The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-03-27
CHAPTER XVII



Judith had not walked far on her re-
turn when she came face to face with
Major Floyd. In her then present state
Of mind nothing could have happened
pleasanter. The serious, pale despond-
ency of her face gave way at once to
smiles and bloom.
II was coming to call on you.n said
the Major; 'having just reported at
headquarters. What kind of Journey
did you have? You are looking radi-
ant, from which l infer you have found
an agreeable home and kind friends.
viii you not tell me about it ," he
asked, walking along with her.
Nothing 10th, Judith related her ex-
periences by the way, and her reception
at the Braces.
THAT is all very good" said the Ma
jor; ''too good, by half Shall confess
to you l hoped you might get into lit
tie trouble some way, or somewhere, in
order 10 punish you for your unkind be-
havior in deserving my company {?
Wen, I hope it is too last, then. Is
it?"
Where did you leave Mrs. Kellogg"
asked Judith, irrelevantly.
'She left me, or rather the city, this
morning, by the eight-o'clOck train, for
the East. She found telegram here
informing her that her son was not ex-
pected to live. Poor woman! she was
in great trouble. But you are not sorry
for her, now, are you? You women are
such spiteful creatures"
"Am spiteful? hate Mrs. Kellogg
for meaning to injure me, when was
injured enough already, and my friends,
through me. Certainly 1 could not be
expected TO love her? ?"
"You must love your enemies, the
Bible says; but I'll own to you, Miss
Miles, that am like DIR. johnson, and
love a good hater. pve twice the conf
denee in a man who hates well, that
have in a mildly forgiving man. But
when lady says she hates, do not
know what to think" and the Major
smiled down upon his companion
quizzing sort of smile.
''That is" returned Judith, "you
think lady should not say what she
thinks, but a gentleman may"
''Not quite my thought; guess again."
still smiling teazingly.
'Then you ask yourself whether it is
character or bad manners the lady ex-
presses, when she owns her hatred; is
that it?'' asked Judith, blushing
brightly.
Her companion laughed heartily.
"We'n not quarrel about Mrs. Kellogg"
he said. 81 am not fond Of her, either.
But she is 50 unhappy that ] really feel
compassion for her. Kellogg has sunk
into a mere sot; but she will die before
she will give him up, or confess her
mistake to the world, by a separation.
Much can be pardoned to a woman in
her situation; do you not think so?"
''Misery does make us bad, believe,
and know. I'll forgive Mrs. Kellogg,
since you think it more lady-like,n she
answered, gaily.
Everything about you makes me
think your lines have fallen in pleasant
places" said the Major, regarding her
bright looks and fashionable appear
anee. "Are you not going TO tell me
anything about yourself? 1t seems to
me that you have taken to city habits
very quickiy-morning shopping, for
instance. I'll lay wager you have
spent all your money!" and he watched
her tell-tale face for confirmation, look
ing gravely upon the blushing, and the
affectation of resentment.
"I guessed it, did I not? ?''
at was my own money" said Judith,
with charming pout.
''Tell me how you spent it-what you
bought this morning. Come, know a
little about ladies' dresses"
81 was not buying" returned Judith
avoiding his eyes.
"Just looking?" he inquired, with hi.
cynical smile. "a regular metropolitan
alreadyY'
"Neitherp cried Judith, desperately
81 was seeking employment"
The Majors cynical smile vanished
instantly, and an expression of grea
gravity replaced it. "Did you find wha
you sought ?" he inquired, gently.
"No, did not. shall never find i
in those places" and the anxious loob
she had worn when they met returned
Perhaps that is not so great a mis-
fortune as you seem to regard it. Blu
tell me why you think you shall fall
Because am SO ignorant,n returned
Judith, looking up at him with on,
quick glance Of sorrowful defiance o.
consequences. az find that know
nothing-nothing in the world, baf
no idea how Ignorant 1 was until Mrs
Brazee questioned me-"
$50 Mrs. Brazee has questioned vo,
as to your capacity for work, and vor
have discovered that there is nothin,
you can do-positively nothing? How
deplorable" cried the Major, maxim,
light of the situation.
80, yes" said Judith, recovering her
self little, 81 can take care of chill
dren-at least it is presumed that / ear