Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-11-15

maze sure OF IL 1J llle uODl.. wa. ;. no
could do SO without being observed.
Once upstairs they seated themselves
so that they could watch the elevator
without being seen.
81 do not know what you are up to-"
complained Holbrook.
"Neither do l." replied Tom with
laugh. "But the story of your interview
with the handsome Flora has made a
deep impression. l want to become
familiar with those about her. That's
all"
They lit cigars, smoked and listened to
the music until the curtain finally fell.
"Now, then" said Tom, "in a few
minutes we'll know whether we have
deprived ourselves of comfortable seats
during the third act for nothing"
Holbrook, who was in bad humor,
replied:
I'm sure we did. She won't go up
there; she would think it bad form"
"Bah! it's bad form, so her set would
say, to be seen at theatre at this time
Of year, especially in the city"
"IIush," he continued, "there she goes
now" as the brightly lighted elevator
glided up. Come, let US go up. No,
wait until they have had time to be
seated"
They waited moment or two, and
then assembled the stairs to the roof. AT
first they did not see the party, but care
fully proceeding they came upon them
partially hid behind large fir tree
planted in tub. They came upon them
in such manner that they werc plainly
observed.
Tom dropped down into chair at
vacant table a short distance off, saying
as he did SO, quite loudly, Here, Hol-
brook, here is place"
Then, in q lower tone:
"Holbrook, you must go over and pay
your respects, if nothing else. Let us
give our order to the waiter first; don't
look up yet. The party is family party;
old Witherspoon, his daughter and son,
the handsome Flora and an old file
probably another relative"
Holbrook nodded, and after having
given his order arose and crossed to the
party on the other side.
Saluting them, he addressed himself TO
Flora.
81 am surprised to find you in the city,
Miss Ashgrove."
you find me disguised" she replied.
"Uncle is a tyrant about this business;
but we return tomorrow"
Her manner was cold, even repellant,
and did not offer encouragement He
was somewhat embarrassed, and would
have felt awkward, if Mr.. Witherspoon
had not asked him to join them in their
refreshments.
In declining on the score of having n
friend from whom he had parted only to
pay his respects to them, he was enabled
not only to regain self possession, but to
recognize in the gentleman Tom had de
soIibed as an old file, one OF New York S
first lawyers.
By no means pleased with Flora's re-
ception Of him, he determined to give her
a rap before parting from her.
Lowering his tone he said:
Il did not see you at the funeral Of
your relative"
Who she said, with lazy surprise,
"Templeton-yOur remote relative"
"Oh, did say he was remote rela-
tiveY This was said with a haughtiness
not unmixed with contempt. as she Ian
guidly famed herself. She did not deign
to explain why she was absent.
Holbrook found himself growing red
and angry. when to his surprise he saw
Flora straighten up quickly, while an
anxious, even frightened, expression
swept over her face. She looked in
tently behind him.
He turned and saw gentleman fash
ionably clad. H did not know him.
He turned to Flora. She was gazing
at him (Holbrook) tixedly; there was a
worried, inquiring expression in her
eyes; her color was coming and going
and her chest heaving, her mouth slight
ly open.
Apparently she paid little or no atten-
ton to the new conner, who was greeting
the others Of the group.
Holbrook noticed the change in her de-
meanor and was surprised; so much so
that he said bluntly and awkwardly: 81
bid you good night, Miss Ashgrove," and
bowling to the others returned to Tom.
"What passed between you?" asked
Tom.
Nothing of any moment. She treated
me outrageously.'
He then gave Tom literal statement
of what had passed, save her curious
manner toward him at the end.
He was distracted, and did not hear
what Tom was saying, but stealthily
watched the group. He could not fail
to notice the extreme nervousness in
Flora5 manner, and that she was urging
their departure. 1t was quite evident
the rest were comfortably ENJOYING
themselves and not disposed to leave.
Finally Flora said something to the
newcomer and he arose, stepped to her
side and offered his arm. She took K,
and they walked toward the front on
the Broadway side and sat down out of
view.
IIolbrook followed them with his eyes.
Suddenly he slapped his hand on his
knee.
HRv love Tom Two an idaa