The Delta independent., 1895-10-09


the chair comfortably. The ridiculous
dog was fast asleep after his trials.
Oliver thought it not unlikely Mrs. de
Restaud would take nap too.
He went swiftly and woke up Mike
and sent him for his horses and the
blackboard. Mike looked out Of the cor
ner of his eyes at the young woman; he
knew who she was, for he was an observ-
ing youth, and he whistled softly to
himself while he harnessed the mettle-
some horses. Oliver saw the look, and
felt the first cold water of the worlds
criticism.
"Now, the money question need not
bother you at all" he said, coming back
to her side. "You see, I'm well-to-do
old bachelor, with no demands upon me.
When you get to Maine you can send it
back or not just as you please. I owe
you something for that supper, you
know
"That supper you had to gobble for
fear OF Henri? Wasn't it funny?'
"a case of boy and frogs; what was
fun to you was death to me-
"You were not afraid Bit" she
said, looking up with admiring eyes. II
have thought of you SO much since that
day, and 1 always pictured you afraid
of nothing and doing all sorts of brave
acts"
Oliver had very uncomfortable feel
ing that he was decidedly afraid this
moment of what the world would say.
He could even fancy DR.. Johns cool,
incredulous glance, and his Craig,
haven't you had lessons enough in the
past?' and "it's dangerous path, old
boy"
"You were very kind to think OF me at
ALL" he said d;stantly. "And, now,
haven't you hat?"
mo, nor shawl. I'll be queer
looking traveller"
"That Turkish dressing gown Of the
doctor's-could that be used as an
ulster?"
at might, by lunatic. Perhaps /
could play that" she said hopefully.
Leave that for me, Mrs. Minny,"
laughed Oliver; DR.. John will think af-
ter this, need not play it. That cap of
his-he don't look human in it, but you
might try"
"f have been. looking at it. Does it
dor" putting it coquetishly over her
curls.
"Very becoming. You could be &C.
centric, you know, and prefer to make
your own hats; for that has home
made look. There, L believe he has
shawl. DIR. John is regular old maid,
luckily for u.s."
He brought her thick gray shawl,
which he drapped over her shoulders.
1t quite covered her, and she looked
very small and odd.
.'You look like child in its big sis.
ter's clothes" Oliver said, abruptly leav-
ing her. He was not made OF iron, and
she kept looking at him with happy,
affectionate eyes. Haven't you a
shawl -pin?'
'.How could I, when had no shawl?"
she laughed. do you think women
are pincushions?"
He departed and rummaged around
in his room; then he returned in tri-
umph with diamond scarf pin.
.'Some woman gave me that atrocity;
it will do well for the shawl"
Il am glad to take it away because
woman gave it to you. l hate to think
Of anybody else liking you. Is DR..
John young man?'
Oliver thought she was either an ex-
perienced hrt or tho most innocent of
young persons, but her liking was SO
honest and apparent he felt the better
for it.
"No, Mrs. Minny; he is an old chap,
like me'
II do not think you DID," with ten
der glance. Besides, I'm twenty my
self"
lie put on his ovcrcoat in silence and
turned out the lamp. Must the dog
go?" he asked resignedly.
him."
Mike was waiting with the horses.
where will be afther tellin' the doc
tor. ye'vo gone, sor?" he asked calmly,
as if midnight elopement was not
unusual
Tell him" eaid Oliver thoughtfully,
"that Mrs de Restaud came TO me for
assistance to get to the railroad. and
! took her there; there was nothing else
70 do. He must say nothing If dc Res,
taud comes, and keep him from finding
out, il possible, that / helped his wife.
[ trust To ynnr irish yit Nj ike to aand
him away from the cabin in the dark.
If can make it will be back here by
noon tomorrow"
THE grcsser Twin foreninst the wa
.hcr tnnk hnre q noOd harsr COR = snid