The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1881-05-04

Yes, that's the only comfortin'
thought I've got. II hadn't that to
keep my spirits up I'd clean give out"
They spent that evening in the sit
ting-room, before the great chimney
with its blazing log. The ladies were
embroidering. AS they sat at their
work, to Norman Lamar, who for many
years had been unaccustomed to seeing
women thus employed, they seemed
more than human. It seemed as if the
room would be beautiful forever for
their having once graced it,
He spent most of the time standing
upon the hearth, with his elbow resting
upon the high wooden mantelshelf.
There was an unusual degree of strength
and power in his presence. He looked
as is he could never be weary.
The second day was spent very much
like the first. At evening, when their
host came home, he found mother and
daughter waiting for him on the piazza.
1t was new experiment, and he was
so pleased that he could not hide the
act.
"Why on earth don't he find his
Amazon, and stop living aloneY
thought Zaida, and held out her hand
with cordiality that was enchanting.
He had to go to the sheds to see one
OF the creatures that had been injured
in the branding Mrs. Burdett asked to
go with him, as the sheds were at no
great distance. She only remained
short time, and Zaida, seeing her re-
turning alone, went to meet her, walk
ing with what, for her, were gigantic
strides, and swaying from right to left
in q remarkable manner.
"What on earth are you doing ?" de.
manded her mother, whel they were
within speaking distance.
Walking like the king, to be sure.
Did look like a guy?"
Mrs. Burdett did not even smile.
How can you be so undignifed
Perhaps, too, he saw you"
Zaida had q cool way of ignoring re-
proof, so she Strengthened herself to her
full height, and said, as naturally as if
nothing had occurred:
Mamma, what is the matter with
the creature, as he called itY'
Mrs. Burdett was easily diverted; she
began to give q graphic account, when
the girl suddenly stopped her, saying
she would go and see for herself.
The sheds were extensive and she
wandered about in them some time be-
fore the sound of voices guided her to
the right one. Norman Lamar and one
of his men were dressing the wound of
a young heifer. The animals large,
soft eyes were turned up to the tender,
pitying eyes of its master.
Zaida stood few moments unobserv-
ed; then stole quietly away.
And that is ownership" she said,
dashing some quick tears off her cheeks;
then added: "Yet the poor dumb crea-
ture seems to love him."
She was subdued and thoughtful all
during tea-time; so too was Norman La
mar.
That evening it was moonlight, and
he invited them to ride.
"He treats us as if we were guests,
and not a couple of interlopers-
your permission, mamma, I would
frankly say, couple of impertinent
interlopers," said Zaida, when they were
in their room getting their wraps.
"Im afraid we had better not stay the
week out" said Mrs. Burdett, looking
disturbed.
"PoohI poohI OF course we will
stay. To be treated with marked con-
sideration by the monarch of all one
surveys is delightful ~ Then, breaking
of in her capricious way: "Mamma, do
you suppose ne ever wears coat ?"
'It would be shame for him to spoil
his figure with one," began Mrs. Bur
dett; but the girl was already in the
hall.
The night was clear and frosty. The
ladies We're well wrapped and trife
shiyery for all; but Norman Lamar
seemed perfectly comfortable, though
he wore no extra garment save q yellow
silk handkerchief knotted around his
white throat.
There, knew he had golden coll
lar somewherel" thought Zaida, view
ing him delightedly in the moonlight.
When the ride was over, and mother
and daughter were again in their room,
Mrs. Burdett said, after long, thought
full silence:
81 wonder if he has not any family
1 have never heard him speak of a rela-
tive"
Zaida had thrown herself down upon
the lounge; she looked drowsy and half
asleep; she yawned slightly as if hating
to be disturbed.
Why, of course not, mamma; they
have all been dead centuries ! He's a
Gaul, you know
What on earth are you talking
about ?" demanded her mother.
Zaida aroused herself, laughinggayly.
"I reckon must have been dream
ing" she said, and she had been-of the
master.
The week was soon gone, and the
house lacked their bright and graceful
presence. Even Mrs. Harden wished
they might have staid forever, and wore
more dolorous face than ever, and
was taken with spasms of shedding
tears into her apron.
Norman Lamar had lifted his cap in
answer to the wave of Zaida's hand Just
as the road made bend that took the