The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-12-27

me, as I did not know the way" she
added, introducing him rather nervous
ly, Jack thought.
II am obliged to you. Mr.. Myerson,"
he spoke with perfect courtesy, but not
the slightest cordiality. II am sorry L
was not in when you arrived. You
should have sent me word, Minnie"
But 1 thought you were leaving to-
morrow. Connie told me L had better
come at once"
do you mean Miss Myerson?" he
asked. do owe this visit to her?'
Somehow he looked as though the sug-
gestion were scarcely an agreeable one
to him.
Yes; at least, she suggested it,
She is very good to interest herself
in my affairs
He spoke in a perfectly colorless tone,
and yet Jack felt uneasy as he heard
him. He scarcely knew why, but he
had an uncomfortable conviction that
Connie mad better not have meddled in
the matter.
Col Leigh was a handsome. soldierly-
looking man, whose appearance would
have commanded attention anywhere;
MS hair was slightly griZzled, but his age
could not have exceeded fifty, if, indeed
IL We're so much. and his expression was
slngularly cold and severe.
Minnie was very evidently afraid Of
MIN, and his manner to her. though pro-
ioundly courteous, was by no means re-
assuring. She might owe him every re-
spect and consideration; she said she did
and no doubt she knew best. and the
debt would be paid to the uttermOst
farthing; of that Jack felt sure; but she
wasn't fond of him, and the young man
noticed, with satisfaction for which he
did not attempt to account. that she was
not half so much at ease as she had been
quarter of hour ago.
Has Mrs. Venner come in YETI" he
asked presently, wondering little at her
non-appearance.
No" the colonel replied, "she has
gone on TO see a friend with her daugh-
ters, and will not be back for some time"
Jack began TO feel uncOmfortably in
the way. Conversation tagged terribly,
so presently he arose. and strolled off
down the garden under the pretense of
seeing Dicks dogs.
Perhaps he wants to talk to her,
and I'm in the way" he said TO HIMSELF
and Yet there was an appealing look in
Minnie's big eyes as he turned away,
which almost recalled him TO her side
He did not stay in the garden long.
and as he came back to the veranda he
heard Col. Leigh say with great distinct
ness:
THAT is enough, Minnie; we will now
drop the subject. You meant no harm,
L know, but 1t must not happen again"
And you are not angry with me2'
4 nave said you meant no harm-
Miss Myerson should not have done it,
but it can't be helped now; and you
All. Mr.. Myerson, are you ready? Miss
Brender is sufficiently rested now to
return home"
I'm quite at her service. 1 hope we
shall have the pleasure of seeing you
there while you are in the neighbor-
hood?"
Thank you. Your mother has kindly
sent me an invitation for the day after
tomorrow, so we shall meet again"
"Oh yes; the girls have dance COM
ing off, l know"
Minnie looked a little surprised, Jack
thought, but she said nothing, and the
colonel made no further allusion to the
subject.
He walked down the drive with them,
and saw them fairly started on their
hOmeward way. Then he turned away
and strobe back to the house, a very
sombre look on his grave face.