Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1933-03-16
CHAPTER VIII-Continued

Driven at last to desperation by
loneliness and boredom. he decided to
go to Mary and ask to be reinstated
In her favor. This seemed easy
enough when he first thought Of 1t, but
the more he reflected, the more he saw
that 1t might be rather difficult. He
had treated Mary somewhat stability,
he admitted She was having very
good time without him--he was forced
to admit that too-and there was real
II no special reason why she should
ever crave his society. He started on
his errand OF reconciliation several
times. only to turn back, feeling TINT
his stomach was caving In uncomfort-
ably for some reason, and that 1t
might be better to wait few
days longer. At last having spent
a Saturday evening at home when
every one else under thirty In
town had gone Off on picnic. return
Ing in the highest spirits at midnight
Mary was with the Grays and laugh
ing and singing when they dropped
her at the front door--he took his
courage, what there was of 1t. In bis
hands, and sought her out. He found
her, late that Sunday afternoon In
Indian summer, sitting In the fragrant
orchard reading book, a rather solid
looking book. She was, Paul thought,
looking unusually fresh and contented
and attractive.
"Hullo," he said, advancing towards
her firmly, though inwardly quaking
Hullo,' said Mary quietly, without
looking up.
Paulfs heart gave queer exhibition
of acrobatic powers, as Ii 1t were turn
ing somersaults all the way from his
throat to his stomach, and then began
to thump-to thump so vigorously that
he feared 1t might be audible He
was pleased, and he was beyond al
reasonable measure excited.
Have good time last night?' he
inquired carelessly.
Eyes. Did your"
Paul choked, and fumbled with his
tie. He could not understand why
Mary should ask such a tactless ques
tion, when she knew perfectly we'll
He decided to be magnanimous, and
ignore 1t.
what are you readlng7" he asked
The Life of Charles Francis
Adams"
do you like it,"
"Very much. Haven't you read itT
Another tactless question Mary's
voice expressed only polite surprise
yet she was aware that he never reaf
things of that sort. The top of Paul's
collar was rapidly sinking to the leve
of his collar button. Mary went or
reading.
Il thought I'd come over for q littls
WHILE" he murmured desperately.
Mary turned page
Mice day, isn't IT."
Lovely"
swarm for the time of the year
too"
And likely to grow warmer an,
minute" replied Mary, her eyes still
on her book.
Paul could feel even the back Of hi,
neck growing red. Still he persisted
blanche Is back In Brooklne
Mother had letter from her las
night. She's thinking OF leaving m,
and going down to pay her a littl
visit"
II should think Ii would be a yer,
pleasant change for her"
Something In Mary's tone made Pau
look at her more carefully. The pain
full flush at the back OF his necl
spread all over him. He could fee
the cold perspiratlon dropping dow
his spine. There was no posslbl
doubt OF it-Mary was laughingl
Paul turned his back on her an
strobe away. Though unfamiliar wit
the quotation, he had. In substance
pictured Mary sitting like patience O
4 monument smiling down at griei
Apparently she was doing nothing O
the sort. She missed him 30 little an
was getting along 80 well without hin
eAAt wAen he went to her and trie