The Irish standard., 1897-04-03
Rlsdly nnger IS enjoy the pretty pio-
iture she mada a1l unconscious Of any

gladly linger to enjoy the pretty pio-
iture she rnad4 a1l unconscious Of any
7 observer.
s But she seemed to feel his glance by
instinct, looking up with startled air
L which changed to = flashing smile Of
welcome as she recognized him, blush
and smile SO surprising to Harvey Neil
that as he stopped short in the road
he had hardly presence of mind to lift
his hat. By MO stretch Of the imagina-
ton could he have counted upon such
greeting as this after her stern ar
raignment the other day.
II beg pardon, Miss Meredith. I
hope I didn't brighten you," he pres
emily found tongue to say. with doubt
ful deprecating smile.
'"oh, not at all; only-one never meets
anybody here, you know" There could
be no MISLEADING the friendliness OF her
manner; and Neil's face grew brighter.
! 81 am an exception to prove the rule.
you see," he sold. II hope you don't
mind" .e ~ =
ono, am glad to meet you" she hesl-
family returned, to his further amaze
n.ent. 81 want to apologize."
ITO apologize-you! cannot pos.
sibly Imagine why, Miss Meredith;
though If it makes you the least bit glad
to see me, of course am thankful for
the notion, whatever it is. But it is 1
who should apologize. It has been on
my mind ever since I met you, how
mean 1t was Of me to mislead you so.
to enjoy your kindness under false pre-
lenses. told you the other day that I
was not sorry, that I never should be;
but all the while think knew thnt
was bound to be ashamed of myself
sooner or later"
''But I do not thinlc it was so very
ibeinous," murmured the girl, with u
little smile, as she resumed her seat
upon the rock, seeming not to notice as,
after doubtful glance at her, he VEN
tured also to establish himself on all
adjoining bit of wall. ut would have
been worse IL you had pretended that
you did not know my name, as you
might easily have DONE"
.'Oh, no; could not, for you told me
yourself, if you will remember. You
were, 80 kind. But you are kinder now,
Miss Meredith, if you really forgive me.
/ was afraid the other day that you
never would"
II was taken by surprise the other
day." she hurriedly rejoined, her eyes
upon the flowers in her hand, which she
had been rearranging. "And knew so
little about the trouble between papa
and you; I always do know SO little
of papa's business. OF this had only
an idea that somebody was trying to
prove thai he had stolen q vast sum OF
money out Of that somebody's mine;
claiming that he was in fact little better
than a common thief. Naturally, I did
not feel very kindly disposed toward
that somebody
'But now your views have lncditied?'
he eagerly questioned
II think I understand the case a liz
tie BETTER" she hesitatingly returned,
avoiding his glance.
eft is so kind Of you to say that" He
was silent moment, absently gather.
ing up from tine road few pebbles,
which be threw one by one into the
nearest waterfall. "And do you know,
Miss Meredith, much as I have always
regretted the trouble between the
mines, have never regretted it SO much
as now--since meeting you again"
''Then, if that is so," she impulsjively
returned, only the deepening flush up
on her cheeks betraying consciousness
of the confession as it related to herself.
"why will you not try to put IN end to
it? Why will you not see my father
and explain the matter from your stand
point-have clear understanding and
settle 1t all up without any more
troublesome law business? I am sure
it would be so much nicer"
Nell passed his hand across his MUS !
tache, brushing as it were the smile
which threatened to break into laugh
ter at her feminine simplicity. "And
am sure also that it would be very much
nicer" he agreed, his tome almost
caressing in its ge1stleness. II only
wish we might settle it SO easily; but I
am afraid 1t would take more than my
:eloquence to induce your father to see
the matter from my standpoint"
"But can you not see how very easily
be might be deceived2" she anxiously