Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-11-19


you think Of those horses stopping at
the bridge that way, I'd like to know, "
Eyes, didn't your knew they might
not but thought they would if could
keep them in the road. Didn't you
think Of them doing it?''
well, no, l had something else to
think about, " looking at her admring.
ly.
Isabels face flushed, but she looked
at him smiling.
II wasn't afraid as long as the road
was clear, but l should have lost all
courage if had seen a team coming.
"Talk Of pluck" Clint said, driving
little nearer to her cutter. Isabel,
what did you think of last night? What
did you think of me anyway"
She drove out into the road ahead Of
him and then looked back over her
shoulder, laughing. thought if you
had only waited half an hour longer 1
would have been Is. 1t is my birthday
today" And with that she touched her
ponies with the whip and kept we'll
ahead Of him all the way to the village.
When they met again, it was before
the fire in the sitting room at the brick
house, where they had held the hours
the night before But the contest with
the judge had lost its seriousness.
Between them he sat, imperturbable,
as he had sat the night before, but to-
night he was only an amusing barrier
and not a serious obstruction. Love had
leaped the bounds and was free. 1t tri-
umphed in their eyes as they looked
across him and over him, smiling know
ingly at each other
Were going to have dance over at
our house Saturday week and an oyster
supper. 1t is going to be a celebration
of great event in our family" Clint
announced with a meaning gesture to
Isabel.
What's the event you're celebrat-
ing?" the judge asked, looking over his
spectacles
well, that's something of secret
until tomorrow l hope l can tell you
then You must be sure and come
We're going to have great time.
The Judge looked at Isabel do you
think we can go, my DEAR"
Her cheeks were rosy. why, yes;
should think we could father.
THANK you, then Well come, the
judge said, leaning back in his chair
and looking at the ceiling And now
would you like to play that game of
chess we didn have last night
1t was evident he had no intention of
giving up the field Clint did not an.
swer. He was not as fearless of the
judge as he had supposed. His heart
throbbed eXcitedly.
Isabel pressed her hands together hard
and looked into the fire. The clock tick
ed loudly, emphasizing the silence.
Finally the judge brought his eyes
| from the ceiling and looked at the
young man, then he looked at Isabel
"Didn' you hear what said to you?"
he asked, running his hand through his
forelock and grasping the arm of his
| chair.
Eyes, sir, 1 did, " said Clint respect
fully.
"Well, them
IF you'll allow me to say it, sir,
think I've won the game already
What's tha.?'
II believe, SIR, I've won the game. "
The judge glared at him for mo-
ment, and then his eyes fell on Isabel.
He looked from one to the other.
The ticks of the clock seemed to choke
each other.
well, my boy" he said, drawing q
deep breath-the tears had started to his
eyes-"I don t know but you have. - He
held out his hand. Il don't know but
you have, my boy"
THANK you, sir, thank you.
Her father reached the other hand t.
Isabel, and then stood up and drew hel
into his arms, then pushed her from
him and crossed the room to the dool
leading into the hall.
| Isabel's eyes followed him lovingly.
Then he turned and looked back al
them and smiled
I'm feeling little tired tonight, ,
he said, land think if you II be kline
enough to excuse me III go to bed "
He went out and shut the door.
Clint turned and took Isabel hand!
and swung them.
"Well, it looks as though we'd gel
there, don't it, Isabel?" he said.
She looked up at him and smiled.
Eyes, it does, little"