The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-06-15

sank back into her chair and laid her nean
lazilyon an air-cushion. The buzzing Of
the insects sounded In her ears. and then
she began to feel drowsy; she was nearly
asleep Suddenly she started up; there
WAS a noise In the library back OF her.
Who could 1t be? Mrs. Hamlyn and Mrs.
Havermeyer were driving, the servants
seiaon came into tie room-yet she
heard someone walking across the room
softly. She rubbed her eyes and rose
from the chair. She stepped into the u.
brary through the open door. The light
was aim, and for an instant she could
only perceive the tall figure Of man In
tie room, II was only moment, and
then ste spoke with her hand on the back
OF cnair to steady herself she spoke
only three words. but what note Of sur
prise. Of sorrow. was In her tone:
Way l-Mr.-Davarisr
She could not see his face, for he dropped
his eyes and forci ng laugh, said:
II really owe an apology for startling
you so. Miss Montague; my intrusion lie
really unpardonablei Everything was sc
quiet that hesitated to ring the bell;
stepped into the hall and looking into the
open door Of the library-I thought saw
you there-and was going to surprise
you"
But didn't you see me on the piazzaY'
broke in Gladys.
mo: came up by the path through the
woods. Really. 1t was awfully stupid In
me, and hope you win pardon my rude.
ness" and Davaris laughed nervously.
.of course, Mr. Davaris, we stand on
very little ceremony here between friends
you know--I am afraid we are very un.
conventional. But won't you come out on
the piazza and tell me what you have been
doingsince you left Us 80 suddenly the
other day"
Thank You very much" replied Dava,
ris, as he followed her through the door
way. i was called to New York;
meant TO have made you . visit before
left, but believe sent my apologies by
Langford."
She noticed that Davaris was looking
pale, and he appeared for an instant un-
easy. He soon however, was at his best,
chatting with her, and smoothing over
the rudeness he had been guilty Of in en-
tering the house unannounced.
Miss Montague told him how Thurston
and Havermeyer got lost In the woods;
she told him about the man who sent a
message to him.
A miser--a hermit sending message
TO meY' repeated Davaris, laughing. Il
am afraid Thurston is mistaken"
''Oh, forgot all about my promise" ex-
claimed Miss Montague. Il was not to
tell anything about it,"
Don't mind about that" replied Da-
Taris. It Is some other fellow, OF course.
Idon't know anything about any miserr'
And 1t was impossible for her to doubt
his word. Under the spell Of his mag
netic dark eyes. she forgot his unconven-
Honal appearance that afternoon; she for
got she should have remained silent on
the subject Of the hermit; she forgot that
Davaris was very eccentric man, to say
the least; she forgot everything except
that she was talking with him, and that
he was bending towards her in his chair
to hear every word she said.
For some time they sat there together,
tennis players, looking very warm i'm
deed
know my face looks like boiled lob
ster," proclaimed Constance Hamlyn.
'Oh, there's Mr.. Davaris. Where did you
drop from? I'm awfully glad to see you"
she said, disjointedly, as she sat down in
chair. and famed herself with book.
Lawrence came up and took vacant
seat by Miss Montague; Thurston and
Havermeyer, on seeing Davaris, APP
preached him, and he shook hands with
them.
"Am very glad you are back" said
Thurston. Il have wanted to see you for
two or three days on matter OF some
Importance" -tl~
''Yeth." put in Havermeyef. 1T it'll Of
great importanthe -
"0h, indeed, replied Davaris. You
mean about that miser business"
The miser 5usiness?" repeated Thurs
ton.
Eyes" said Davaris. II know all about
it,
: who told youY"
Miss Montague was relating 70 me
how you went hunting and got lost; also
how you spent the night in an old miser's
house.
"Iwasn't aware Miss Montague knew
about it, but never mind; it's all right"
Hayermeyer was looking reproachfully
at Constance. but shs only smiled back at
him in the most ifh6cent manner. Miss
Montague was evidently embarrassed, for
she looked from Davaris to Thurston
anxiously.
Thurston went on to tell Davaris some
Of the circumstances Of their adventure,
omitting the fact however, that the man
In the woods had died
But what was the message this person
sent for meS asked Davaris, laughing.
It was not much Of a message" replied
Thurston. He only wanted you to come
and see him."
oh, that's all, is it? am afraid shall
not take the trouble"
"a go :