The Washington critic., 1888-03-31

asked
"Who is going to ride this lovely
morning? There are not many more
left u.s."
OF course, Jeans voice was among
the number that answered in the
affirmative, and, half an hour later,
the riding party was ready to start.
Soon, Miss Athol and Mr.. Collins
were far ahead Of the rest.
"Bess seems rather restiye this
morning" he remarked, glancing
gravcly at the prancing horse on
which she sat so well.
II think there must be something
in the air, then" laughed Jean, for
i believe share in Bess's feelings
q restlessness Of restraint or control
seems to possess me-
Il advise you not to give way"
was the more serious rejoinder, 'or
you may have trouble with her."
Nonsense ~ cried Jean, forgetting
ceremony. 81 can manage her any
time" And she started forward at
brisk gallon.
Instantly he was almost up to her;
but, Just as he reached her side, Bess
gave one leap, which would probably
have thrown her rider had il not
been for Mr.. Collins. Quick as light
ming he made u sudden wild dash and
seized the bride. lie did not utter q
word but one side. glance ut his face
turned Jean paler than the fright
had.
just at that moment the others rode
up. To save her life she could not
tell why she was so glad. OF course,
everybody exclaimed and inquired; (;
but Mr.. Collins made as light of the
matter as possible, for which Jean
was very thankful.
They rode more slowly homeward, 4,
all together. Bess was very quiet
and so was her mistress. For some
reason--she could not tell what-Miss
Athol felt thoroughly uncomfortable.
1t was almost time for the party to
break up In three days it would be
the lst of May, and the ladies de-
clared that they ought TO be at home
preparing for the summers round of
Matering-places. The idea of de.
parture was welcome to Jean, though
she did not admit the reason for this,
even in the deepest corner of her con-
sciousness. Perhaps she dared not.
It was the 30th of April, the last
day of the visit. One of their favorite
walks was agreed ON, as farewell
They started all together, an arrange.
ment which Jean devoutly prayed
would be continued. For the last two
days she had managed to avoid al
tete.a-tetcs with her friends be
trothed by keeping With the whole
party. She hoped Mr.. Collins ha(
not noticed this, though Of that she
could not be certain. Glancing up
she was startled from her reflection
by seeing the object of il at her side
"a penny for your thoughts, Mis-
Athol," he said, "You seem un
usually quiet"
"Only because ] am generally to,
noisy, one must infer, ] suppose,
she answered, rousing herself with al
effort.
Not at all-your inference is un
warranted" lie replied. But yol
are not inclined to place your intel
lectual wares in the market at such
low rate, ] perceive. Perhaps, if
were to offer you q silver penny, a
somebody in one of Mrs. Burney'
novels does, you might be tempted.
mo. Like most of the people VIII
live in the latter half of the nine
teenth century, l am too mercenary,
she said, laughing a little.
The conversation seemed to fla
somewhat, in spite Of Mr.. Collins
endeavor to keep ii up.
When they had gone some dit
tance into the wood, he turned t
her and said:
"Let me show you where thos
mayflowers are that ! was speakin
of the other day. They must be i
bloom by this time, think"
'"Thank you-but I'm afraid
hardly have energy enough for sue
a long walk" she answered, rathe
languidly.
"If you feel tired, you can sit dowi
on this rock few minutes" he re
piled, "Give me your shawl, please.
AS he spoke Mr.. Collins possesse,
himself of the scarlet wrap and sprea
it on the mossy boulder, which afford
ed quite a resting place. By this tim
their companions were considerably i
advance, and, astonished at her ow
weakness in doing Just what she ha
determined not to do, Jean took th
profiered seat.
For a few moments they chatte
cheerfully-on her part, at least, wit
an effort. Just as she was about I
rise and propose continuing their wal
Mr.. Collins spoke.
Pardon me, Miss Athol," he sait
"but unless ] am very much mistaken
for the last two days-ever since Ou
horseback ride-you have tried I
avoid me. Am l wrong?"
| Jean was silent; but he persisted.
Il fattered myself upto that tim
that we were very good friends"-
80 we were-and are still, / hope,
interrupted Jean, little impatiently
"For Edith's sake" she added. BIZ
he did not notice the final words.
Have | done anything to alte
your opinion of me?" he continued
standing facing her.
"No-o." Jean dragged the wor
out slowly. She could not truthful
say that he had done anything. Sh
could hardly arraign him for a look
"Then why do you treat me diffel
ently?' he went on rapidly.
Really, Mr.. Collins" began Jeal
81 was not aware that | did; it mu'
have been-unintentional."
Here her conscience gave an awfl
twinge; but she did not heed it.
"And, after all, i" she continued, tr,
ing to speak in hermost careless ton,
this seems to me TO be much ad
about nothing Let us 90 ON an
find the others"
Pardon me, " he interrupted, "bt
it does make difference" Thel
was sudden passion in his voice "
had not meant to speak"
Jean had risen by this time, deadl
pale.
"Then for heavens sake don't!
she cried, hastily.
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