Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 91, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 April 1910 — LEISHA’S CHOICE [ARTICLE]

LEISHA’S CHOICE

“Who is there?” The door buret open on the words, ***6 Leisha stood on the narrow porch, swinging a leather strap against her short skirt Her eyes lighted with merriment on the visitor who had swung from his horse, and tapped the step with his whip to attract her attention. At his eager Inquiry, she shook her head. "Not to-day, Dan,” she said gently. "To-morrow?” "Well—er—perhaps.” His face clouded. “You haven't been riding with me lately," he said slowly. "It’s that Bandon?* He bit off the last savagely. "Now, Dan! Not jealous? No, you are too big for that” She hesitated, qngering the strap in her hand. "I am going down to Hilton with <tMr. Randon to-day,” she said at last, adding hastily, “I will go with you to-morrow, Dan, sure. Up to the old place.” He turned In silence, and mounted his horse very slowly. The girl ran out to him, and put up a pleading hand. “Oross?” she queried gently. “We are too good friends to quarrel." "No," he said shortly; then he reached suddenly for her hand and crushed It fiercely. "Till to-morrow,” he said and put-

at her ease, but In these surroundings he. too, had assumed terrifying proportions and she did not breathe freely till they were well on their way back. And then he told her what she had long suspected; that he loved her. "I don’t know,” she faltered, “I cannot tell you now. I think I am a little confused.” His answering glance was quizzically tender. "I understand,” he said gently. “1 will wait till Friday.” When, he lifted her from her horse, he pushed back her curls and kissed herr forehead. "I will wait till Friday,” he repeated, and was off, a brave, bright picture of self-assurance. It was early when Dan came for her In the morning, aW>dew hardly dry on the grass. His face was very stern, a contrast to her own mood of gayety. For some reason she was filled with bubbling, Irrepressible joy. She alternately sang and chaffed the silent figure at her side, her laughter echoing far down the trail before them. In the place they had known for years they tethered the horses, and stood on the wide, western country which swept beneath the ledge on which their feet were resting. Struck dumb by the grandeur about her, the girl’s mood of laughter