The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1890-01-15
A Story of American Frontier
Life.
By Capt CHARLES KING, Q. S. A.,
Author of"The Cotomers Daughter, " From
the Ranks" "The Deserter," Etc
Copyrighted 1888 by J. Lippiucott Company
Philadelphia, and published by special arrange
ment through the American Press Association
CHAPTER XIII.-Continued.


of Dunraven the field was hunting
slowly homeward. horses and hounds
pretty well tired out. and the riders
quite content with their mornings sport
Up to this time Perry had been in con-
slant attendance upon Mrs. Lawrence.
and had made no effort to join Mrs Bel
KNAPP. Now. however, he could not but
see that every little while her eyes
sought his with significant glance and
that she was riding we'll out to the left
of the party, Dana faithfully lowering
about her The colonel with Mrs.
Sprague ranged alongside just then, and
a general conversation ensued, in the
course of which Perry found himself a
trifle in the way. If there was one thing
fastidious Nolan did not like. it was to
be crowded by horses for whom he had
no particular respect: and, as a number
of riders were grouped about Mrs. Law
renee at the moment. it resulted that
Nolan's teeth and heels began to make
play, and Perry laughingly resigned his
position at her side. in order, as he eX-
pressed it, ''to give you other fellows
rear, it was with no thought or inten-
ton of joining Mrs. Belknap. But, once
clear of the merry group, his eyes sought
the distant outlines of Dunraven Ranch,
glazing in the MONDAY sun beyond the
Monee, and between him and that mys-
terious inclosure whittier his thoughts
were SO constantly wandering there rode
the dainty lady, the Queen Of the Chase,
SO far as that day was concerned at
least, and she was signaling to him with
her riding whip. Oddly enough, when
Perry rode up to obey her summons
Mr.. Dana presently found means to ex-
cuse himself and join the main body.
''Mr Perry" she said. as soon as Dana
was out of hearing, Mrs. Page will be
with us tonight, or tomorrow morning
at latest"
''Will she?' answered he, unconscious,
forgetful and with an air of pleased an
ticipation How pleasant for you! I'll
come and pay my respects the very first
thing"
'You do not understand" was the re-
proachful response, You do not care,
presume; but this means that you and
l will have no more long talks and hap
Ply times together.
"Tm awfully sorry, Mrs. Belknap,
but I'm blessed if I can see why we
shouldn't.
''No," despairingly, sit is plain enough
that you see nothing. All, wellr'-and
the sigh was pathetic-profound, and the
look from the dark eyes was unuttera-
BILE in its sadness, 81 suppose it is better
so-better So" She was silent mo-
ment, and Perry's puzzled faculties took
refuge in long look over toward Dun
raven again: he fancied he saw figures
moving down the slope on the southern
side
Zone thing I want you to promise
me-" she presently said, sad and soft
and low. There was no reply. Looking
up, she saw his head was averted. Was
he feeling the sting, then, after all? Was
he actually suffering a little pang after
this affectation of nonchalance?
Zone thing you must promise. for my
sake" she repeated.
And still no answer came. How odd!
He was bending over in the saddle as
though turning from her, perhaps to hide
his face from her and from them all. He
had shifted the reins into his right hand,