The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-06-01
CHAPTER XII.
MEKNIE.

Sybil did not notice the look of horror
and dismay which crossed George East
woods face, for she was still playing with
little Meenie; but Tom and Alice Drew OBJ
served it instantly. Tom was simply puz-
zled by it, but Alice was suspicious She
knew his face, but she had not as yeu affixed
the right name to it. Sybil Lorimer re-
moved her doubts.
"Oh, Mr.. Eastwood, isn't she dear little
things She is the youngest in the orphan
age, and we are all SO fond Of her. Aren't
we. Meenies AL of us, as well as Alice
Dreww
EYES," lisped Meenie, contentedly, and
buried her face with laughter in SYPHILIS
neck.
A quick look passed from Alice's eyes to
those of George Eastwood when these
names were pronounced. Then his were
lowered; a burning blush rose to his fore
head he could not bear to look at her again.
He remembered her name, although her
features had not been imprinted on his
memory; but he knew how close the con-
nection had been between her and Jess
For a moment wild fancy crossed his mind
that Jess was hidden away in that little,
pleasant, jessamine-covered house outside
Diana's gates; and then ne told himself that
this could not be.
Alice did not avert her eyes. Thename
Eastwood" brought color to her face also,
but it was the glow of Indignation, not of
shame She stood and looked at him
steadily, marking the features that she had
seen but once BEFORE studying them SO that
she should not fail TO recognize them any
more. And the silence that followed
Sybil's words became at last so marked
that the girl put Meenie down and looked
from Alice to Mr.. Eastwood in surprise.
Tom Lorimer was observing-keenly but
silently. Alice Drew was looking fixedly
at George, who had turned a little aside.
There was something strained and unnatural
in the situation-in the air. Sybil OWNED
it but could not guess the cause.
perhaps we had better go up to the
house, she said in slightly astonished tone.
ing, think. Or would you go on with
your walk, Mr. Eastwood, and Tom and /
will follow!'
George faced her; his face pale now, his
lip nearly bitten through. He spoke
doggedly.
II am not going to the park now, Miss
Lorimer; l have to speak to-to-Mlss
Drew. had some business with her,"
"OA, indeedln said Sybil, with look of
surprise, which she tried in vain to hide.
"Then we had better 60 on, perhaps. /
hope you have got some nice orphans you
want to place with Miss Drew, Mr.. E ISL
wood you have no idea how admirably she
takes care of them"
George tried to smile. but his lips had
suddenly grown cold and stiff. He met Tom
Lorimer's gaze, and if ever suspicion could
look out of sucn frank blue eyes it looked
out then.
"Cone along, Sybil," said young Lori
mer, abruptly. I'Mr Eastwood has busi-
ness: we HAD better leave him to it.n
"Will you come up to tea after ward, MIR.
Eastwoodg said Sybil. with her sweetest
smile.
81 think not, thank you, l have an en-
gagement," George answered, quickly.
He could not bear the idea of going to
Diaua's house after the interview which he
felt that he would now have to face.
Sybil pouted little as she walked on
with Tom.
"Mr. Eastwood was not very nice, was he?
wonder what he wants to talk about with
Drewtn
''Some protege on his estate, perhaps"
said Tom, rapidly. Anyway, it doesn't
matter to u.s."
at always matters what our friends do"
returned Sybil, with dignity.
Eastwood is no friend of mine"
"No friend of yours Tom? Whyw
81 don't like him." said Tom.
but why-whyp
'It's not always fair to ask why,n said
Tom, CURLY. MEN don't always wish to
state their reasons for disliking man."
''Oh, Tom, how funny you look when you
put on that stately airl Men, indeed as if
you were anything but boyi 1t seems, at
any rate, that men can insinuate things to
other mems disadvantage instead of speak
ng straight outTo
Tom thrust his hands deep into his
pockets, looked straight before him, and did
not speak word. What unreasonable
creatures girls werei he was saying to him
self They ought to be taught from their
babyhood that men were wiser and under
stood the world better than they. But Sybii
always believed herself so superior to every
onel Then he unused, unconscious that the
girl was uncomfortable under his silence
and that she was longing for some way Of
making up the little quarrel,
Presently she walked closer TO him, SO
closely as almost to touch his elbow.