St. Landry democrat., 1882-09-30
A LITTLE COWARD.


called her that morning when she trem-
bled and turned pale because the black
mare reared with her. She begged Sir
Robert to take her off, and stood IN g
nominious safety while Agatha Merivale
mounted Stella and rode off triumphant
" down the avenue.
/ She was coward. She did not deny
it, and was sometimes very much
ashamed of it. But no one had seemed
to mind it until Agatha Merivale came,
with her bold, dark eyes and her dash
ing ways, her riding and hunting; and
everybody admired Agatha so MUCH
even Sir Robert!
She almost hated Agatha! You see,
until Agatha came they had been 50
happy at De Rossett. Little orphan
Madelane Leigh had never been so
happy in her life as here at the hall,
with sweet Lady de Rossett who was
her guardian, and her son, Sir Robert.
They were so kind and good to her.
They petted her and loved her so. And
now Agatha had come, and for two
weeks had monopolized Sir Robert, and
kept the house in a turmoil OF gayety,
and laughed at Lima, and made her lie
wretched.
Lima maid reported that everybody
said Sir Robert was to marry Miss Mer-
iyale. Lima made stern resolve that
she would run away from the hall when
that event took place. Run away She
would run away now. Not far though
she was TOO much of coward to ven
ture far into the world alone; but she
would 90 away across the helds 10
Aunt Margaret's,' as she called Lady
de Rossett's widowed sister-in-law, who
lived in quite comfortable house mile
away from the hall.
Mrs. Harrington was an Invalid, par
alyzed and confined to her bed. She
was rather a grim old lady, and most
were inclined to shun her; but sweet,
bright little Lima had won her way into
the old lady's heart and was always
welcome at the lodge.
Yes, she would run away to Aunt
Margaret's, and perhaps, when she wa;
missed, Sir Robert might feel a mo
ment's uneasiness about her. Scizins
her hat and a light shawl, she flew OF
across the park, calling Leo, Sir Rob
ert's pretty colley, to 60 with her. LIN;
did not like to cross the fields alone
being possessed by great terror o
bulls but with Leo she would not mine
it much.
Leo was calmly taking a nap on tn
front portico, but he started up an
raced after her with joyous bark. Blu
at the little gate that led from the par]
into the fields Lima was greatly discon
.ceued by an unexpected encounte
with Sir Robert and Miss Merivale, VIII
came laughing and talking along tn
path, both looking bright and hand
some in the golden rays OF the sett'n
sun.
She brushed past them with hast
..good evening" but Sir Robert turne
back to speak to her. =.
where are you going, Lina!' +
asked.
Ito Aunt Margaret's,'' she al
severed, not looking at him.
alone, Lina9 Are you not afraid
If YOU will wait a little while l will g
with you,' Sir Robert said, lookln
down kindly at the girls flushed cheel
and averted eyes.
..No. thanks" Lima answered hastil,,
II will not trouble you. Leo will tai
care of me. And you would be late fl
dinner if you went with me-
MAY | come for you, then, aft
,dinner9'' Sir Robert asked. .....g.
.'Thanks, am not coming back.
shall stay all night" was the hurrle
answer and Lima turned to 90.
But Sir Robert detained her for a m
ment.
Lima he said, in a low ton
"what makes you avoid me so latel..
What have done to offend you9''
Lima raised her blue eyes hastily
his, for one moment, and then dropp
them again.
II have not avoided YOU she sal
coldlv. You have been very mu
occupied with other people. There,
will not detain you.
She waved her little hand haughtl
and walked away from him. He watch
the pretty, white-robed figure for
moment, and then Leo came and fawn
on him.
Leo, Leo!' called Lina's voice.
$50. Leo" said his master, and t
.obedient dog trotted Oft down the pa
after the girl So,
1t was rather dreary at the ''Lodg
that evening. Mrs. Harrington was
of humor because her agent had fail
10 call that day to receive thousa
nounds that she wished him to dcpo