Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-07-29

hand to rest in his, But do not
think everybody would have such
good opinion" They both started and
their hands fell asunuer as a shadow
tarkened the room, and Sir Philip
stood before them.
Excuse mel" he said stifily. lifting
his hat with ceremonious politeness,
Il ought to have knocked at the door
l.
Why" asked Thelma, raising her
eyebrows in surprise.
"Yes-why indeed?" echoed Lorimer,
with frank look at his friend.
Il am afraid, and for once the gem
orally good-humorea Burlington looked
positively petulant--"l am afraid in
terrupted a pleasant conversations"
And he gave little forced laugh OF
feigned amusement, but evident vexa-
ton.
And If it was pleasant, shall you
not make II still more so?" asked
Thelma. with timid and bewitching
sweetness, though her heart beat very
fast,--she was anxious. why was Sir
Philip SO cold nd distant? he looked
at her, and his pent-up passion leaped
to his eyes and filled them with glow
ing and fiery tenderness, her head
dropped suddenly, and she turned
quickly, to avoid the searching, longing
gaze. Lorimer glanced from one to the
other with a slight feeling OF amuse-
ment.
Well. Phil, he inquired lazly "how
did you get here so soon? You must
have glided into the garden like a
ghost, for l never heard you coming"
80 imagine!" retorted Errington
with an effort to be sarcastic. In which
he utterly failed as he met his friends
eyes, then after a slight and some
what embarrassed pause he added more
mildly. ''Dupre2 cannot get on very
fast,-his wound still beeds. and he
feels rather faint now and then
don't think we bandaged MIN properly,
and came on to see II Britta could
prepare something for him."
But you will not need to ask Brit
ta," said Thelma quietly. with a pretty
air of authority. for | shall myself do
all for Mr.. Duprez. understand we'll
how to cure his wound. and do think
he will like me as we'll as Britta." And,
hearing footsteps approaching, she
looked out at the window. Here they
comet she exclaimed. "Ah, poor Mon
seur Pierre! he does look very pale!
| will go and NEE, them!"
And she hurried from the room,
leaving the two young men
together. Errington threw himself in
to Olaf Guldmar's great armchair,
with slight sigh.
"Well?" said Lorimer inquiringly.
Well" he returned 2omewhat
gruff1y.
Lormer laughed, ard crossing the
room, approached him and clapped
hand on his shoulder.
Look here. old mani" he said earn
estly, don't be foolish! l know that
love maketh men mad but never
supposed the lunacy would lead you to
the undesirable point OF distrusting
your friend,-your true friend, Phil
by all the gods of the past and pres
emit"
And he Laughed again,-a little husk-
lily this time, for there was sudden
nnaccountable and unwished- for lump
in his throat, and moisture in his
eyes which he had not bargained for.
Philip looked up,--and silently held
out his hand, which Lorimer as silently
clasped. There was a moments hes
itation, and then the young baronet
spoke OF. manfully.
Pm ashamed of myself George!
really am! But l tell you, when /
came in and saw you standing there
you've no idea what a picture you
made! by jove! ~. was
furious!" And he smiled II sup
pose l was jealousi"
81 suppose you were!" returned Lor-
inner amusedly. Novel sensation,
isn't it? A sort of hot, prickly, have
at-thee-villain' sort of thing; must be
frightfully exhausting! But why
you should indulge this emotion at my
expense is what ! cannot, for the life
OF me. understand"
Well" murmured Errington, rather
abashed, you see, her hands were in
yours"
AS they will be again, and yet
again, trust" said Lorimer with
CHEEKY feryor. Surely you'll allow
me to shake hands with your wife?"
Il say, George, be quiet" exclaimed
Philip warningly, as at that moment
Thelma passed the window with Pierre
Duprez leaning on her arm, and her
father and Macfarlane following.
She entered the room with the state
ly step OF a young queen--her tall,
beautiful figure forming strong con
trast to that OF the narrow shouldered
little Frenchman, upon whom she
smiled down with an air OF almost ma
ternal protection.
You will sit here, Monsieur Du-
PREF" she said, leading him to the
bonde's armchair which Errington in
stantly vacated. and father will bring
-, -