Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-09-09

toms she knew little or nOtnmS. per-
haps it was usual for strangers living
in the same house thus to strike up
acquaintance. She would far rather
be left alone. but she did not wish to
appear churlish. and it really seemed
kindly meant on the part of this yell
low-haired girl thus to enliven her soil
tude.
'It is very good of you," she STAN
mered a little awkwardly, land I'm
sure you mean to be kind, but
But, upon the whole. you'd rather
have my room than my company, eh?'
interrupted Daisy Fitzclarence with a
merry laugh. Il see. You're a bit
down on your luck, as we all are at
times. But l say, you know fretting
by yourself won't mend matters, and
is the worst thing possible for the
complexion. Do you know what do
when / feel down in the mouth?'
No." said Zana, not knowing what
else to reply nor what to do under this
unexpected invasion
Il just have Il pint of Moet on my
own" explained Daisy.
Il don't quite understand you.' fall
tered Zana.
"No? Well. in plain English. if you
will authorize me to order a bottle of
champagne at your expense Ill help
you to drink it,
81 very seldom touch wine,'' said
Zana, utterly bewildered by the cool
audacity Of this proposal; but if you
wish for some. pray order it,
Daisy needed no second telling and
at once set the bell into lively motion.
"Now, then. Mother r." she cried,
when the landlady appeared in answer
to the summons, Just bring US a bot
tie of Meet in record time. l am pre-
scribing for Miss Clifford"
Mrs. Ratten INDUCED in grim little
smile of satisfaction and departed to
fetch the wine. No doubt her reserved
lodger would thaw somewhat under
the champagne, if only she could be
persuaded to take enough of it.
"Smart girl. Daisy" she muttered as
she descended the stairs, las smart as
they make EN-"
Daisy kept up a continuous rattle of
small talk until the wine. fanked by
some cake and grapes, made it's ap-
pearance; and Zana could do nothing
but listen and wonder what it all
meant Wisely judging large bottle
of champagne to be rather more than
two girls could safely negotiate, Mrs
Ratten brought three glasses, and by
retaining the bottle in her own imme-
date charge reduced this danger to q
minimum. At her time Of life one
needs stimulant.
Zana was with difficulty persuaded
to drink half a glass Of the sparkling
nectar, but before the two others had
finished the bottle between them she
somehow found herself upon a footing
of quasi-intimacy with Daisy Fitzclar-
ence and the object of an avowed semi.
maternal solicitude on the part Of
Mrs. Ratten.
II hope you won't think it bad form
In me to drop in on you like this with.
out even an introduction" remarked
Daisy as she rose to depart; "but the
truth is you seemed so lonely up here
all by yourself. that couldn't resist
the temptation of trying to cheer you
up. l hope you don't think came for
the purpose of making you stand the
champagne" she added, with light
laugh.
Il am quite sure you meant kindly"
answered Zana, land l am grateful
to you for interesting yourself thus in
a stranger But
"What! Another 'but!' rppled Miss
Daisy. "There! Please don't finish.
don't want to be told must not do it
again, because l like your style and
mean to be friends with you Good
by for the present.
"Good-by," answered Zana, we'll
pleased to be once more left alone.
Upon reflection she scarcely knew
whether to fee! annoyed at or Crate
full for this invasion of her solitude. 1t
seemed ungrateful to resent a visit
avoWedly made with the kindest in
tentions, and yet she felt that she did
to a certain extent, resent it. She had
come to Hammersmith in search Of alb
solute quiet, not of sympathy or com
partnership. And doubtless she would
succeed in making Miss Fitzclarence
understand this without hurting hel
feelings by saying SO too plainly. AnC
there, for the present, she let the mat
ter rest
1t must be remembered that Zana. 81
far us knowledge of the world went
was as ignorant and as innocent as {
siX-year-old child. OF the counties:
pitfalls prepared for the feet Of the un
wary, in great city, she knew moth
ing whatever. That knowledge, ant