Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-06-12
CHAPTER XI.
MYSTERIOUS BEHAVIOR OF THE YOUNG

GENTLEMAN.
About this time Matt noticed a curious
change come over her artist friend. He was
more thoughtful, and consequently less enter
tanning. Often when she appeared and began
chatting to him about affairs in which she
thought he might take some interest she had
the modification not merely of eliciting no
reply but of finding that he had not heard
word of her conversation.
Now, this style of proceeding would GER
tainly have caused her some annoyance but
for one compensating fact, which put the
balance entirely on the other side. 1t was
evident that, despite the change, Brinkley's
interest in Matt was not lessening; nay, it
rather seemed to be on the increase; and this
fact Matt, very womanlike as she was, was
quick to perceive.
Very often, on looking suddenly at him,
she found his eyes fixed wonderingly and
sympathetically upon her. She asked him
on one occasion what he was thinking about.
"You, Matt" he answered, promptly. 81
was trying to imagine, " he continued, seeing
her blush and hang her head, chow you
would look in silks and velvets; got up in
fact, like grand demoiselle. What would
you say now, if good fairy were to find you
out some day and were to offer to change you
from WnaU you are w d nue ounS iauy-
would you say Yes?"
Matt reflected for moment, then she fol
lowed her feminine INSTINCT and nodded her
head vigorously.
"AhLby the way, Matt, can you Tead?"
'sPrint, not writing"
''And writer
s'Just bit"
"Who taught you? William Jonesg'
ssNo, that he didn't; learned off Tim Pen
rem down village. William Jones, he can't
read and he can't write; no more can William
Jones' father"
This last piece of information set the young
man thinking so deeply that the rest of the
interview became rather dull for Matt. When
she rose to go, however, he came out of his
abstraction, and asked her if she would return
on the following day.
''I don't know--p'rapsp she said.
''Ah,' returned the young man, assuming
his f1ippant manner, "you find me tedious
company, fear. The fact is, I am generally
affected in this manner m the present state of
the moon. But come tomorrow, Matt. Your
presence does me good"
However, the next day passed, and the next
again, and there was no sign Of Matt. He
began to think the child had taken offense,
and that he would have to seek her in her
own home, when her opportune appearance
prevented the journey. He was taking his
breakfast one morning inside the caravan,
when he suddenly became conscious that Matt
was standing outside watching him.
ooh, you are there, are you?" he said coolly.
"Come in and have some breakfast, Matt"
He rose negligently, went to the door and
held forth his hand; Matt took it, gave one
spring and landed inside the vehicle.
''Tim, another knife and fork for the young
lady-some more eggs and milk; in fact, any
thing you've got!'' said Brinkley, as he placed
a seat for Matt at the little table,
Tim gave grunt Of dissatisfaction. This
ssbold colleen,'' as he called her, was becom-
ing too much for him, but he perforce obeyed
his masters commands. Matt sat down and
ate with an appetite; Brinkley played neg.
hgently with his knife and watched her.
"It is two days since you were here, MATT
said he. 81 was seriously thinking of coming
to look for you. Why wouldn't you come
beforeg'
"'Twasn't thatl" said Matt. II couldntr
"Couldn'ta Whyq'
srWhy, he wouldn't let me, William Jones.
He says he'll smash me if come here and
talk to you"
As Matt spoke her bosom heaved and her
eyes flashed fire.
Gle amt at home to-day" she said, in an
swer to the young mans query concerning
tkeex-Wrecksr: t.ne;s gone IN to 1narkaS-fo"n