Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1885-11-21

COluU6kSlOu III LID VO4NC, % AO ~
side her and lifted her to an easier po-
sition with womanly tenderness IN his
touch that filled her with sense OF rest
and protection. She was absolutely
obliged to lean against him. No thought
of her compromised dignity ever entered
her head. Looking up at him wonder
ingly, she noted now agreat contrast be-
tween him aud her whilom gardener.
Together they discussed the best
means of getting home. She suggested
that he 90 to the cottage for che basket
carriage, to which he agreed after some
circumstances. Then she illogically re-
fused to be alone. and finally consented
to be carried home in his arms.
If there is any one virtue in this mum
dane sphere of ours sufficient in itself
to make saint, it is the sell: abnegation
of the ordinary young man who could
bear such q precious burden for fully
two miles, and not tighten his hold even
the smallest perceptible bit. Whether
Ella took this fact into consideration or
not did not transpire, but when he laid
her tenderly and almost reverently upon
her mothers lounge q little later she
thanked him with look in her eyes
which spoke palmer than words her
deep respect for him..
Willie Gayor is coming tomorrow.
Ella is confined to her bed. Mrs. Win
tiers feels anxious and worried. Next
morning Jane says the "hired man" Is
not to be found, but at the same time de-
Glars that everything is in the best OF or
der. Mrs. Winters draws sigh OF re-
lief, and Ella Gays nothing. No one sug-
gests fresh flower for the parlor and
there is every thing but spirit OF glad
ness in the house.
They have to carry Ella to the parlor
lounge, where they prop her up with
pillows. She looks like sad, sweet pic
ture, with her golden brown hair floating
loosely, and forming a frame work for the
fair young face.
At five o'clock grinding of wheels was
heard on the gravel outside, and min
ute later Mrs. Winters was holding out
both hands to tall, gray-haired man
Willie's father. The greeting over, he
looked around as if expecting to see
some one else, and at last, to every ones
surprise, asked, "Where is Willie?"
"Just what 1 was going to ask your"
replied Mrs. Winter.
II suppose the young rascal will want
an extension of leave" continued Mr..
Gaynor, not seeming to notice Mrs.
Winters remark, and with sly glance
at Ella. who returned his glance with
one of blank bewilderment, and while
they were all looking askance at each
other, the door bell received a very per-
emptory tug, which nearly startled them
to their feet.
"That's his ring" said Mr.. Gaynor;
"he always will turn it into fire alarm"
Jane opened the door promptly. but
stood rooted to the spot in establishment
as young man stalked past her, and
went, sans ceremony, toward the parlor
door.
Then, turning to her domain in sort
of stupor, which took away even the
power of thought, she sank helpless into
q chair. Meanwhile the cause of her
perplexity was endeavoring to explain
how his irrepressible love Of adventure
had prompted him to adopt the role OF
tramp, and try to look as contrite as the
laugh in his mischievous brown eyes
would permit.
II should have cautioned you against
him, Margaret" said Mr.. Gaynor. trying
to look severe. II might have guessed
that he would play some trick on you.
Even his own father is not free from bis
iokes," continued the old man, trying to
concentrate ferocious glare on the cul-
prit.
Mrs. Winters protested valiantly that
"she knew him all the time" As for
Ella, she just flashed one reproachful
glance at him, and then buried a very
crisom face among the pillows.
Willie Gaynor sat down beside her,
made an unsuccessful effort to obtain her
hand, and tried to read her face, which
was not an easy task owing to the differ.
ent feelings which had been depicted
thereon during the last half hour. But
her heart, which had been eddying
round in distress for the past month.
was fast settling down to q sense of rest
and great peace was stealing upon her
A little throb of vengeance marred this
happiness. She registered silent and
determined little vow to have satisfac.
ton for the joke, of which she had clear
ly been the victim. :
"He shall never, never know that
cared for him; he shall not think that
fell in love with tramp" she thought
with determination which was clearly
emphasized by the firm closing OF the
small, red lips, and her face grew Grim
son at her own thoughts.
IL"You will not send me away?" said
Willie; in s low tone, as he tried to take
her hand. II claim pardon on the meritt
of at least one good turn. What would
have become Of you if I had not beer
playing my role the evening of your &C
cident? Even tramps can be useful
sometimes" he added, with mock hu
mility."
Her color came and went beneath hi
glance. She was sorely Donplussed-
vanquished.
!; shall 20 home with father to-mor
J row, Ella?" he inquired, looking straight
into the eyes which vainly sought t.
evade him.
"You ought to-" she replied, petulant.
lily. "You've lott whole month TO
nothing, and scared us almost to deatl
into the bargain"
II don't think it was time lost" he an
: swered, musingly, half to himself. "Ant
. I think saved one little girl from dir
destruction"
! "What will people Think" she wen
on, not deigniDgto notice his last words
"What will Jane ssy?" Here fain
, smile betrayed itself around the corner
of her mouth as the extreme ludicrous
+ ness of the situation became more appal
emit.
Young Mr.. Gaynor made desperat
effort to assume q contrite expression
but at thisiuncture he laughed outright
"As for Jane" he answered, Il thin
have q stout ally there, and am snr
that she, at least, will have none the lee
welcome for me-"
There is little more to be said. In
; mischiefloving tramp had 80 far wo
!, his way into all hearts at the cottagt
that he did not leave ituntil he carrie
. away the owner of the most rebellion
- Il 4 II 1nu h1n