The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-08-20

What contrast to Laura" thought Jack. ooh.
I'm afraid not" said he coldly "at least don't often
try. Shan't we go back, Miss Stemple2 1t must be
nearly time for luncheon"
"Just what was thinking" said Sally quite I'm.
abashed picking up her skirts to show two dainty
high-heeled little shoes
Jack did walk down the stony path rather fast,
considering those Shoes but then he had forgotten
all about them Already his thoughts had flown
back to Laura when, with a slight exclamation Of
pain, Sally stumbled broad stone. and just
in response to his offer of assistance she leaned
against him. half faintng he heard voices and at
turn in the path appeared Jimmy Walker and Laura.
''Confound the girl he muttered 'what will
Laura think" Aloud he said, indifferently as he
could. Il am glad you have come, Miss Stemple
has just met with an accident"
They both hurried forward. Sally was placed In
comfortable position supported by Laura. who Of
fered her services eagerly that Jack smiled
himself and felt several degrees more cheerful.
Jimmy Walker brought water in his hat and ap-
piled it with monogrammed handkerchief, and in
moment the patient revived and graciously per-
mitted the two to support her, either side
back to the picnic ground, where they found the
tablecloth already spread and horns sounding to
call the wanderers
1t did not prove to be bad spran and Sally was
able to get about the rest of the day with only
ever-ready little arm.
1t late In the afternoon almost time for the
return home before Jack summoned sufficient cour-
age to ask Laura if she would like to take a row.
She had been very subdued and rather pale since
Elmiras disclosure and Jack understood better per-
haps than any of the others what a shock 1t had
been to her.
He helped her into the boat silently They were
well out from shore before either of them spoke He
had been wondering how to begin. but all he said
was "YOu look tired"
do 1? l am rather 1t has seemed such a long
day"
"And 1 suppose you will be glad when it is over?"
81 don't know. 1 am fond Of the water This
rests me-"
"It rests me. too. What tiresome girl that Sally
Stemple is"
as she? 1 don't know her very WELL" in a con-
strained voice.
"You know her well L do. and as we'll as
to-" said Jack. emphatically,
He looked at Laura keenly and fanced her ex-
preston frightened
"Your cousin seems to have enjoyed herself" he
continued.
Eyes, [ think she has," Lauras face couded
again. Jack understood why.
"That so nice and brave and honest the
way she spoke about your great grandfather. There
is simplicity and frankness about her that admire
very much That is what reminds me OF you In her
1 going to tell you when Sally Stemple IN.
terrupted u.s."
''Oh were you? Thank you. ] think Elmira is
very frank" and Lauras color. which had been
changing from white to red, settled to a becoming
pink
81 was afraid. that is, 1 thought perhaps" trail
ing little hand in the water and watching it IN
tently as she spoke, you wouldn't have any respect
for after what she said. 1t made me seem so
foolish"
"'How could you think that? 1t wasn't your
fault in the least But SO glad you cared for
what 1 thought. 1 was afraid you didn't, and that
you would resent my speaking as | did and seeming
to take your part when had no right to-"
''Oh no. 1 thought it was very noble Of YOU"
said Laura earnestly raising her eyes to his for
moment.
''But you must have seen. and every one else
I spoke l did"
No reply. Didn't you know it. Laura?"
whispered mo" and shake of the dropping head
with only the pretty profile turned toward him.
''But now you know It was because love you
with all my heart my darling. only never dared
tell you for fear you would despse the grandson Of
a blacksmith because you we're Van Ness. 1 could
bless your cousin today if her relation has brought
any Has it Laura?
She raised her head slowly. 81 don't think 1t
really has Jack fand he knew the victory was won).
but perhaps we shouldn't baye known how near we
were but for Einlfst.
And as they rowed ashore an hour later there was
Elnira waiting for them. her pink muslin mass OF
wrinkles her hat awrg. but her honest face smiling
and flushed with content.
I'VE thought you two were never coming" she
cried '"They say we've gec to start to get home
in time for the fireworks
"An right said Jack heartily and In their hearts
they both responded BLESS you, dear Elmira and
vour mink muslin and youc best hat"
N nj 81