The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-10

nOtner time. L nave some business TO attenQ
to, and'-he stopped abruptly and stood watch
ing the swift motion of Patty's little gold
thimble as she sent the shining needle flying
along the hem of the dainty ruffie. She was
glad that her work gave her employment for her
eyes and fingers, for she was uncomfortably
nervous under Toms quiet scrutiny. This was
really the first time since his return that they
had been alone together, and she seemed unable
to think OF anything except that miserable part
ing, here on the same porch, so long ago. Was
he. too. thinking of ita Perhaps-if one might
judge from the shadow of pain in the dark gray
eyes.
The silence was becoming embarrassing-at
least to Patty.
Il see you do not wear your sling today" she
sald trying to appear at her ease. Il am glad
your arm is much better"
1T is about WELL he replied; "a little weak
yet. that is ALL"
Cousin Tom"-Patty let her work fall raised
her eyes to his face, speaking under sudden
strong impulse words which a moment after
wards she would have given worlds to recall
Il know the story that you would not tell that
day. 1 wish l could thank you as ought for
your-your-"
Never mind that cousin Patty" said Tom,
paling slightly. II had promised, you know, to
look after Walker for you. and there didn't seem
to be any other way just then"
''But you suffered all that for" She was
about to say for Walker"
For youa l was glad to do it, Patty" he
said earnestly. II would go through more than
that to spare you such grief" and he laid his
hand gently onhers For her very life Patty
could not have helped what she did then. She
lifted his hand-it belonged to the wounded arm
Ito her Inns and kissed it, and then. her cheeks
ablaze, fed from him into the house
Tom stood daZed for instant, looking at his
hand, where two great tears had dropped from
Patty's eyes. Some muttered words passed his
lips
MY God, how she loves him! And /" That
sentence he did not finish aloud. He rode slowly
away. too absorbed in his painful reverie to no
tlce the horseman who presently overlook him,
until Alexis voice startled him.
in brown study, Tom, or have you lost your
hearings say, come out with me to Uncle
Henry's and talk to some of those girls"
Wont they give you chance with Cousin
Henrettag asked Tom.
''Oh. that's all settled" answered Alex "But
| want to consult her a very important
subject namely yourself"
"What have l been doing9" Tom inquired,
amused.
Nothing lately" answered Alex, laughing,
'but III tell you afterward what the text of our
discourse is; come, will you 900"
IF you will wait fifteen or twenty minutes in
town for me-"
And it CHANGED that when Uncle George came
home that night he remarked to his daughter:
Il tried to bring Alex and Tom out to sup
per, but they are going over to your Uncle
Henry's"
Inc next time FATTY met COUSIN Tom he
found no cause to think her given to impulsve
actions, and being shy fellow, easily embar
raised by any lack Of cordiality in his compan
ions. Toms manner was equally constrained,
and misguided Patty imagined that he had been
shocked beyond measure b. her 'forwardness"
The future seemed to her all hopeless tangle
of misunderstanding. But Patty's cousins were
not going to see their favorite's happiness
marred, if they could help it. That all import
ant conversation between Cousin Alex and
L Il
Two days afterwards Cousin Henretta's rocka-
way stopped at Uncle Georges gate, and the
young lady's arrival was announced by a score
of pickaninnies, breathess from the race to be
first to shout, miss Patty Miss Patty, Miss
Henrietta done come"
miss Henrietta" followed closely after her
forerunners and announced that she had come
to take Patty and her trunk and the bonnet
box" to stay week at least. She would take no
refusal. and Patty went; glad, in truth, for any
distraction from her morbid thoughts
They made gay week of it. There were two
or three other girls there visit, and these
with Henrettas sisters, made coterie of at
fractions that the gentleman declared irresistible.
1t may be remarked here that Cousin Walker
was not among the visitor He was busiy pre-
pairing to go to Texas. he said.
This announcement startled Cousin Tom; I'M
til now he had supposed Walker still engaged to
Patty. Alex was only too ready to give Tom
what knowledge of the case he himself pos
sessed.
Toms wrath at first was almost too deep for
words. That Patty should be SO treated by the
man she loved -
Hold on there" said Alex 'If Cousin Patty
loved him I wouldn't mind myself giving him
what he deserves. But it's my belief she doesn't
care a snap for him."
prove it," said Tom shortly Was it possible
that her impulsive action that afternoon had not
meant what he thought it did?
Il WILL mathematically." answered Alex, re-
filing his pipe and lighting it with live coal
from the hickory fire. Two bodies cannot occu-
by the same space at the same time. Isn't there
such an axiom?
Eth" said Tom, more intent on Alexis idea
than his words.
eff you can't demonstrate it to your own sat
isfacton, I'd advise you to ask Cousin Patty to
explain It,"
Il will" said Tom slowly watching the smoke
wreaths curl above his head and wondering
dreamily if it were possible, after ALL
''Pve done my part of the conspiracy Alex
said confdentaly as he turned the pages of
Henriettas music for her that evening
"rve endeavored to perform mine," she an
swered in the same tone. But it hasn't been
smooth sailing. She avoids the subject as per-
sstly as she avoids him."
Her Fabian tactics will not avail long now,
think" said Alex, with laugh. ''Wait till to-
morrow"
she is going home tomorrow, said Henrietta,
ruefully.
Il know, and Alex nodded myster1ously
"But you'll see"
Tomorrow came. 1t has been arranged that
Alex should take Patty home in his buggy, and
as she was coming down stairs, ready for the
drive, she saw him at the gate. When she had
kissed all the family and had gone out to the
kitchen and cabins to say good bye" to all the
black aunties, and leave them bits of silver ''to
remember her by" she escorted to the gate
by the whole flock of sisters and also Cousin
Tom. Alex gave her his hand to assist her into
the buggy, and then stepped back little. while,
to Pattys discomftted amaZement, Cousin Tom
took the vacant place beside her. Patty scarcely
heard Alexis elaborate excuse for his inability to
escort her home and looked pale that Tom
said, -eassuringly, as they drove off:
You need not be afraid to trust my driving
Cousin Patty. I assure you that my arm is we'll
enough for that now
"Oh, | not at all afraid" said Patty
quickly. II was little surprised, not knowing
that anything had happened to keep Cousin
Alex at home. 1t is very kind of you to take his