The Weber Literary Journal next he mooned about the ranch-house, black gloom in his soul, while his rival bore her away on a jaunt. The situation had become intolerable to him as he realized that he was apparently no nearer his goal than when he started. The intense dislike of both men had deepened into hatred, and threatened to break out into active hostilities. Even the other members of the party began to sense the seriousness of the affair, and some had taken the girl to task. The only result was a marked increase in her vanity. Then had come the urgent telegram from home: a frantic plea from his father. The business was tottering, any moment might bring a collapse of the entire system, and only his knowledge of certain contracts could ward off disaster. For once he reached a stage of approaching sanitv. He made his decision quickly: tonight he would bring everything to a climax; tomorrow, home! If only Alice Stern's chain of reverie was broken by the roar of a huge car speeding toward the station. A glance at his watch showed the "Limited" twenty minutes late and still not in sight. In a cloud of dust the car slid to a stop a few yards away, and the chauffeur sprang out, bearing something white in his hand. "Miss Alice done sent me with dis note," begun the fellow. "She was scared you'd be gone, but ah made it. Ah shore did pass dem rabbits as a freight train passes a bum to make it too," and he grinned as a child would who had accomplished a difficult feat. "She done told me to bring yo' back," he added as he presented the letter. Torn by conflicting emotions David took it, turning it over and over, wondering why she had sent it. How she had learned of his departure was a mystery to him for he had early, before the others had appeared, left without even making an apology to his host. Was it possible that she His fingers trembled as he tore the envelope open. Then he read: 10 The Weber Literary Journal My dear foolish David, So you were going to slip away without even saying goodbye to me, you foolish, blind, blind boy. How little you know women. Last night I was playing; today may be different. Come back and forget last night please. Alice. An angry flush mounted his cheek for the moment. "Forget last night" as if that were possible; forget the mocking laugh that had shown him the futility of his hopes ? His very soul seemed to burn with the thought, and he crushed the note in his hand. Oh, last night! What what an evening it had been! The kind that drive foolish men to madness and make fools of wise men. There had been a moon a full, glowing, desert moon that makes the boundless wastes a veritable fairyland, peopled by weird, fantastic shapes, and fills the soul with vague longings. The guest had been dancing, and try as he would he had found it impossible to smuggle Alice away. Unusually lively, she had been flitting butterfly-like from group to group, Reggie always in her wake, laughing, teasing, mocking all impartially. Finally the opportunity came and he had led her out into the cool night air. Then, as is the manner of lovers the world over, he had falteringly asked her to marry him. An amused light laugh broke in on his stumbling proposal. "Why really, David, I don't want to marry not yet anyway. I won't sacrifice my happiness for anyone. The restraint the bondage, if you will I couldn't stand it. I was made for nights like these," and she threw wide her arms to the splendor of the night, "not for domestic slavery." She smiled at his dejection, "Wait I may change" "But I can't stay longer Alice," he pleaded. "My work" "Yes, your work always your work. It means more to you than I" "You know it doesn't, Alice, but this time it is different. But do you mean that there is no hope of my ever" Her ever ready laugh grated harshly upon his tortured nerves. 11