Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1898-08-17

something was amiss, and after the nrst
greetings were over she asked, almost
anIiously, "What is the matter, John
You do not look WE'LL
For full minute Mr.. Kendrick did
not answer. Instead he looked down
at her as she stood with one small hand
resting upon bis black coat sleeve; the
sunlight falling with loving touch upon
her hair, which was cut short (another
point which met with the disfavor OF
the chichester matrons), and curled
naturally all over her head like cbild's.
Her lover sometimes laughingly told
her she had baby face still, and he
was not far wrong, for her expression
was singularly untroubled and childlike,
and yet there was depth of feeling in
the honest blue eyes which told both
Of strength Of character and purpose.
"Trix, it is silly perhaps, but some,
thing I have heard to-day has troubled
me greatly"
"About mes" Trix asked gaily. "Oi
what fresh enormity am accused Johni'
and sudden gravity crept into the
sweet voice; II thought you said that
you did not mind any of these thingsi'
81 do not" the vicar answered quick
ly; 'indeed," gently stroking the soft,
yet strengthening hand, 81 love you
oil the better for them, butt is better
to speak out. TriI, have you beer
driving about with Gerald Morton
lately?"
The next moment Mr.. Kenrick would
have given much never to have asked
the question, for Trix turned to him
quickly, whole world Of scorn shining
in her blue eyes.
"And so, John, this means that you
cannot trust me, and you choose rather
to believe any idle story people may
tell"
"Tell me there is no truth in it, Trix,
Mr.. Kenrick said quietly, though his
eyes had clouded with deep look Of
pain beneath her implied rsbuke, "and
I promise you I will believe it,
But Beatrix had removed her hand,
and all the sunshine had died out OF her
bonny face as she said YEARLY: "Mr.
Morton has driven me over to Castle
fields twice this week. Is there any
thing else you want to ask me?"
No, there was nothing else. Mr.
Kenrick felt it was almost sacrilege
with those pure eyes looking into his
20 breathe the doubts which now SEEM
cd to him so unworthy.
But, alasl for the "little rift" Beatrix
tried to talk OF other things, tried hard
to be her own bright, merry self, and
yet was conscious Of an unwonted
'ense of absolute grief, when at last
he vicar told her be was obliged TO go.
1t was month later, and Beatrix
Harcourt was walking swiftly along
he dusty road leading to Castlef elds,
,arrying a small basket contai ming
some delicacy for the sick woman. she
vas going to see. The sound Of wheels
made her turn her head, and the next
moment deep, musical voice said
,leasaDAy; "Miss Harcourt, are you
again bound On the same journey Now
10 let me have the pleasure OF giving
'ou a lift"
Beatrix hesitated one moment, then
he answered frankly, "Thank you 20
much. You know Jennie, that poor
crippled child I told you abouta Well.
have had note from her this morn
ng to say her mother is very i'll and
here is no one to do anything for her."
Gerald Morton looked admiringly
Town at the fair face beside him. 1t
vas the young men Of Hillchester who
aad given Beatrix Harcourt the name
If "the fair philanthropist," and il
spoke we'll for the girl that even in
he fastest circle her name was never
mentioned but with respect.
When Beatrix reached the little cot
age, which lay close to q wood i've
niles from Hillchester, she found every
hing in a state Of confusion. One
lance at the poor woman showed her
o be in q high state Of fever and flight.
y delirious, while an ominous crimson
ash was beginning to make ito ap-
earance on her face and neck.
"Why, Jennie, your mother has the
ever" Beatrix exclaimed, rapidly,
Haven't you sent for q doctor, child,
nd is there no neighbor who would
ONE and help to nurse hsr'"
at xyrofo m Tho doctor miss when