Dodge City times., 1890-10-17

treasure into worthy hands.
And l went out from her presence
more happy and confident than had en-
;ered it-at the same time more puzzled,
more amazed.
CHAPTER VII.
THE DOCTORS CONGRATULATIONS ARE NOT
CORDIAL
It was arranged that for the present I
should live at Glendale House, going for
a few hours daily to Coaltown to attend
to my duties at the bank. 1t was also
decided that the engagement between
Miss Hargresve and myself should be
kept secret.
Il won't even tell Edna, said George,
that first afternoon of bliss, as my be-
trothed and sat over the fire, Mrs. Har-
greave having left us two alone. NO;
won't even give her hint of it, she con-
tinued, playing idly with the hand
screen she held to shade her face. Ser
wants talk SO, you know, even the best of
them"
What was there in the remark that sent
Q sudden chill through me? l answered
quickly:
You told me you did not regard her as
. servant, that you knew her to be q
LADY,
Il make her q companions friend.
She sleeps now in the little dressing
room next mine; nevertheless she is a
servant She came to us as one. She is
paid the wages mother has been used to
pay my maid. Please touch that bell, dis
tinctly. twice"
I obeyed. The signal seemed under
stood, for almost Immediately the door
was opened and Edna entered, carrying q
tca-tray. She started slightly on seeing
me. Instinctively, rose as she came to-
ward us, and moved q small table close to
Georgie's side, whereon she placed the
tray.
Mr.. Dudley will pour out my tea.
You need not remain to-day" cried
George.
And without a word, but looking very
sweet and grave, and not little sad. the
girl turned to leave the room. opened
the door for her, but received neither
word nor look of thanks.
Are these North Country manners?
Do they rise and open doors for servants
in Coaltown?' asked George, as I re-
turned to my seat.
Il don't know" answered, little con-
fused.
But why did you do it2 Was it be-
cause 1 told you l believe she is by birth
and education lady?" she persisted.
Perhaps" answered evasively.
Then don't do it again, please. You
any girl to feel uncomfortable. Oh, Jack,
Jack, what are you about now? Putting
all that sugar in my tea? You may have
that yourself, sir-1 prefer mine without.
Mother has many crazes, as no doubt you
have discovered" she continued, taking
the cup I poured out for her, without
cream or sugar, accorging to her direc-
tions. -One is, she thinks it good sign
when q man is fond Of his tea. 1t is, ac-
cording to her, a certain guarantee that
he is sober, steady and respectable In all
his ways. In YOUR case. the fact that
you dislike smoking and abhor stimulants
has proved the surest road to her affec-
tions."
But what reason has she for one mo-
ment to suppose-
why, didn't you tell her this yourself
during that long tete-G-tete you and she
had together here? Didn't you agree with
her in everything? I know why you did
it, Jack. 1t was for my sake-because
you love me-
No, Upon my soul, had no inten-
tion of 90 deceiving her. There has been
some WlStAho, WHICH muDS oApidiu
Too late now, sir! do SO pity you,
bacco and cigars. No more
what theI mean wish you would
not joke about it. George. Surely. Mrs.
Hargreave won't exact"
She laughed in q way that somehow
grated Just little on my senses.
She'll hold you to it to the last letter.
You don't half know nv stepmother
After giving her to understand you
agreed with all her crazes, you'll have to
agree now. You've pledged yourself. Do
you-regret it2" she asked, rising, and
drawing herself up to her full height.
Iwas BY her side in q moment.
by heaven, nor I cried, seizing both
her hands, while gazed into her eyes,
those unfathomable eyes, in whose
dusky depths I longed to fndI know
mot what. But discovered nothing.
The :ntense look vanished as quickly as
it came, to be succeeded by one Of fun
and merriment.
You're undoubtedly very handsome.
Jack!" she exclaimed.
Am II" asked absently.
why, Of course you are! # you had
not been, would II"
She said no more. Her hands were
CLOSELY locked in mine. Our lips met.
The opening and quick shutting Of the
door behind me startled both. George
pushed me from her.
1T was Edna. How annoying! she
cried. .She saw-rm sure she saw.
Jack, if you ever dare do such thing
again I will not marry you. She'll tell
al over the place what shs he's just
seen.
Not she.
.she vill, I say. ssrvsnts always talk
and gossip.
soul of honor" asserted warmly.
ANY ono would suppose you knew her
better than do to hear you speak % con.
Adently. I viii not have our cngaRsmens
Known in place like this. who're people
veteA anA m M ehstts. "a sashsr