Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-03-22

OLtte sailed into the room bttttOneG to tho
chin IN q pretty dark green habit.
on another, leading third on which
was lady's sidesaddle. Westover
alone dismounted and strobe briskly
up the walk. Five minutes later Ollie
sailed into the room buttoned to the
chin in pretty dark green habit. She
held out one small gauntleted hand to
Tom. I'm so sorry, Tom, dear, that
papa appointed today for you to spend
with us. He didn't know then that
Jeanne Westover had asked me to try
a riding horse for her. She is awfully
afraid of horses, but said if liked
this one she would keep it. Her broth
er says it is darling"
Mr.. Matthews got up from the table
/ and walked out of the room by her
side. Tom retained his seat and a
sulky silence. All Of sudden the
map of Europe developed an immense
fascination for him. He glued his
oaza % II {, uhs. esflliisiG1 -ssa al the,
world besides. He could hear his
guardian OUTSIDE discussing the horse
with Westover.
''You say it is new horse, West
over, one you know nothing about?''
Nothing but what his previous own
er tells me- He vouches for the beasts
goodness of disposition. William, there,
has tried him with riding skirt, and
have been riding him for week. Oh,
guess he's gentle and all that! But
Jeanne wanted Miss Matthew'S opin-
ion of his gait. She says man can't
judge of what is pleasant riding for
woman"
"She is quite right" said Ollie, with
decision. Gle cannot" Then she tip
toed to kiss her father. "Now, don't
go and spoil my lovely ride, papa, ,by
conjuring up all sorts of imaginary
dangers. You know I can manage a
horse, if there is any one thing on earth
I can manage, and Mr.. Westover says
he is perfectly gentle"
ooh, yes, to be sure! A sheep is
fiery by comparison, pom honor, sir.
My sister Jeanne is a notorious cow
ard. You don't think would let Miss
Matthews run any risk?" This with
an ardent look at Olivia.
The three walked down the steps to-
gether, Westover cutting at the shrub
berry with his whip, Ollie holding her
pretty head well up under the little
gayly ,plumed riding hat, Mr.. Mat
thews with his bare head cleaning
white and venerable in the bright sun
shine. Tom took it all in gloomily with
out once losing his interest in the map
of Europe. There was certainly moth
ing about the new horses appearance
to inspire apprehension. He stood with
his head hung dejectedly, as if he knew
and resented the fact Of having been
recently and somewhat unfayorably
criticised.
Nov. papa, does he look danger
ous?" Ollie cried, laughing triumphant
ly as she ran lightly forward to mount
the horse block.
Il can't say that he does. In fact, I
think may say positively that he does
not But be careful, my darling. West
over, don't let her be reckless. She
loses her head when she mounts q
horse. l think there must have been a
jockey among her ancestors"
AFTER watching the start the lawyer
turned slowly back toward the house
with his head bent and his hands fold
ed behind his back. He was in no par
ticular hurry to get back to the library.
In spite of all that had been said; lin
gering sense Of uneasiness beset him.
He was always uneasy when olivia
was out Of his sight.
She was his idol, his all. What a
clever little witch she was, too, older
than her years by reason of her life
long companionship with him! How
adroitly she had managed to let Tom
Broxton see that there must not be any
love passages between them! And such
a slight hint he had given her! No;
for years yet he wanted no lovers
about, but if they must come Tom
Broxton perhaps should have his OPP
portunity. Under some circumstances.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES would be as accept