The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-01-15

v
way, we must call you Captain , rhorne
now, / suppose?"
Down went Thorne's teaspoon with
catter, and one foot shot out in an in
uuctive impulse to kick his hostess
chair, to stand on her dainty toe, or
anything that would stop her; and at
the same time suppressed little "Ohl"
came from the other side of the fire.
Ms. Vavasour, however, apparently
saw or heard nothing, and her next
move sent Thorne's heart into his
boots; for, standing up with remark
on the shortening evenings, she lit the
gas bracket at her end of the chimney
piece, and then, crossing in front of
him, lit the other. Thorne felt that his
lace was crimson, and, with his eyes on
his boots, cast about for words in which
10 couch an apology or any explana-
ton; but before he could think Of any
thing at all, the same voice had said
more sweetly than ever:
I" A thousand pardons, Ccely; you
must let Dick entertain you for min
ute. l heard Toms voice downstairs,
and l positively must see him about
somethingl"
There was frou-frou of silk, and
she was gone, without ever looking
back to see the two appealing glances
that followed in her wake.
The two, left alone, examined the in
terror of the fire with an intensity
worthier of loftier devotion. 1t be-
gan to dawn upon the man that the
whole thing was planned, and he gained
something of oblivion to the position
for moment by forthwith giving his
whole energy to the silent apostrophiz-
ing of meddling women-especially
Mrs. Vavasour. But the present as
serted itself again directly, and he
cleared his throat to begin. "Of course,
I'll say l adore the Pacific trip" he
said to himself.
"Mrs. Vavasour' s-a-remark just
now" he began, "requires perhaps a
little - a explanation. What l had
mentioned to her acknowledgement
mentioned TO her only-I hope you will
understand that-snd did so-a-" Che
wished she'd say something-anything)
"-a-under peculiar circumstances.
every, should think" the girl re-
marked, coldly; "though indeed" cor
recting herself quickly, 81 have no OBJ.
lection to all the world knowing one of
my many suggestions to papa"
"Quite so. So l thought" agreed
Thorne, losing his head.
"Then, why apologize?" coolly.
"Why, indeed? But you will let me
thank you, since l owe to-chance-s
suggestion of yours my position"
"Quite a chance suggestion -
heartily.
"Well, 1 ought to congratulate my
SELF"
A silence while he leaned forward to
trace an imaginary pattern with the toe
of his boot, and she tied ridiculous
little handkerchief into a knot. Thorne
wished that Mrs. Vavasour would re-
turn.
"The trans-P Pacific trip will be quite
a pleasant change" he said, with bar
rem enthusiasm, because he felt the
strain of silence growing too great to be
borne.
"Pacifc! Are you"
"Yes. My boat is one of the Sgd
ney and Vancouvers, you know"
"I-didn't know that"
A great wave of resentment swept
over him. She either intended to de.
ceive him, he thought, or else had no,
cared to what fever-stricken seas he
was sent, go long as he was out of the
way.
"You thought it was the China
route?" he said, steadying his voice
with an effort.
mo. 1 thought it was the home
trip" the girl answered quietly.
"You did?" was all Thorne could
say, in strange voice. For in a mo
ment self-reproach and shame, in thai
he had taken an act of pure good nature
as done to gain selfish ends alone, tool
the place of his resentment and tilleC
his heart. Starting TO his feet, he stood
resting his elbow on the mantelpiece
looking down at the pretty brown heat
and long lashes that swept the flushed
check; and his voice was deep anC
trembling when he spoke.
"Miss Donaldson, l must ask you
forgiveness" said he, " for thinking
what did,"
Two beautiful fearful eyes were
raised in question TO his, but only TO
an instant.
Il thought believed" he went on
determined to spare himself nothing
blut JOu hou piOSuiOt tdio AOiCis
command for me-merely to free your
from my attention"
But-how could you, when you ha(
never-never paid me any attention?'
the girl faitered, with crimson cheeks
81 know; but you must have seeI
it-seen that / love you more than al
the world! l always felt l was un
worthy of-of such precious thing
as your love-that l was not the sort o
man-all my life has been at sea-tha
could make you happy. Now l an
more unworthy than ever; l can neve
forgive myself for the injustice hav
done you. Do not think too badly O
me. Goodby!"
She held out her hand to him, and
pressing it passionately, he hurried GU
from the room and out of the house
And at the sound of the shutting of tn
door below, the girl, waking as from
trance, buried her white face in he
hands and sobbed aloudl