The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-07-22

Is there any way, wonder, to put him off
the scent ?"
He sat for some minutes, gnawing his
moustache and frowning at the carpet, but
presently his brow cleared and he laughed
aloud in the way man laughs whose fancy
is tickled by some specially good joke.
''That will do it ~ he decided as he rose
to go to bed.
The Baron's prophecy concerning the
weather proved correct, and it was with
somewhat rueful face that Conrad looked
through the streaming pane next morning
And yet, upon reflection, he had to admit
that in one way rainy day fitted into his
plans almost better than a fair one would
have done.
Breakfast being over, he promptly pro-
posed game of billiards, which was en-
Enthusiastically accepted by the young ladies,
and for the perils Of which the Baron saw
no remedy but to take cue himself. The
forenoon hours were fraught with severe
trials for this conscientious father. While
hohbling round the table as we'll as his
equity knees would allow him, it was little
short of agony to note the soft glanees
which Conrad Kestler distributed pretty
equally between the two girls, and TO have
to listen to the playful remarks-full of
yelled meanings. as it seemed to him-of
composed. 1t must be the ennia of a rainy
day which was inducing the lady-killer to
bring out all his resources, for the Baron
had never seen him in such force as today.
Nor was the afternoon an improvement
on the forenoon, except for couple of
hours, during which the host succeeded in
Turing his guest into the smokingrpom.
The rules of hospitality would not allow of
his being kept there by main force, and
thus it came about that on each of the
visits of inspection he paid to the drawing
room the Baron suffered great distress.
The first time it was the sight of Conrad
sitting on footstool and holding a skein
of sky-blue wool that was being wound by
Anna which gave him a shock, while the
second time this same Conrad turning over
the pages of Helene's music considerably
aggravated his state of mind. Fine wealth
er was, after all, greatly preferable to rainy
weather, was the conclusion with which he
went to bed
Next day was not much better. The
sportsman, indeed, went out after break
fast, the barometer having risen, but a
heavy shower brought him back in the
middle of the forenoon, and though it
cleared off soon, he showed no inclination
to sally forth second time. Something
was said about twisted ankle, and as here,
again, main force could not be called to
aid, there was nothing for it but to stand
at the window and grind his teeth as he
watched Conrad pacing the garden path
beside his eldest daughter. He stood it
4 fairly well until panse was made besidea
bush of late roses, but when Conrad in full
sight of his window broke off pink rose,
and with an exquisite bow handed it to his
companion, the Baron sent for Miss Viii
kips and commanded her TO invent some
excuse for summoning Anna to the house.
Miss Wilkins obeyed, with the result
that when next the Baron looked out Of
the window Helene, was sitting on garden
bench straight opposite, in lively conversa-
ton with Count Kestler, and with one of
the same late roses blooming in her waits
band.
"OuIy three more days till the 10th"
was the only thought to which the poor
harrassed father could turn for comfort.
When in the course Of time the 10th
arrived, the sup rose once more dazzling
and clopdless, exactly as it had done on the
first days of Conrad's visit, and exactly as
on the first day, he stole down the stair
case of the sleeping house and along the
lime avenue which led to the shore of the
lake. His portmanteau was packed and
his wraps strapped up, for the carriage had
been ordered directly after breakfast. To
Judge from the expression of perplexity
III oh he
his impending journey did not fill him
with any special delight. Exactly as on
that first day he was plunged 50 deeply in
meditation that he came TO an astonished
standstill on finding himself on the edge Of
the water, and exactly as on that first day,
the boat was chained to the shore, only
that this time Esbeth sat In 1t with hands
lying inactive In her lap, and blue eyes
that seemed to have been impatiently
Watching the avenue. A new and happy
smile frightened Conrad face; instructive
ly he raised his head. The sight Of that
childish figure seemed to have solved some
doubt that had been pursuing him,
It was not Rptil they were some distance
from the shore that Elsbeth said little
unsteadily, $50 this is really the end of my
holiday ?"
Conrad looked straight into her face,
still with that shadow of happy smile
lowering about his lips.
aThat depends upon whether or not you
are anxious to prolOng it"
CHOW cap it depend upon myself2' she
asked as defantly as she could.
"Do you not remember once before ask
ing me to stay beyond the 10th? You
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