisses smothered her and
drew the color into her lovely face.
She yearned toward him, faint with
sweet. exquisite longing. Was this
love then7 Had II at last trapped her
In spite OF her cool warinessf She
did not know. All she was sure OF
was that she wanted to be In his
strong arms and to feel forever this
champagne leap Of the blood.
with the excuse that she must dress
for dinner, Joyce went at once to her
room and locked the door. Discardlng
the walking suit she was wearing, she
slipped into negligee gown and seat
ed herself before the glass. She liked.
while thinking things over. to look at
herself In thu mirror. The picture
that she saw always evoked pleasant
fugitive memories. II was so now.
Never had her beauty seemed so radl-
ant and vital. 30 much an inspiration
Of the spirit In her.
How had he dared7 She was q
rare imperious queen of hearts. No
man before had ever ravished kisses
from her In such turbulent fashion.
When she thought Of the abandon
with which she had given herself to
his lips and his embrace, the dye
deepened on her cheeks. What was
this shameless longing that had car
ried her TO him as one looking down
from a high tower Is drawn to throw
himself over the edgef
II was OF herself. not him. that she
was afraid. She had wanted his
kisses. She had rejoiced In that
queer. exultant stir OF the blood when
his eyes stabbed fathoms deep into
hers. What was the matter with herr
Always she had felt 'good-natured
contempt for girls who threw away
substantial advantages for what they
called love. After steering q course
M steady az mariners compass for
years was she going to play the fool
nj iasta Was she going to marry a
pauper. a workingman. one accused Of
crime, merely because Of the ride
ulous emotion he excited In herr
The idea wis OF course absurd.
Joyce seldom was the last woman In
the world to make a poor mans wife,
Tomorrow she must have n serious
talk with him and set the matter on
a proper footing. She must not let
herself be swept away by any Quixotic
sentiment. The trouble was that she
liked him so well. When they met,
her good resolutions would be likely
to melt In the air. Perhaps II would
be better 20 wait. n was now only
ten days TN the time set for leaving.
She might write him her decision. II
would be sweet to hold him as long
as she could.
When Joyce sailed down the corri-
dor to the parlor which adjolned the
private dinlng-room Of the party, she
caught a glimpse of verinder turning
corner Of the passage toward his
room. Lady FarQuhar was alone in
the parior.
Didn't see Mr.. verinder going
outY' asked Joyce. sinking indolently
into the easiest chair and reaching
for a magazine.
"Yes. At least he was here" After
moment Lady FarQuhar added
quietly: "He leaves tomorrow"
Joyce looked up quickly. Leaves
wherer
"Goldbanks. He is starting for Lon
dom"
But What about the reors
ganlzation OF the companiesf !
thought :"
He has changed his plans James
Is to have his proxies and to arrange
the consolidation. Mr.. verinder Is
anxious to set away at once"
After an instant's consideration
Joyce laughed scornfuliy. She was
dismayed by this sudden move. but
did not intend to show Il. isn't this
rather precipitousy We're all