Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1891-10-24

Then she once more took refuge be-
hind her paper. and while ostensibly
examining 1t she was perfectly aware
of the curious glances turned now and
then upon her. Mrs. Brownson enter
ing the room little later, tray in
hand. brought their uncomfortable
tete-a-tete to a close.
As she passed near the young man
he addressed her in low tone, and
Matte guessed shc was the subject oi
the whispered colloquy which followed.
Presently, as Mrs. Brownson hurried
away, he rose, and advanced towards
Matte.
1T seems wc are both benighted
travellers, and fate or necessity has
decreed we should be companions, al
least for n while. VIII you allow me
to introduce mvself? My name is
Fontroy-Oscar Fontroy."
There was something so frank and
so winning in his smile that Matties
cold reserve was vanquished. A soft
blush passed over her face. and, rising
TO her feet. she met his gaze with the
same friendliness his had shown.
''And mine is Matte Burton" she
answered.
He bowed, and gravcly offered her
his arm.
"Will you come to the table?" he
said. That chicken looks delicious,
and /. for one, am feeling hungry
enough to enjoy it."
He chatted easily and gracefully
during dinner. and Matte CLEANED
from the remarks he let fall that he,
like herself. was on walking tour.
Nor was he long in discovering what
had brought her on her lonely tramp.
"And you are going to st. Albans"'
he asked.
Yes"
That is strange, for !. also. am on
my way therc!"
A little silence fell between them
after that. and once or twice Oscar
looked at his companion as though he
would have protfered suggestion;
but Matte. perhaps guessing what he
wished to say, effrctually prevented
him by rising to leave the room.
Goodnight, Miss Burtonr he said
as he held the door open for her TO
pass.
Goodnight. Mr. Fontroyw she an
swered; then seeing his disappointed
face she smiled, and stretched out q
hand which was instantly clasped in
his.
Matte slept soundly that night. and
woke in the morning bright aud much
refreshed.
While she hurried over her toilet a
pleasurable thrill Of excitement stirred
her heart, and when she thought of
Oscar Fontroy she could not help
wondering whether she would sse him
again or whether he had already
started on his tramp.
Entering the sitting-room she found
it empty, AMI the table, laid for one
answered the inquiry of her eyes.
He had gone. and in spite Of herself
Matte felt suddenly chilled.
Mrs. Brownson waited upon her
guest during breakfast. and. having Il
little time TO spare. was inclined 10 be
loquacious.
You've got fine day for your
walk; the young gentleman's been
gone about half an hour. He's going
to st. Albans-which part are you
bound for miss?h
"St. Adams" Matte answered. at
which Mrs. Brownson looked aston
ished.
There now! To think you are GO
ing the same road and might have
walked together had Mr.. Fontroy only
waited bit. But perhaps he didn't
know you were going that way" she
added, tentatively.
Matte evaded her remark by asking
one or two questions about the road
she was 10 take; then. having given
her sandwich bag To be filled, she
went TO her room to get ready to start.
I'm sure / hope you'll have a
pleasant walk" Mrs. Brownson said
following Matte out into the road.
And il you should come back this
way don't forget the Green Tree. )
miss"
No, that l certainly shall not. :"
Matte responded heartily. and with a
bright good 'morning!' set off.
She walked briskly at first, but after
awhile faint sense of fatigue stole
over her. forcing her to relax her
speed. She sauntered along the green
lane. enjoying the quiet and the beau
tiful scenery; and when presently she
saw u familiar form leaning against a
tree on one side surprise was swal-
lowed up in her pleasure.
II made pretty good guess how
'ong 1t would take you to get here. :"
Oscar remarked. advancing to meet
her. II hope you are not offended
with ME, Miss Burton, for daring TO
wait for you"
Matte was not at all offended. and
said so; indeed she felt secretly de-
lighted to have so pleasant compau-
ion. and the way seemed twice as
short enlivened by his interesting con-
versation. Then too, he knew the
road well. found the most picturesque
spot in which to sit down TO rest and
eat their frugal lunch. and in the even
ing led her TO the door OF the best inn.
Il will call for you in the morning,
If you will allow me-" he said cour-
teously. "At what time will you be
ready?"
IL generally breakfast at eight" she
answered. coloring slightly as she met
his gaze.
Then I will come at about half
past" he remarked. and after warm
hand-clasp they parted.
The friendship so curiously begun
did not end when they reached st.
Albans.
Matte had decided to remain there
a week. and it seemed Oscars intent
also. for each day in the course of her
walk the girl met him sauntering aini-
lessly along; and it soon became so
natural to see him that Matte would
have felt deeply disappointed had he
failed to put in AN appearance.