Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-08-12
CHAPTER yTYr.

CHAPTER VIII.
The way to Branksome, when the dan.
gerous junction Of the higher and lower
roads into Mereside was passed. was level
and good. and they reached the little town
before the last glow of the sunset had
faded behind the hills. They took turn
ing to the left out Of the town, and pass
ed number of pretty little villas. dctach.
ed and semi-detached, on their way to the
Doctors.
1--WE shall be there in two minutes now"
said Crosmont, who had been morosely 81.
lent for some time. ''I'll put you down
just this side Of the house, il you don't
mind, for don't want to see any of them.
The doctor bores one with his physics
research, his wife Is too dictatorial to be
borne, and his daughter is ugly enough to
make one sick. On second thoughts,
though" he went on, obviously, II sup
pose I'D better call aud leave inquiries"
He drew up at the garden gate of
rather pretty little semi-detached house,
the tesse;ated pathway Of which had been
carefully cleared of snow. On the gate
was brass plate with the name ''Dr.
Peele." There was a fernery in the lower
window and bird cage hanging above it.
Crosmont remained with his horse as Ar.
mathwaite went up TO the door, which
was open in spite of the weather. and
rang the bell. In few moments the door
of the inner hall was opened, and Anna
thwaite found himself confronted by the
plainest feminine person he remembered
to have seen. She was very short and of
what may be irreverently termed
"squab" figure, with round back and
fnn 70 ri Shn hol n
bullying forehead, small round eyes, a nose
that turned up SO much that it seemed to
draw her upper lip with it. exposing to
constant view q row Of prominent and un.
even teeth: and her complexion was of
that sallow kind to which no exercise
brings becoming flush. In spite of all
these disadvantages, Armathwaite, who
guessed she was the ugly daughter refer.
red to, felt that he should like the girl.
rs DR.. Peele at homer asked he, rails
ing his hat.
''Yes, but he's i'll, and can't see any one.
I'm afraid. Isn't that Ned Crosmont out
there?" she asked, in louder voice, COM
ing step forward.
Yes. How do. Nellie? How's the doc
tor? DR.. Armathwaite has come all the
way from London to see him."
Really" said she, looking up in sur
prise at the young fellow, who seemed
giant beside her. Are you coming in,
too, NedY
Thanks, no: l can't leave the mare.
Just give them both my kind regards and
Alma's love, and tell the doctor l hope we
shall see him again soon."
but when is Alma coming to see us?
Papa's always asking after her, and can't
understand why she doesn't come"
"Oh, she's got cold, and a bad sore
throat, and don't dare let her come so
far this weather." said Crosmont. taking
up the reins to start.
Armathwaite heard this explanation
with attention and surprise.
We'll. then, | suppose we shan't see
each other AGAIN." said Crosmont, turning
to him. You can join the main line from
here as well as from Conismere. you
know, If you're anxious to get on to Scot
land without delay"
Yes, that is what I had better do"
said Armathwaite, as, after apologizing
to Miss Peele, he ran back to shake hands,
with him. Thank you again for your
kind hospitality. l shall never forget the,
way in which have been received here"
Miss Peele led the way into the house.
and passing through narrow little hall,
ushered him into small, simply furnish
ed, but cosy looking sitting room, with,
closed folding doors at one end. A lamn
stood on the table, and by its light the
visitor saw a lady of fifty, of matronly
figure, sitting by the FIRE engaged in nee
dlework of the plain and domestic kind,
She looked up and displayed face which
might have been handsome in the maies-
tic style before long years of dictatorship
had made eagle eyes, hooked nose and
closely shut mouth So overpoweringly
fierce that Armathwaite almost blinked.
and glanced in meek and childlike way
at little Miss Pee!e for protection.
Here il a gentleman, mamma. who
wants to see papa. His name is DR.. Ar
mathwaite. and he has come all the way
from London" said Millie, looking good
humoredly up at her big companion as If
she understood his trepidation and enjoy
ed the joke of it.
cdr. Peele is much too i'll to see any
body at present" said Mrs Peele, in the
voice, with which she routed little boys
like clap of thunder.
''Well, mamma, let me go up and see
what he says himself" suggested Mile.
Ito be continued.)