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 Eat least don't often
try. Shant go back, Miss Stemple7 1t must be
nearly time for luncheon"
Gust what thinking" said Sally. quite
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 over broad stone. and just
IN response to his offer of assistance she leaned
against him. half fainting. he heard voices and at
turn in the path appeared Jimmy Walker and Laura.
Confound the girl" he muttered, 'what will
Laura thinll? Aloud he said as indifferently as he
could, Il am so 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 so eagerly that Jack smiled to
himself and felt several degrees more cheerful.
Jimmy Walker brought water in his hat and ap-
piled it with monogrammed handkerchief and in
a moment the patient revived and graciousy per-
mitted the two to support her one on either sde
back to the picnic ground, where they found the
tablecoth already spread and horns sounding to re-
call the wanderers.
1t did not prove to be bad sprain and Sally was
able to get about the rest of the day with only
interesting limp and leaning Jimmy Walkers
eyer-ready little arm.
1t was late in the afternoon, almost time for the
return home, before Jack summoned sufficient cour-
age to ask Laura il she would like to take 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 II 1 am, rather 1t has seemed such long
day"
"And suppose you will be glad when It is over?"
81 don't know 1 am fond Of the water. This
at rests me, too. What tiresome girl that Sally
Stemple is"
els she? I don't know her very WELL" in a con-
strained voice
'You know her well 1 do and as well as
care to-" said Jack. emphatically.
He looked at Laura keenly, and fancied her ex-
preston frightened.
"Your cousin seems to have enjoyed herself" he
continued
Yes, 1 think she has" Laura's face cIouded
again. Jack understood why.
"That so nice and brave and honest, the
way she spoke about your greatgrandfather There
is simplicity and frankness about her that admire
very much. That is what reminds me Of you in her,
L going to tell you when Sally Stemple In
terrupted u.s."
"Oh, you? Thank you 1 think EImra is
very frank" and Lauras color which had been
changing from white to red, settled to a becoming
pink.
81 afraid. that is, thought perhaps" trail
ing little hand in the water and watching it In
tently as she spoke. you wouldn't have any respect
for mo after Ivha Cha + do
foolish"
GLOW could you think that? 1t wasn't your
fault in the least. But so glad you cared for
what thought. 1 afraid you didn't and that
you would resent my speaking 1 did and seeming
to take your part when 1 had right to-"
"Oh 1 thought it very noble of you"
said Laura earnestly. raising her eyes to his for a
moment.
"But you must have seen, and every one else
must have SEEM that it was because loved you that
1 spoke 1 did"
No reply. Didn't you know it, Laura" A
whispered NO" and a shake of the dropping head
with only the pretty profile turned toward him.
"But you know. 1t because I love You
with all my heart, my darling, only I never dared
tell you for fear you would despse the grandson Of
a blacksmith because you were Van Ness. could
bless your cousin today If her relation has brought
any Has it Laura?"
Sne raised her heau slowly: Il don | thlHK IL
really has Jack (and he knew the victory Wonl,
but perhaps shouldn't have known how near we
were but for Elmira.
And as they rowed ashore hour later there was
Elmra waiting for them, her pink muslin mass Of
wrinkles, her hat awry, but her honest face smiling
and flushed with content.
1--WE thought you two never coming" she
cried "They say we've got to start to get home
in time for the fireworks
''All right" said Jack heartily. and in their hearts
they both responded BLESS you, dear Elmira, and
your pink muslin and your best hat"
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