The Red Cloud chief., 1897-08-13

ed it.
How muckle is Marjorie AMMAN ow-
Ing ye? Tell me that, IL you please"
Nothing, Miss He;herington," he re-
piled.
"Naething? Then Marjorie has paid
ye already. maybe"
Yes, she has paid me-" returned
Caussidiere. quietly.
Naturally enough his manner had
changed, and his courteous smile had
given way to a cold expression of
hauteur, tempered with gentle indis-
nation.
How muckle has she paid ye'" de-
manded the lady of the castle.
She has paid me-" answered the
Tgenchman. with her sympathy, with
her sweet society. have not taken
money from her. shall never take 1t.
My labor, Miss Hetherington, has been
a labor OF love"
The lady's eyes flashed, and putting
up her purse. she uttered an impatient
exclamation.
Mao doubt" she cried. But from
this day forward your labor's done. |
have come here to pay you your hire.
and to tell you with my ain mouth that
Marjorie Annan's French lessons are
ended. and that IL she needs mair she'll
get them from another teacher"
Caussidiere flushed angrily, but still
preserved his composure.
May | ask a question, Miss Hethsr-
ington?"
IF you please"
Il should like to know what authority
you have to act on behalf of my dear
pupil? | don't ask out of mere curl
osity: but you would oblige me by in
forming me II the young lady herself
has requested you to come here on so
peculiar an errand?"
THE young lady?-a BARN who kens
naething of the world"
But, pardon me, had you her au-
thority to dismiss me. or that of her
GUARDIAN"
The BARNS a BARN, and the minis
ter's old and foolish. I've ta'en the
business into my own hands"
Indeed" exclaimed Caussidiere, still
sarcasticaily smiling.
"Ay, indeed" repeated the lady, with
growing irritation. "And l warn you,
once for "a, to cease meddling with the
lassie. Ay, ye may smile! But you'll
smile. maybe, on the wrong side of
your face, my friend, II ye dinna tax
the warning | bring ye. and cease mo-
testing Marjorie AMMAN"
1t was clear that Caussidiere was
amused. Instead of smiling now. he
laughed outright. still most politely, but
with a self satisfaction which was very
irritating to his opponent. Subduing his
amusement with an effort, he quietly
took a chair, and sat down opposite
Miss H~ctherington.
"Weel," she cried, striking with her
staff upon the floor, what's your an
swer to my m~essage?'
You must give me a little time, you
have so taken me by surprise. In the
FIRST place, why do you object to my
friendship for the young lady? My in
terest in her Is great; / respect and
admire her beyond measure. Why can
we not be friends? Why can | not con
tinue TO be her teacher"
"A bonny teacher. A Draw friend!
DO you think I'm blind?"
Il think" said Caussidiere, with q
mocking bow, that YOU eyes are very
wide open, Miss Hetherington. You
perceive quite clearly that | lo'e Miss
AMMAN"
The lady started angrily.
WHAT" she cried.
Il love her, and hope some day. wit.
your permission, to make her m!
wife,"
Trembling from head to foot, Miss
Hetherington started to her feet.
Your wife," she echoed. as II thun,
derstruck.
why not?" asked Caussidiere, calm
ly. II am not rich. but | am a gentle,
man, and my connections are honor
able, | assure you. Why, then, shoulC
you distru asst me so? II you will per
NIT me. ! think l car give you very
good reasons for approving of my unior
with Miss AMMAN"
How daur we think of it," cried Mis-.
Hetherington. Marry that BARN.
IOTDlu yt cNtu " NOhic near HtT, u
speak wi her again."
Caussidiere shrugged his shoulders
; LET us return, III you please, 10 wher,
we began. You have not yet informed
me by what right you attempt to inter
fere with the happiness of my dear pu
pill"
by what right?"
Precisely. What may he the ma
ture of your relationship with III,
young lady?"
AS he spoke he fixed his eyes keenl.
upon her, to her obvious embarrass
ment. Her pale face grew paler thai
ever.
Il am Marjorie Annan's friend" sh
4 answered. after a pause.
"Of that | am aware, Miss Hethering
q ton. / am aware also that you hav
;. been very kind to her; that you nav
= assisted her from childhood with layg
-. 1.A 81 Va,.- la,u .AalrA AZ,