The Holly chieftain., 1898-08-05

least it was right should warn her
against him.
With these thoughts fitting across
my mind. soon arrived at the Morley
home. and. entering the gate. went up
the long graveled walk. Before an op-
portunity was allowed me to ascend
the steps leading to the piazza. my name
was called.
why, Mr.. Conway"
1t was Florence who called. and who.
on my turning toward her got ont Of
a hammock. She was still dressed in her
riding-hnbit. and as approached mo-
ticed her horse tied to post near by.
Are you going riding again."
asked. In that case, pardon my in
trusion."
Papa and usually ride at this
time. l am waiting for him." she said.
with touch of surprise; for 1 had
spoken in rather formal tones.
Then / will defer my errand. Some
other time will answer just as WELL per-
haps. VIII you kindly tell me when l
may have the pleasure of seeing you?'
What is it. Nelson? What can be
the matter?" she asked. her brown
eyes staring in astonishment. Wiii
you not speak now?'
why. can certainly. 1t is not very
important. perhaps. l wish to ask you
what you know about the station agent
at Sidington. have seen you talking
with him on several occasions. What
can one like Won have to talk about with
such desperate villain"
Florence's face turned white. "Des-
perate villain ?" she repeated. in fear
some whisper. why. Nelson!"
Then ! told of my recent talk with
the scoundrel and his dastardly at
tempt to shoot me.
Florence hearkened. with hands
clasped across her bosom. her eyes
staring in terrified amazement.
"Oh. do not be alarmed" added. He
did not hit me. miss is as good as
mile. you know"
But she still stood gazing at me.
doubt and fear upon her face, too dunn
founded to speak. Finally,she burst
into tears, and. in a most pathetic way,
held out her hands appealingly to me.
Stirred to the hearts core by her
ETlcl, L CaupnG Aut GtSti ioi ~ ~ Ahy
arms. Wondering what could be the
cause of the sudden and overwhelming
expression of sorrow, and heartily
ashamed of myself for having ad-
dressed her in cold, formal tones, !
sought with many endearing terms to
console her.
What is it. my love. that so distresses
you? Tell me about it. You do not
know how happy it would make me to
be allowed to share your troubles"
II am troubled, Nelson. deeply
troubled" she replied, raising her tear
stained face. There are SO many in
explicable things going on about me,
so much mystery, such forebodings OF
dreadful happenings, in my heart. that
if it were not for your love existence
would be misery. And now your own
dear life is threatened, and all my
fault, too. / cannot understand it at all.
Why should anyone want to kill you?
Oh, Nelson!"
She laid her head against me, and
gently stroked the soft tresses which
fell back behind her ear in such beau
tiful waves. For few moments / could
not answer. Her words startled me be
yond expressinon. What. in God s name.
was there about this back-country
place? Had its uncanny mysteriesleven
entered my darling's sweet life to taint
its happiness?
DO not give way to an unreasonable
terror, dear heart" / finally said.
What possible harm can reach you?"
1T is not for myself that am fenr-
full. and suppose it is unreasonable;
but think. Nelson, if he had shot youl"
She shuddered, and then with an ef-
fort became calmer.
do not worry about me. Be sure
am able to take care of myself; and
forewarned is forearmed. What else
is there? Tell me. You know you may
count on my help and sympathy"
"Yes, yes, know that, Nelson. And
I do need your help. 1t seems as though
were walking blindfolded on the edge
of prccipice." The loved form
nestled closer to me. 1t made me fool
ishly happy to hold her in my arms and
know they were as a haven of refuge to
her.
Then, too," Florence went on, 81
am so worried about father"
so you said yesterday. Have you
any reason to be?"
Maybe not; at least know of none.
except that he is SO changed of late.
But woman's instinct often divines
causes for worry when none are per-
ceptible."
fou cannot mean that he is changed
toward you?"
oh, no, no! Not in his love for me.
indeed, there seems to be an augment
ed tenderness toward me. And It
makes me feel as though, somehow, /
was partly the cause of the trouble.
Why, / know there is something wor-
rying poor father. He is even chang
ing in appearance, and is becoming 20
haggard. There is some secret sorrow
he is enduring. 1 spoke to him about
it only the other day.
what answer did he give your"
asked.
Just laughed, and said was gifted
with vivid Imagination"
There, you see, it must be only
business worry. If it were ANYTHING
regarding yourself, he would not make
light of it."
fiorence was partly comforted by
my assurance. She glanced up into
my. face and smiled. But the troubled
and perplexed look came back when
she answered. ~ A