The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-02-19

stratiyeness unusual in her. Her grand :
mother stared at the girl; COultas, reclin-
ing on the horse-hair SOFA moved lrritably
and frowned. But he had. poor lad. to get
Tor the absent Jack. During the whole en-
suing ten days, which he spent ct the cot
tage in the character of sick man. AL
though he was very we'll able TO 60 away at
to displays of affection for the absent one
which maddened the uDsOphisticated
young fisherman. During these ten days
of her watcbful, kindly care he had grown.
if possible. more blindIy devoted to her
than before. There was hungry love In
his eyes, IN the tone of his voice. when on
the day of the expected return of the
fishing boats. be came humbly to the door
way where she was sitting with her work,
enjoying the warmth of the bright October
sun.
II maun be takin' myself off to-day.
Rachel he said, shifting from one foot to
the other awkwsrdly.
Are We sure ye're fit to be about yeti"
asked she. with her head bent over her
knitting.
Her grandmothers voice, speaking sharp
ly from the inner corner of the fireplace.
answered for him.
GAY. he's been fit enough this week past.
This rather disconcerting remark rem.
dered the two Young people silent for few
moments. Coultas spoke first.
TT boats COON back to-day" he said.
Happen Jack Mennel wouldn't care to
find me here"
Again the old woman's voice broke in.
Jack Mennel knows his value better'n
ter be jealous o. the likes o you" she said.
auerulously, for the Door old body had be-
gun to be haunted by the fear OF losing her
rich grandsOn-in.law.
Hush. granny: Coultas knows that"
said Rachel in a rather ubdued voice, still
without looking up.
$50 | think III GO now" said Conltas.
your goodness. I-l-l-hope-as-yOu'll
-be-happy-Rachel" he ended with a
gasp. running all the words together In a
hoarse whisper.
Sixteen. eighteen. twenty" she counted,
busly. ''ro be sure / shall. COultas and
thank you kindly" she answered In brisk
tone.
Breathing very hard. he held out rough
brown hand timidly under her eyes, She
put cut hand very nearly as brown. but
not quite as large or as rough. and shook
his heartily.
Goodbye"
She flashed MP quick glance at him, the
meaning of which the poor, stupid lad
failed to understand. though IL gave him q
curious pang which was not all pain.
1t was glance of dismissal. but he could
not at once tear himself away.
"When's it TO bel"
Impatiently. and without deiGning an
other glance at him. the girl shrugged her
shoulders. and motioned him away.
Don't We trouble about that neither"
she said saucily. Maybe yen be there to
see IL for yerself."
But tho lad could not laugh back. He
sbivered from head to foot. and went away
without another word.
Rachel began singing to herself brightly.
Old Mrs. Wade gave a loud sigh OF relief.
Thank goodness as he's took himself OIL
at last" said she; "he might ha been
ashamed for 10 put two Door women TO the
expense o. keeping him so long,"
But Rachel answered this remark with
sudden sharpness.
1T was me that took the trouble, granny.
an It'll be me that'll make good the OK.
pense. SO don't you trouble your head
about that.
The old woman looked apprehensively at
the girl ont or the corners of her eyes. She
felt that they were not out OF the wood yet
She was treasured. however. that after