The times., 1900-12-30

vice, 10
which happened upon a
Christmas Eve not SO long
gone but that its memory is as white as
this flying snow. though in less danger of
beirg erased by the morrow's light.
After two days journey by coach. 1
stopped at q country tavern, somewhat
ahead OF time, to change horses before pro-
ceeding. 1t was twilight. and the snow
was already making more trackIess this
rather wild country which my father had
described TO me. It was after his death
that ! had determined upon this journey,
for reasons which need not be dwelt upon
here. Having warmed myself at the roar
ing fire. and partaken of supper, l stood at
a window waiting for the coach. The can
dies were not yet lignted, and outside
there was much running back and forth
and shouting Of men and boys, while from
indoors came loud voices and savory odors,
bespeaking extra preparation for the
heavy travel at Christmas
While my horses were put in, a carriage
dashed up and from it descended lady,
much cloaked and hooded, followed by a
woman servant with a travelling basket.
The carriage, which l deemed a private
one, made of at full speed, and a mo-
ment after tho~lady entered the room,
where Isstood in the windows embrasure
She was talking after the manner of one
suddenly set down amid most unpalatable
surroundings.
There Is no need of argument. Nancy,
I must proceed at once. Go tell the land
lord again that I must have the coach
which stands without my own having
gone on TO the Cross Roads. Does he
think am come TO spend Christmas
here2"
But, miss, the coach yonder has but
just arrived from the Cross Roads with
another traveller, who goes on at once,
and the inn chaise has gone ahead like
your own to meet" It would seem that
the lady clapped her hands upon her ears,
for her voice trembled with exaspera-
tion.
"Mr Daggart. OF coursei Has It not
been Dick Daggart this, and Dick Dag
CART that for a six-month back, until
am fairly sickened with the name? Have
/ come away. TO avoid him who bears it,
the tavern to await his pleasure?" There
was certainly the stamp of small foot.
Truly. miss, but you would slip away
and come thus far in your own carriage,
while warned you that the tavern chaise
and coach would be engaged at Christmas
Dear life! Dear lifet what are we to do,
and no gentleman along, Wait, miss, do
wait until your carriage returns"
Nancy. you craze me with your stu
pidity! Fancy waiting here to be picked
up by lie roadside!''
'oh. miss, why did you leave in the
masters absence?'
81 am not a child any longer. Could
] be expected to remain away from the
dance at Kings Manor, fer the sake of
the coming of this-this wild man, who
may be IA pirate. for all I know? Am
/ a shipment of tobacco to be set up for
appralsement? Wait here, indeedl A
pretty scene, Mr.. Richard Daggart will
permit Mistress Julia Truxall tc return
home in her OWE carriage,' 'soothl I'll
go after the landlord, myself" My lady
started forward, and as she did SO the
landlords wife entered with a lighted
candle in either hand, which she placed
upon the table, and with much volubility
Withdrew. l stepped quickly from the
window. and the lady stopped short in
some confusion at facing another, and
that other man In the brief instant OF
my bow, / marked that the rose -colored
hood was back, and that the candIelight
1y to blend above her head, which was
proudly set to be SO young.
"A thousand pardons. madam, for having
overheard you. but as I am travelling in
the coach which stands without, have the