Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-10-03

seep your eyes open, that's all"
They followed May into the sale o
manger. and Mis-. Arden started. An
overpowering steam of garlic saluted one
sci oi nerves, and the sight of quiet
looking Young man, ip grey clothes and
with = thick brown beard. who was
already seated al the table, overw helmep
another. Grace touched her significantly,
and she saw a delicate. rose-tinl steal
over tho glowing face of MAY.
The young man rose and smiled bright
lY' and Mrs. Arden noticed tha, bis chair
was next to the three that were obviously
reserved for her and hers.
This is an unlooked-for pleasure ~
said tue young man, in siugularly
pleasant voice. I'VE seem fated to
meet-n
SO 1t seems. Mr. Brown" said The
lady coldly. arranging her party so tha,
she might sit between hiu and May.
Where are you going when you leave
Dinsni'
81? Oh. l follow. That's the only
way to lrayel-to follow the attraction OF
the moment. May 1 ask your next desli-
nalion' know this country. and pet
haps might adyise--n
Our? Oh. We follow fancy. That is
the best way 10 travel-lo avoid every
thing that's tiresome as soon as il comes.
Perhaps We shall remain here"
You could not possibly 10 better.
That's what think of doing"
Then that's settled" thought Mrs.
Arden to herself. Tomorrow sees US
back to 81. Mslo."
1t was duh dinner. Mays lion hun
ger had leit her. The young painter
generally managed to amuse Mrs. Arden,
who liked him for bis own sake. but TO
day he tailed. She was transformed
from the casual acquaintance into The
chaperone.
Il don't like Diuan at all, she said to
the girls when they had left the table.
I'm poisoned al,eady with their gsr-
lie; wen go back to s.. Malo to- morrow
morning
Grace suiisd. But We havon't done
tho place at ali, said May, opening her
eycs vide, land know there's lots 10 be
seen. However, even for the picturesque
YOU mustn't be poisoned. Only. lets
maSc the most OF our time; lots take a
Nals somewhere? What 90 YOU say ?"
l, was the beginning OF a lovely sum-
mer evening. and. as May was TO be
cur0ed in great things it vas fair to 10.
dGlge her in small. As if il we're not Of
the small things that lite is made So in
an hour or so. the three travellers touud
themselves in the long avenue that leads
to toe ruined chateau Of la Garave-a
foolish choice; ior where but 10 that viii
deruess of massive foliage. in that
tangled mass of vine leaves and ivy and
cTumbiiug grey stones, va, it likely that
. IHiute; should he found
Behind tue screen of green and grey
iney almost fell over the inevitable Mr.
Brosn. 'lszily seated on fallen trunk
under an apple tree, and smoking cigar
Grace hid langh in her sleeve; Mrs
Arden could have killed the young man.
Mays large hszel expressed Just nothing
at all; but the young mars face lpr n
moment. reflected. let us say. the full
hue OF the setting SUI. Ii is rare sign
of grace in these days for a strong man
10 color at the sight OF girl.
There vas no help for the meeting
and there was certainly DO means of pre-
venting his escorting them home. The
only course open TO Mrs. Arden was to
prevent anything like pairing off. So
she made up for her coldness at dinner
by cuaxing Mr.. Brown to her own side.
He showed himself wise in his genera
ton; WOO the mother 10 win the dsugh-
ter is golden rule.
But the road was full of ruts and snsgs.
the night was growing dark. and Grace
Arden suddenly tTipped. stumbled, and
fell.
II was little odd that she fell just
where there chsnced TO be no ruts or
snags. but so it happened and there she
lay. Mr.. Brown was at her side in q
moment, and raised her as lightly as il
she had been made Of gossamer. "Are
YOU hurt?" be asked anxiously.
I've only spraiued my ankle. No
don't be afraid you'll have to carry ne
l can walk home with mammals arm-l
only want mamma"
Mrs. Arden was really alarmed; heI
daughters ankle was. after all. OF more
consequence than the heart of her daugh-
ter's friend. Grace did not limp very
badly, but she was Obliged to walk sc
slowly that the long legs of Mr.. Brown.
in spite OF themselves. were forced inch
by inch to widen the distance between
Mrs Arden and Grace aud himself and
May.
The two in advance were both great
takers; and yet they went on for al
least q hundred yards without word
or course when the word came it was
very commonplace indeed.
so / hear" said he, "you are going tc
make come stay in Dinan? fm 50 glac