The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-03-22

hasn't known him half as long, and wom-
an doesn't care for fellow only because
he can play cricket"
He stopped suddenly for Aubrey had be-
gun to laugh.
don't Taught cried Teddy furiously.
Don't laugh. | shall go and ask Cousin
Winnie if 1t Isn't true
He slipped down the steep side of the hay-
rick and raced off toward the house, his
heart burning with anger. wounded self
importance naE1 and deepest of all the fear of
losing Cousin Winnies love. At the door OF
the drawing room he checked himself for a
moment After all the question he meant
70 put saVoTed perhaps of impertinence But
no matter, he intended TO go through with
1t. lie eurned the handle of the door and
entered the room. Cousin Winnie looked
up from the letter she was writing
What Is tt2' she said holding out her
hand toward him.
But now that he was here Teddy was silent
Somehow the first flame of indignation died
down. Cousin Winnie looked so quiet cool
and gracious, sitting there in her pretty
morning gown; above all she seemed SO
entlreiy the same Cousin Winnie as be-
lore mat ne found 1t difficult to put his
grievance into words. Moreover 1t was not
her marrying Meredith to which he objected
but her marrying Meredith because re-
Ieddy-had had the misfortune to Stay a
robin He recognized this distinction as a
nice one, and though comprehending it clear
~ enough himself, yet found it difficult of
translation.
Cousin Winnie pushed aside her writing
pad and twisted round in her chair
What's the matter, Teddy, and why were
you SO cross this morning?" she said taking
the bull by the horns. She still held out her
hand to him. but Teddy did not appear TO
notice it. His lips were twitchng q little.
and he felt an uncomfortable tightness
ABOUT the throat. Cousin Winnie's face and
the stretch of garden beyond the open win
dow, which formed sunny background for
her head, grew misty and indistinct. 1t was
necessary in order that his dignity might
be saved, to act promptly, and with a sud
den boyish gesture he turned his back upon
her and faced toward the door by which he
mad come. Cousin Winnie noticed the heav-
them.
do tell me-" she whispered softly. What
is grieving you, Teddy? Aren't you glad
am going to be Mr.. Meredith's wife?"
He shook his head; speech at the moment
was impossible.
But why not?" caressingly "You and
ne are such good friends. Think of all the
cricket you will get now and how much
more fun you can have when he is with you.
I've done my best, but still
1t isn't th-that," broke in Teddy stran-
Cling sob. But you promised to wait for
me-"
There was a moments silence The affair
became complicated
THAT was only fun, dear" said the woman
presently; land besides when you are grown
up, shall be old lady" She spoke yerv
gently and If she were smiling the boy
Yes but all the same you would have
waited If it had not been for the robin That's
not fair. ! didn't hardly kn-know it was
robin"
We'll, but the robin had nothing to do with
1t" she said, greatly puzzled II had prom
ised to marry Mr.. Meredith long before YOU
shot the poor little robin. l don't understand
Teddy
Teddy's arms were round her neck now.
HIS words began to atraighten out again.
After all, this cruel injustice had not been
meted out to him.
Really, truly?'' he demanded.
VI course and now l come to think of 1t,
| was not half sorry enough for the poor
robin. You won't shoot any more will you.
because l love them?'
Teddy lifted his head. His eyes were shin
ing.
Rather not, and you can punish me for
killing that one, if you like
She laughed.
Il don't want to punish you. I'm quite
Teddy was half way to the door He came
back shamefully and again threw his arms
around her neck.
81 say, your care just the same for me
and Aubrey, won't you?"
Cousin Winnies eyes were rather dim She
kissed him heartily.
"Of course l will. more than ever, now"
Then we'll make the best of it," he con-
ceded, land do like Mr.. Meredith very
much"
The door banged behind him. and five sec
onds later he raced past the windows and
across the garden to Aubrey on the hay
ricl-
Cousin Winnie looked after him thought
fully, little puzzled frown between her eye
brows,
II wonder what he meant" she said. Il
don't suppose that l shall ever quite UNDER
stand"
AS a matter Of fact she never did.