The Red Cloud chief., 1897-07-16

WIFI the Sdule iON ndTsu idush - w
fore. "Weel. it's the nonsense to
which a. folk come early or late, gentle
and simple. and trust me to ken bet
ter than either you or that idiot Solo
mon what young lasses are made o.
Do you think Marjorie Annan's made
of stane or airn. and doesna ken a fair
favored lad from "A rowan tree or q
milk o
II think she is too young for love-
making" returned the minister.
Then you think wrang; it's never
DER early for a lassie to begin. As for
Johnnie. I'll no say but what he's a
decent lad and a modest. and he has
talent as weel, the rogue. heaps o tai
ent. though he's only a weaver's SON
eh, Marjorie. has he no."
And as she looked at Marjorie there
was no anger In her stern black eyes:
rather a sort Of grim-humored sym
patty. Seeing his foster-child's con.
fusion. Mr.. Lorraine attempted to give
the conversation another turn.
"If young Sutherland has developed
natural gifts he has you to thank for
the opportunity. We all know how kind
O have been to him."
Because l bought two o his pic
lures" she retorted, with her charac-
teristic and disagreeable laugh. II gave
fifty pound apiece for them. the more
fool I. One was q view o. the Castle
frae the south. wi a cuddie eating
thistles in the fo%reground--a cuddie as
big as q hippopotamus; and the other
was Marjorie hersel,' WI her lap full
o. wild flowers, sitting by the side o
Amman water, and about as like her,
by that token. as It was like Solomon
Mucklebackit."
I'VE always considered 1t an excel
lent likeness said Mr.. Lorraine. good
humoredly.
80 it was" cried Marjorie impul'
sively; everybody said So"
"And what everybody said must bt
true?" demanded the lady, with a sneer
"Weel, likeness or no likeness, the lac
has talent. as I said; and IL he works
hard, maybe he'll be able some fine da,
to paint a picture. So much for John
ME Sutherland. Now we'll come to tn
business which brought me doom.
want Marjorie to come to me tomor
row and spend the day"
The very proposal which Marjori'
dreaded! She opened her lips to CIV
a trembling refusal, to frame som
awkward excuse but before she coul'
say a word Miss Hetherington con
tinued with decision:
"Ill be expecting her early, say q
ten. She can walk the distance, unles
she's DER idle: in that case, I'll sen
the carriage to fetch her.
81 am very sorry" stammered Mar
jorie. but Tomorrow"
She paused, and glanced In supplica
ton at her foster-father.
1.-THE fact u.s." said Mr.. Lorraine, Nv
had made other arrangements for to
morrow. Some other day. maybe"
Miss Hetherington's'eyes flashed, an
her crutch was sharply struck upon tn
floor.
Tomorrow and no other day wi
suit me. l haze something to say to he
that will ma keep. Do you hear tina
Marjorie?"
YES" answered Marjorie timidly
but I have only Just come home. IN
1 would rather"
Come or stay" she exclaime'
"Please yourself, Marjorie Annai
but II you stay at home the NOR
you'll wait lang for another invita-
tion."
Eager not to give offense, Mr.. 10,
raine now interposed.
IF you wish it, Marjorie shall come
Every WE'LL" said Miss Hetheringt
sharply; then, turning to the girl, q
added: Twill you walk. Of shall
send the c~arriage?"
"I-I-will walk" returned Marjor
timidly, with the air Of n doomed
condign punishment.
Then I'll expect you at ten. and ms
later. Now, gle me your arm to Il
carriage"
Marjorie obeyed. and with a sho
"God-day" to the minister. Miss He'll
, erington left the room.
, fro RE CONTINURD.O