Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-09-12

t;ling for cold weather. Don't know what's become of the other one" Nina turned away hurriedly to sup press laugh as Sydney held up band of knitted stuff which did, indeed. bear some resemblance to wriSter l caught him by the arm and led him hastily aside.
 That isn't wrister," whispered tits surcingle for an infant Stick it into your pocket and say nothing"
 Sydney glanced at Nina with agony Her face was still ri2pling with ill-con- cealed amusement thought the young man would fat..t
 "Oh, Mir. Drew" sad Mrs Reed, be- hind me, ''since you're G.:.1g to walk home with Jennie. perhaps -ou wouldn't mind taking a Ettle bundle for me?"
 ''Wha-what?" gasped Sydney
 ''Tommy told me about it" said Mrs. Reed, land l made bold to ask you-'
 "Oh, certainly, certainly said Syd- ney; delighted of course"-and he groaned audibly. Nina looked surprised and grieved, and the effect of her ex- pression on Sydney was evident. He took me aside.
 ''Mr. Fielding" said he, "I never said anything about walking home with Jennie Reed. This is all the work of that limb of Satan, Tommy. I want to go home with Miss Nina. l feel as if could say-I-I-oh, get me out of this if you can. Go home with Jennie Reed yourself and I'll bless you cternally."
 ''Maude won't," said I. ''She's around here somewhere, and she has an unrea- sonable prejudice against my going home with other women and leaving her alone."
 ''I'll explain it, said Sydney. "I'n tell her anything. It isn't far to the Reeds. You can get back in time."
 ''An right, old man; here goes to help you out," said I, land wish you all the good luck in the world"
 Mrs. Reed had by this time returned with her bundle, which was about the size of feather bed and of the same consistency.
 Let me take 1t, Mrs. Reed" said l. Sydney is suddenly taken ill and must go right home, Where shall find your daughter?'
 "She's on the steps," said Mrs. Reed, looking distrustfully at the robust Syd- ney. Iseized the bundle and made for the door.
 Miss Reed," said I, approaching her,
 
 taking Sydney's agreeable task, if you consent. He is"
 ''But don't want you; want Syd," gasped the simple country maiden, and bursting into tears she fled away into the darkness. Without thought ! plunged after her, pouring out explana- tions which were stifled by the great bundle in my arms. 1t was long chase and unsuccessful. The sound of the light footsteps of the pursued grew fainter, and when I had run something like mile I perceived myself to be alone.
 And, moreover, I was in part of Gainesville which was totally unfa- miliar to me. I did not know the way home. My bundle had burst open and I perceived that it was a great white quilt. The run had made me very warm though the night was chilly; and fear ing cold flung the quilt around my slender figure and essayed to pick my way. An hour slipped by and I had made no familiar spot At every step the fact that 1 was lost became more obvious. There was nobody in the streets, and the few houses that passed were dark. At length I heard footsteps ahead, and perceiving that was overtaking a solitary pedestrian, quiclzened my steps; he heard me com. ing, and turning saw the tall, white draped figure in pursuit.
 'Cnsar's ghost!" he yelled, and fled on the wings of fear. followed as fast as I could, protesting that was neither Cesar's nor any other ghost. He was gaining on me when his foot tripped and in a moment stood over him.
 "Sydney," cried, recognizing him as he arose.
 "Whar, is that you, Fieiding?" he ex claimed. "I've been hunting every where for you. Congratulate me, ole man. I'm going to be your cousin.'' HOWARD FIELDING.