Evening star., 1900-11-17

thing that observant women could not fail
to note was that Norman Holt never once
addressed him during the entire evening
and spoke only awkwardiy and with cold
restraint when compelled to answer his re-
marks. 1t was long after 10 when Mrs.
Lane and her daughter finally Joined the
party in the bail room. The mistetoe bough
still hung conspicuous, and threw its potent
spell on all beneath, but maids and ma
irons were shy and guarded now, and
mindful of the previous eve. There had
beer fun illimitabe over Kate Rays cap
ture. She was one of the most popular
girls in all Kentucky, and men and women
both were her frank, devoted friends There
had been laughter and what might be called
polite applause when pretty Lou Ward was
fairly trapped by the stranger within their
gates, and, taken utterly by surprise, was
most respectfully but palpably kissed by
that. well-groomed well-mannered young
man. Lou herself hardly knew whether to
laugh or cry. 1t was at herself, or her
"own stupidity" she most incensed,
not SO much at him. Yet even in the holiday
season, and under the mstletoe, wasn't it
inpudent? Even if he had caught her
fairly, which she denied, he should not
really have kissed her, said Lou. He should
only have-made believe. That's what
Kentucky gentleman would have done.
Isn't Henry Holt Kentucky gentleman?"
asked Mrs. Walton, laughing for she had
her doubts as to the limitations thus as
cribed to the guild. Il don't remember that
he spared Kate" Miss Ward pouted ir high
uupStOH. sic Was Hol SoUu dl
She found little or no sympathy till she
happened to catch sight Of Kate Ray, and
all that young lady would admit was that
Mr. Malloy was a man who never neglected
opportunities.
1t developed that Kate had met Mr.. NAL
10y when visiting Cincinnati, and, further.
without so saying, she had impressed Miss
Ward with the belief that Mr.. Malloy was
no favorIte or even friend. So that this
second evening an odd feeling seemed to be
growing up against that business-lke, en-
ergetic young man from the buckeye state.
even when people were speaking admring
ly of his viSibly good points to that most
courteous Of hosts, the doctor. AS Belle
views guest they seemed to find it incum
bent on them to assure their entertainer
how much they to remark in the only
man not Virginia Kentucky bred thus
b:dden to meet them-a rather significant
symptom that th~re might be points that
possibly called for explanation.
And one of these was the long diSap-
pearance of the stranger guest that morn
ing. when in company with and responsible
for one Of the youngest and loveliest of the
assembled party.
With every appearance of frankness.
with every expression Of proper regret, he
had told the story to man after man, and
to the women who witnessed their return
told it practically as he had told 1t to Nor
man, when that keen young scout and
rider came upon them in the depths of the
Buford wood. He declared he had heard
the distant bay of the hounds coming from
over the tree tops, indicating that .Reynard
had turned sharply eastward when near
Hardin hill, and, in his inexperence, as
he frankly said, he reasoned that the fox
was now making for the woods. Why not
ride directly ththcr, and be foremost in
the hunt? Miss Lane evidently ionged to
be up at the front again, but could not
take the higher fences. He persuaded her
to gallop. he said. in the direction of
the sound, and away from the trailing field
But once within the wood the bride path
became crooked, narrow, intricate. The
sounds were deadened and in less than
half an hour he found himself bewildered.
Then. in crossing q shallow ditch, Miss
Lanes pretty mount strained her off hind
leg in some mysterious way, and, evidently
In great pain. could not set foot to earth.
Malloy found seat for his partner on
fields to the north. hoping to see something
of the hunt. but succeeded only in hailing
a negro, who promised to go at once to
Belleview. seven miles away, and bring the
phaeton for Miss Lane. Then he rode back
to her and waited-waited long hours-and
strove to comfort her by the assurance
that aid must soon come Not until after
hunters horn winding through the forest.
and Malloy's shout In answer brought Mr.
Holt to their retreat. and Mr.. Holt could
tell the rest.
1t seems that Mr.. Holt had stripped off
saddles. reset Miss Lanes on his own fresh
horse and started them home. while he fol-
lowed afoot leading poor hobbling Nellie
body. said Malloy. was to blame except
himself, the narrator. unless 1t was the
darky field hand whom he had literally
tipped to induce him to go with all speed
to Belleview. It Is easy to shift blame to
black shoulders. yet it was pointed out to