Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-03-30

1I1AT A-SONI1NOEO
.'She mdg leave tonight" he said. els
everything ready?"
''Of course it is. Mamma has kept
things ready for immediate call" Miss
Bessie responded, in business-like tone
Her voice was low and gentle, but her
eyes never met his. "Come; you said you
were in great haste"
sit is terribly cold outside was the
rather irrelevant reply.
''Is it? thought the wind had died
down" There was peculiar attempt at
interest in the weather showing
through her tone.
eyes, it has; but that only makes it
colder
.''Does it? How oddr'
Eyes; 1 think it will freeze tonight"
he said, vaguely.
81 shouldn't wonder. But you'd bet
ter go up to Caro-, now" she answered
from the doorway.
ooh, yesi no time to Iose,'' Mr.. Nc
Kee replied, with start of half-awak-
ening. He took two brisk steps
towards her, then stopped short again:
SIT will be an awfully cold ride, if we
60"
ST am afraid it will Poor Carol" she
answered, with eyes still downcast.
''I'm rather glad the wind has gone
down-Bessiei"
''Why? SO that it may freeze
Willie?''
mo; because there'1 be less breeze,
driving fast, you-silly child!''
cam I? did not think that was
silly" This very demurely.
sob! perhaps you thought'-the talk
of a freeze prevented his thawing too
fast. perhaps l amp"
perhaps, Willie"
about what, Bessie?"
81 do not know; but certainly about
sonaethipg Willie, why did you not
come to me at the prisoners that morn
ing?"
'You seemed better employed!' Zero
once more.
''You might have shaken hands. A
whispered word would not have taken a
minute
mo; it did not!'' This with snort
of dignity.
''Why, Williel You never whispered
one
mo! but he didi' Mr.. Mckee shot
his bolt with deliberate aim, and
waited for his quarry to tumble, flut-
tering But the girl lifted to his her
great eyes, filed only with wonder:
''Willie Mckee, OF whom are you talk
ing?"
''You will acquit me of selfshness-
will understand that it is not on my 0ao1a
account at ALI" He posed with effort
full dignity. ''It is wholly on y0ur own.
But when young lady volunteers her
dislike and contempt for a man, and
then l see her smiling and whispering
with him in public places, it does
SEEM
''Stop, Willier' The little form before
him rose erect, commandful. you are
my stepfather's cousin; you have
known me since childhood; we have
friends; but even you shall not
accuse me of impropriety!'
The girls flush was now only of in
dignation; and her black eyes met his
defantly.
VERY well, Miss Bessie You asked
me to speak. did not volunteer my
reason"
1T was net reason-only absurdity!''
Her eyes did not drop; and the good old
blood of the Westchesters, whose men
had ever replied to calumny by a blow,
glowed upon either cheek. 81 am ig-
norant of all cause for your allusion:
but it is untrue and absurd"
SIS it untrue if l repeat that I saw
him, busy as you were, whisper over
your shoulder? Is it absurd that you
paused to whisper back and smile at
Peyton Fitzhugh?''
The girls lips quivered, but no longer
with anger; the flush on her face took
softer glow and the light of battle in he1
eyes quickly changed to merriment, as
a little laugh gurgled softly out.
s'Willie McKee," she said, with moni
tory voice, but advancing softly to him
81 would not have believed any other