The Dupuyer acantha. [volume] (Dupuyer, Mont.) 1894-1904, 1899-12-21

me gentleman made a gr1mace at
one point; he remembered himself in
time, however. Now he was able to
express an intimate knowledge of the
tri1es that provoked merriment.
Then insisted that Clara, as usual,
was ruling me with a high hand. Plain
ly, l argued, the young gentleman was
e~nthralled by my surprising beauty.
He was doubtless advised of the means
she employed to keep me in duress, so
adopted the only means within his
reach to convey the present to the
proper person."
IF you had lived in feudal times
you would have absorbed an entire
kingdom. Certainly you had some
reason on your side"
Thank you. Anyhow, / accom-
plished as much as the old-time lords
l refused to give up the note. I keep
1t to this day, although now and hen
Clara threatens to destroy it."
"Of course she retains the present."
The gray eyes flashed almost an an
CRY look at him.
CLARA! Much you know ABOUT
ASAo w Ay, Su6 WOulQA L hCCp lAlC
finest diamond in the world in her room
If it had a setting with another per-
sons initials in it-and there was my
full name: Hester NJ. Morford.'"
Pardon; you said it was addressed
to your sister. How did it happen that
your name was engraved upon a pres
ent addressed to your sister,"
ooh 6non1 n1-S4 49,, 1ooo IT, MOS
addressed to Miss Morford.'"
why, what on earth could the man
have been thinking of" said the gen
tleman as he gaZed steadfastly in his
companions face.
That was what Clara said-once
only. She never referred to him again
in that tone. l fancy my bantering
was at the bottom of her silence. Any
how, | have only to remind her that
all her care does not suffice to keep
me in the shade to make her affec-
tionate. She reminds me at least
once a month that if 1 am ever I'M
happy she will never forgive herself.
But, I declare, we are almost at the
hotel. And there is Clara now, stand
ing beside that large woman with the
lovely white hair"
But the gentleman saw only a young
lady with a face that reminded him Of
an old-time portrait. There was an
air of repose, a beauty of expression
surprising any mere outline, a gentle
ness that appealed to the most chival-
rous instincts.
Hester was on the point of intro
ducing her companion of the day
when something in Mrs. Hammersly's
manner apprised her that she Knew
him. That lacy with her regal air
advanced with outspread hand as she
said in her distinct tones:
This is a very unexpected pleasure,
Mr.. Courtney"
Courtney"
Hester felt the blood surge to her
temples, but she controlled her voice
admirably as she said something about
the heat and withdrew, leaving Mr.,
Courtney with her sister and Mrs.
Hammersly.
Two days elapsed before Mr.. Court
ney succeeded in surprising her alone.
why have you avoided me so per
sistently ?" he said. as he turned and
walked with her.
although I 40 not admit your right
to question my actions, do you not
think they are based on a sense of pro
priety?"
Il will admit anything if you will
only allow me ten minutes-well, then,
fve-only five minutes talk, Miss Nor
ford"
"To what purpose? My error was
lees than yours. You could have Sc;
me right. You did not. You did not
How was l to know hal your name
was Courtney, with people addressing
you by your baptismal name? You
should have set me right"
If you will only give me two min
utes, then"
Nor She was passing on, wher
Courtney reached out a hand.
THE greatest criminal is not de.
MED the privilege of a defense.
knew you had no idea who l vas Wher
Stark and his sister introduced me IL
that unconventional way. 1t was Jacl
Stark's blunder. And | was very anx
ious to see you. The circumstance!
were altogether rare-exceptional."
Very" said Hester dryly, as sh,
gazed at the hotel, looming up in tn
distance.
81 was wrong. l ought to have cor
rected Stark at the time; but think o
the temptation"
This is again very vague, Mr.. Court
ney, but it is also becoming a trifle to-
whimsical"
The look that accnmnaniPd this VIZ