The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-08-23

and knew what her frequent mention of Mays goodness, and pretty ways, and general delightsomeness meant; cd rave no sign in return. When { haA fnf5Aed my letter, took up fhe pboeograph and examined t closely. A feod, grave face, woxn snd lined by long lifeo q care and nursing, hair prematnrely gray, rather quainf1y dressed, and kind brieha eyes, looking ont from under heavy daxk ere brown. She wore cap and a plain b1ack gown, with lace cape fassened by big brcocA, co.tsining what vas presumably godfhfhers fkeness. "Do look zs cd q che doesi" ISsund myself asaiag, visA quite new anxisey. aShe must have given up being young loag before these was any need, surely. It is always the result of living with old po1p1e. Still, l wonds If in peoples syelk . young giri's fog instance-l look the oma.
 was punctual to he de named as Tamarisk lodge next'day. The draw ing-room vas empty, and had time to look about me and note the traces of its occupants with approval don't mean that fhese was that litter of cheap china and ricksey photograph sands, tawdry lace and sham bgic-a-hgac. with which some women deluge the place under the belief that it gives an artistic air to their surroundings; but the lodging house furniture was yelled and draped in Ori- ental silks and stuffs, there were fresh flowers about, and a side-table with a supply of new books and magazines. A lovely water-color drawing stood on an easel in the proper light there was a piano that did not look as lift came from the Rocksedge circulating library and music-seller's and lastly, leaning up against the wall, was violoncello that grinned me a welcome from its every string. l was gazing amicably at it, thinking of certain cherished house. hold god of my own, and 1 suppose, whistling involuntarily, for
 Beethoven, C minor, No. :" remarked Mrs. Pierpoint's voice behind me. "You don't mean to tell me you play the violin !. l thought saw something like it's case when we came down yesterday. bu, did not like to ask. That's Mays cello. She will be here presently" Then in she came, fresh as a rose.
 We had dainty, well-served luncheon, that proved what an adept Mrs. Pierpoint must be in her manipulation of unpromis- ing material, for they were entirely de- pendent on the local resources, she told me. They had not brought eveh a maid with them, and had not an acquaintance in the place, nor did they wish ,o make any. What we want is perfect quiet, and Colonel Wriothesley promised me we should find it here" 1 was able to confirm the statement emph asically. Miss Leyland is not out yet," she went on, as we strolled on the slopes of Tama- risk lodge in a sunny half hour after luncheon, awaiting the arrival of my violin, which a servant had been dis patched to Fort Limpet for. And while she is under my care 1 am cautious about allowing her to make any acquaintance here" 1 had not the highest opinion of Rocksedge society myself, intimated.
 "And-I hardly know how to put it graciously-but would rather you did not introduce any of yout friends at the fort to us. You are not offended, hope .n l assured her understood her position perfectly, and the tete-e-tete ended with May rushing out to announce Aman's arrival
 We had glorious practice. The two ladies knew all my favorites as we'll as did, and had piles of things, new and old, that 1t was perfect feast for me to plunge into. Mrs. Pierpoint's music was something out of the common, too. She played Us Chopin, while May poured out afternoon tea, and let my cup get cold untasted as listened. When we parted Mrs. Herpoins had given half doubtful consent to my suggestion of a drive to Shingle bay next day, and luncheon with me after, with an inspection of my col- lection of Indian curiosities to follow. We were to meet for a practice in any case before long, and a blissful vision of days to come stretched out before me as took my way back to my qu arters.
 The days flew by with harmony on their wings; how fast, hardly guessed, till found with start that Godmother Dorethys letter had fallen due for once without my having counted the posts to its arrival. l was engaged to dine at Tamarisk lodge that day. We had some music in the evening, and after that strolled out together on the terrace under the summer moon. May and her dog Scrap fitted about like elves in and out out of the shrubbery paths below us, while Mira Perpoint and drifted into a conversation tride more personal and more freely expressed than was ever pos- 1ble to me except by fits and starts and under avoing conditions. Mrs. Pier point was an easy woman to talk to-; quick to comprehend a half-expressed thought, ready with an answer to an un- spoken question.
 l found myself telling her a great deal about myself, and learning very little about her in return. She had seen great deal of the world, and her life had been a sad one-that was all l gathered. My life had been lonely one too, she divined instinctively-here, half un- willingly, l let Godmother Dorothy's name iall. It was followed by . sudden chill and silence, as if cold mist from the sea had blown up to us. My com- panion indeed was shivering. May. May 1" she called, "come in. It is damp, the dew is faling." May obeyed, her wavy locks straightened and Stiffened by