Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-03-04

was speeding along like lightning, covering
mile after mile, and pIunging further and
further into the darkness.
About six o'clock in the morning they
drove into Falmouth, and pulled up the
steaming horse before the door Of the best
inn. The travellers were evidently expected,
for there was porter and groom sitting
up for them; and while the groom took pos
session Of the horse Johnson himself con-
Quoted Annie 20 her room and left her al the
door.
''Y0u have only few hours for rest" he
said: I'VE must catch the eleven o'clock boat
for Portsmouth,"
Left to herself, Annie threw off her cloak
and hat, and looked round the room. 1t was
pretty chamber, much gTander than any
thing she had ever been accustomed to be-
fore. There were dainty hangings to the
bed, and pretty dimity curtains 10 the win
dows. Moreover, there was cheerful fire
burning in the CRATE Beside the hearth
there was a large cOmfOrtable-loOking easy
chair. into which she threw herself.
She had not closed her eyes for two nights,
and was utterly weary both in mind and
body; and as her head fell back upon the
soft cushions of the chair, she fell into a
sound sleep.
She was awakened by a loud knocking at
the door. She started up: it was broad day
light, the fire was out and the room looked
cold and cheerIess. She opened the door
and found the chamber maid, Standing out
side with jug Of hot water in her hand.
Its ten o'clock, miss" said the girl THE
gentleman says you shall have your break
fast here in quarter Of an hour"
Dazed and half ssupefed, Annie took the
jug from the girls hands, and, closing the
bedroom door again, began to arrange her
self for the day.
At the end Of the fifteen minutes. the
chamber-maid returned with the breakfast,
temptingIy arranged on ray: few min
utes later Johnson made his appearance. In
stead Of standing at the door as the chamber
maid had done, he entered the room and
closed the door behind him.
"Ail ready?' he began, cheerfully That's
all right! Then his quick eye fell upon the
bed and the breakfast, and he gave pecu-
li3r whistle. Come this won't do" he
saidi mo sleep and no food, you'u wear
yourself out, my dear.
These words, spoken rather kindly, touch
Ell Armies heart, and She began to cry.
- can't 90 on Mr.. J ohnson.' she said II
know my coming away has been il mistake.
! should like to 20 back again" p
After his first surprise was over, Johnson
pointed out to her the utter impracticabiity Of
any such attempt; and, after good deal
more crying, Annie saw the force Of his argu-
ment and yielded. Yes; the fatal step had
been taken-it was too late to think OF re-
turning now; the only thing to do now was
TO make the best of matters and go right on.
SO Annie again put on her cloak and bonnet
and announced herself ready TO go.
you had better put on veil, said the
practical johnson. eve may be seen, and
that would be awkward for me. Haven't
got one! Well, upon my word, you are
little simpleton; but we must make the best
Of it, l suppose. Here, take my arm and
hang your head bit; Wei get on board as
quick as possible, and perhaps will escape
scot-free."
They passed down the stairs, entered
closed cab which stood 1T the door and were
rapidly driven away.