The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-01-10

into the family circle, although former
~ he had preferred to have him all to
himself, and to avoid the ladies of the
family.
Several times upon his entrance, Lu-
cretia found an opportunity to leave upon
some ostensible errand; but, after time
she forgot to be nervous about his visits,
and remained an interested listener to his
eloquent and instructive conversation, and
then he learned to look for the swift glow
Of sympathy which never failed to bright
en- the large gray eyes, as the chosen
theme scared to regions accessible only to
those gifted with natures above the con-
monplace. .,..
The Langdons lived comfortably and
very elegantly, but could not afford car
riage.
One evening, just at sunset, Mr.. Ber-
tram drove up to the door, and asked for
Miss Kitty.
She came to the door, and absolutely
danced with pleasure when he invited her
and her friend out for drive.
It took the girls but few moments to
put on their wraps and take their places
in the carriage.
As Mr.. Bertram took his scat in front
of them he said to Kitty
II am sorry I never have thought be-
fore that . drive might be enjoyed by
some Of my young friends. have been
very selfish in appearance, fear; but it
was in reality owing to my poor appre-
citation Of my lonely rides. It never &C.
Cured to ME that they could be made en-
durable to pleasant society,""
Time flew on wings.
Kittys tongue, as usual, was on viva
cious motion; and Lucretia now and then
chimed in, although her enjoyment was
most Of the time too deep for words.
Suddenly from the roadside rushed a
tiny Sky-terrier, evidently thinking his
mission lay at the horses feet; but a
shrek and writhing bundle of fur soon
convinced the occupants of the carriage
that it was all mistake on the puppy's
part.
With faint cry Kitty put her hand
kerchief to her eyes.
Not so Lucretia.
"Please, Mr.. Bertram, have the carriage
stopped. I must see if the poor little
thing is killed."
"Now, Cree, none of your old tricks
sad Kitty. petulantly. 81 really be-
lieve," turning appealingly to Mr.. Ber-
tram, shat IT you don't interfere, she'll
bring the horrid little thing into the car
riage. I shall faint, I'm sure 1 shsll, if
she does. She always had weakness for
the manned of creation"
"Then, Miss Langdon, perhaps your
friend may number me among her
proteges. I can claim a place in that
rank"
Kitty blushed-a vivid, uncomfortable,
unbecoming red.
"Oh, Mr.. Bertram, I beg your pardon |!
1 never once thought!'
"You are forgiven, Miss Kitty. In your
very Inconsistencies of treading upon
dangerous ground lies the receipt Of cure
for what is perhaps morbid sensitiveness
to my infirmity."
Lucretia had not heard these remarks.
She had alighted and gone to the poor
little victim of self-con6dence. Taking
him up tenderly, she found that his in
juries were confined to broken leg; so,
with much petting and soothing she took
her delicate cambria handkerchief and
bound up the wounded member. Com
ing to the carriage, she lifted up plead
ing face.
MAY I take him in2 See--hc Is some
body's pet. Look at his collar. It is of
silver, and his name-Fidget- engraved
upon it. Some one is mourning for his
loss. We can advertise tomorrow"
Ofcourse the little animal wa, admitted
on the prayer of such an interesting special
pleader, and the party were soon speeding
homewards.
All were strangely quiet, even Kitty's
chattering tongue had received sudden
quietus, and Mr.. Bertram was in brown
study. 80
At last Lucretia looked up and met his
eyes fixed with a strange intentness upon
her face. -,
II know you think me very silly, Mr..
Bertram, but I can't help it. / should've
have moments comfort for days if / had
left that poor little thing to suffer-
$".'No, Miss Armstrong, youare mistaken
about my thoughts. May I call in the
morning and express them to you more
fully than can do now"
Lucretia looking At him, but thinking
by his expression that he was quizzine
her, said indiferently:
II suppose you wish to classify my folly
BY some learned name.' Search the records,
by all means, and be sure aud relieve nv
suspense in the morning..
Il will most assuredly do so."' ,,.r.. ID
The low, deep voice had an e~rnestness
uncalled tor by the occasion, Lucretia
thought, and then dismissed, the matter
from her mind and gave herself up to the
enjoyment Of her drive.
According to promise, the next. morn
ing Mr.. Bertram called and asked for
Mis-: Armstrong, and was informed: that
Lucreta had taken her portfolio with her,
and m strolled off into the park that Law
just behind the residence, and into which
any Of the family or their friends were
q liberty to wander whenever they felt
disposed. '..'.' -: .:.:i = ~ '''
Here. seated on: : small mound. evil.
IDENTITY lot in thought, hea found Lucre-
t1a, and, before she was fairly aware Of
bis presence, he had thrown himself