The rustler., 1891-12-04
A NATURAL BLUNDER.
rdlG5 Burgoyno's Clay Models and
tho Trouble They Caused


As Gerald Dubrassct was walking
along a secluded path in the cnyirons
of Florence hc heard some one moan
He glanced through the bushes and
saw n young girl seated on one ot the
rustic benches. Her head was thrown /
Lack and there was an expression OF |
main on her face. She was simply but |
neatly clad. aud a portfolio lay on the ,,
bench beside her.
lie approached her. lifted his hat and
kindly said:
you seem 10 be in distress. Can !
be OF any service 10 you|
She looked up, her soft gray eyes
searching his bronzcd, handsome face
"Sir. I have spraincd my ankle
and badly SO, ! am afraid she said
spcal,ng with considerable effort
though her voice was none the less
sweet Il did il while elambering over
the rocks"
'l'll order n carriage he said
lie hniled public conveyance and
gently helped her into IT, lie seated
himself opposite TO her and tried 10 en-
gage her in conversation, but fonhd
her disposed to be reticent; perhaps
because she was suffering moro likely
because he was stranger Once or
twice he caught her furtively scanning
his face. as II she was becoming inter
ested in him.
The discovery pleased him, for he was
very much impressed in her favor
She was not very handsome, noi
especially graceful, and yet there was
something about her face that pleased
md much about her manner that wat
ladylike.
When they reached the cottage II
which she lived he assisted her out
the carriage She did not trust L
bear her weight upon her spraine'
ankle. and SO she leaned heavily upol
him.
A pretty little waitingmaid cam
running to the door, quite ex cited an
vet not forgetting to courtesy to tn
handsome stranger.
"oh, Miss Bnrgoyne, what has hal
ncnedp" she cried. her hands ncrvousl
clasped in front Of her.
"Do not be alarmed" her mistre'
said; ~ have merely spraincd N
ankle"
"shall send doctor?' asked NJ
Dubrasset
III YOU will be so kind" she soft
said. Also compensate the driver
she added. rs she extended her purs
"Never mind said Mr.. Dubrass'
.I'll settle with iilm."
"Maria. pay the driver" ordered Mi
Burgoyne.
The girl took the purse and paid I
man, who waved his hand and dro
away.
"Mav | call to inquire how you a
getting nlong2n asked Mr. Dubrass
"The doctor will inform you" b
sententiously said.
A piqued expression came to
bronzed face.
"In help you into the house."
said.
"In lean on Maria" was the rep
Her tone was firm, but not repclla
He laughed softly and said:
II consider myself summarily q
missed"
Miss Burgoyne was already lean
on the waiting maid arm ohe turi
70 the stranger, the blood filling
face, the gray eyes softening
drously.
.Do not think me rude" she said.
most appealingly. 81 haven't e
thanked you" She paused mom'
and then added: Yes, you may ca
Mr. Dubrasset bowed and withdr
while Miss Burgoyne entered the nc
in a laborious way, clutching MI
tightly at every spasm OF pain.
When he called the next day
found her reclining in an easy-ch
her bandaged foot resting on hass'
She welcomed him with smile
extended her small, white, capa
looking hand.
"You rested well?" he asked. ear
sympathy in his tone.
''0h, yes" she replied. "Ihe 90
says I'll be about in a few days.
be seated"
The room was cozy and invita-
not quite q boudoir and not entirei
atelier.