The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1885-04-25

the floor.
During the whole Of this time Mr.. Monk
had been watching her gloomily; and he had
been watched in his turn by William Jones'
At last the latter spoke;
Mats growed,n said he; "she's growed
wonderful. Lord bless ujl she's bit
changed she is sim that night when you
found her down on the shore. Why, her own
friends wouldn't know hern
Mr.. Monk started and frowned.
| "Her friendsin he said-''what friendsm
| "Why, them as owns her" continued Will
liam Jones. If they wasn't all drownded in
the ship what she came ashore from they
must DO somewheer. Mayhap some day
they'll find her, and reward mo for bringin'
her up good gal-that's what allus tell
her.
80 that's what you always tell her, do
your returned Monk, grimly. "Then you're
fool for your pains. The girl'sgot no friends
haven't told you that beforeP
Certainly you have, Mr.. Monk" returned
William Jones, meekly; but look ye now,
think
You've no right to think" Numbered
Monk; you're not paid for thinking you're
paid for keeping the girl, and what more do
you want Matt" he continued, in softer
tone, "come to me-"
But Matt didn't hear-or, at any rate, did
not heed; for she made no movement. Then
Monk, gazing intently at her, gave vent to
tho same remark as William Jones had done
few hours before:
"Where have you been to-day, he said, ito
have on that frock!n
Again Matt hung her head and was silent.
Monk repeated his question:; and, seeing that
Il. - ,.la,
threw up her head dedantly, and said, with
tone of pride in her voice:
Il put it on to be took!'
"To be took" repeated Monk.
eyes returned Matt; "to have my like
ness took. There be painter chap here that
lives in a cart; he's took it,"
1t was curious to note the changes in Mr..
Monks face At first he tried to appear
amiable; then his face gradually darkened
into look of angry suspicion. Matt never
once withdrew her eyes from him-his very
presence seemed to rouse all that was bad in
her: and she glared at him through her
tangled locks in much the same manner as a
shaggy terrier puppy might gaze at a bull
which it would fain attack but feared on ac-
count of its superior strength.
Matt" said Mr. Monk again, "come
here"
This time she obeyed; she rose slowly from
her seat and went reluctantly to his side.
Matt, look me in the face" he said. "Do
you know who this painter isf'
Matt shook her head.
"How many times have you seen himf'
'Twice."
"And what has he said to your
"a lot O things"
Tell me one thingf
she asked mo who my mother was, ami
told him l hadn't got none"
Mr.. Monks face once more grew black as
night.
$50, " he said, "pokinS and prying and ask
ing questions. l thought us much. He's
scoundrelly vagabord!'
''No, he amt" said Matt, bluntly.
"Matt, my girl, " said Mr.. Monk, taking no
notice of her interruption, 81 want you to
promise me something"
What is it!n
Not to go near that painter again,'
Matt shook her head.
''Shan't promise" she said, "'cause shall
go. My likeness amt took yot-he takes q
time, he does. I'm going to put them things
on tomorrow and be took again.
For moment the light in his eyes looked
cheek-at which caress she shrank away
Whats the matters" he asked.
Nothing said Matt. II don't like to be
pulled about, that's ALL"
''You mean you don't like mef'
Don't know. That's telling"
and yet you've no cause to hate me, Matt,
for I've been u good friend to you-and al.
ways shall, because like you, Matt Do you
understand, like yous"
SO anxious did he seem to impress this upon
her that he put his arm around her waist,
drew her toward him and kissed her on the
cheek, ceremony he had never performed
before But Matt seemed by no means to
appreciate the honor; as his lips touched her
cheeks she shivered, and when he released her
she began rubbing at the place as II to wipe
the touch away.
If Mr. Monk noticed this action on the part
of the girl he deemed it prudent to take no
notice of it. He said few more pleasant
things to Matt, and again patted her cheek
aifectionately: then he left the cottage, taking
William Jones with him. Ten minutes later
William Jones returned alone.
'Where's he?n asked Matt
"Meanin' Mr. Monk, Matt-he be gomez
said William Jones
iently.
mo, he amt, Matt; he'll be down here to-
morrow, he will; and you'd best be at home!"
Matt said nothing this time; she only turned
away sullenly and shrugged her shoulders.
Matt said William Jones, presently.
'rWenr
"Mr. Monk seems uncommon fond Of you,
he do"
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