The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-10-10

lriagc folk remained cn the bridee to watch the hounds out cf sight Then turning to Miss Spinks, said, holding out my hand:
 "You will not have long to wait for . train, and when the hounds disappear you have only few yards to walk to the station, soyou will excuse my net waiting to escort you."
 ishment, and replied: "I thought you were going to follow the houndsn
 "So am," l answered.
 But l am going, too. You said you would take charge of me-"
 But, Miss Spinks," l demonstrated, "you don't intend to go in that dress ? You will be wet through in five minutes" "
 "Of course, l mean to go," she re- torted, half tearfully. "What does my dress matter?"
 But your shoes" added. "They would not last through half mile of wet grass and ploughed tields." "You don't want to take me-" she ex- claimed petulantly, and you're making excuses to get rid of me-"
 Well, ii you arc bent on going, will not withdraw my promise" replied, un- willing to have scene. "But remember that warned you of the inconvenience you might expect"
 She said no more, but followed me through the gate into a pasture knee deep in rich grass. The dew had been heavy, and at every step my boots and gaiters brushed glittering shower of drops from the herbage. The first half dozen yards must have soaked the scarlet stockings and Parisian shoes, but Miss Spinks made no sign, and plodded reso- lutely on. The hounds had got long start, and we had to walk too briskly to allow of conversation, but after crossing a couple of fields we got sight of the sportsmen grouped in the far corner of the meadow, while chorus of deep notes from the stream betokened the discovery of scent. dropped into a more leisurely pace, and Miss Spinks, coming up with me, looked up in my face, saying in plaintive accents:
 "Are you very angry with me1 Aren't you going to talk to mel"
 Angry? Not in the least," replied. Why should be?"
 "l thought perhaps you didn't want my company" she murmured.
 If you are not afraid to risk a wet skirt or sprained ankle, cannot but be pleased to escort you"
 But my ankles are very strong" said she. Don't you think SO p
 They were, Nnquestionably, but l thought perhaps had better not say so, so changed the subject.
 "There must be scent down wonder. You see they are watching the hounds, and one or two of the pack are giving tongue"
 "Givipg tongue r she echoed. "What nice sporting expressions you use. You must be quite an authority on sport, aren't you"
 Well, hardly an authority" replied deprecatingly. " But one cannot live in the country, as do, without knowing something of such matters"
 (" How wish lived in the country p said she with sigh. "Then, perhaps, you would help me with my new novel"
 G shall be happy to do that ifI can be of any use," replied gallantly.
 "Oh, will you" she cried. "Will you help me while write and tell me what to say and let me read what have writ ten to you?"
 l thought, perhaps, my wife would hardly approve of my giving unqualified assent to this proposal, so only said:
 am dattered that you should value my opinion, and will call some day to hear your opening chapters"
 But l want you really 10 help me when l am writing," she said, with tinge of disappointment in her tone.
 "Well, we will see whether Mrs. Brown can suggest plan," replied, aud fur- ther debate was postponed by our reach. | ing the rest of the party. Once more I caught Miss Fortescue's eye as she glanced with surprise and amusement at my companion's dress. Following the di- rection of her glance, 1 saw that the flimsy print was hanging in limp attenu ated l folds, mud-stained and clinging closely | to the wearer's extremities, while the | scarlet stockings were reduced to deep | blood-red, toning down to black where the varnish from the bottines had run and | soaked into their texture. In short, Miss | Spinks was neither spruce nor an inter- esting figure, and her costume, compared | with Hiss Fortescue's neat kilted dark gray skirt, and strong, shapely walking boots, did not show to advantage. Of this Mrs. Darcy Domville was also clear ly cognizant, and could see the mali cious delight with which she attracted Cap. tain Heavitree's notice to the contrast, doubtless considering that she too profited by the presence of such foil It was therefore relief to one at least of the party when the hounds failed to find the otter at home, and the word was given to push forward.
 Whatl' cried Miss Spinks, fare they really going further ?"
 Probably for some hours to come," replied, perhaps with hope that she might have had enough and be willing to turn back alone. But no. A moments hesitation was followed by an heroic re- SrlxrA NS% C.: L.