The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-03-02

CHAPTER X.-(Continued.1

and the others?" he continues kindly.
as he follows Shell into the drawing
room, which looks bare and desolate,
Tor Shell has not found courage even
to renew the flowers during the past
few days.
II did not wish to co." she ex-
plains vaguely, as she seats herself On
low chair and takes puss on her
knee. 81 thought it would be so
stupid and dull on the moor"
Robert Champley stares at her with
an amused smile.
Surely 1t could not be much duller
than you are here?" he ventures with
laugh; and then adds almost stern
ly. You ought not to have been left
here alone"
But wouldn't go!" reiterates Shell
decidedly. 'It is nobody's fault but my
own: they were all very much vexed
with me for not going. only-only I
preferred remaining behind"
Il am afraid you must be a very de-
termined young lady,"
Eyes. am very obstinate" assents
Shell, applying the most obnoxious
term she can think of to her decision OF
character; then, anxious to be done
with personalities, she continues, But
you came with a message. How are
they all getting on at Oakford?"
For a moment there is look OF
keen annoyance on Robert Champlcy's
face. then he laughs off the question
gaily.
oh your sister seems charmed with
the moor; Mrs. Widen not quite so
enchanted; whilst Miss Flower, hear,
has threatened more than once to run
away! Amongst other troubles. it
seems she is suffering intensely from
cold-not having come sufficiently sup
piled with wraps for the keen brac-
Ing air. l am charged with note
begging you to send her all the furs
you can lay your hands on-she de-
clares the Arctic regions must be tropi-
cal compared with Oakmoor!"
wi is always shivery," laughs Shell,
as she takes the small tinted note, re-
dolent OF orris-root, and scans the
hastily -scrawled lines. well, it won't
take me long to gather up her bundle
of wraps. How does she want them
sent, l wonder?"
by train to Imply station, thence
by the carrier to Oakford, l suppose"
answers Mr.. Champley hrislly; then,
seeing Shells involuntary start of sur
prise, he adds, II should have been
very pleased to take them had been
going that way"
Shell still stares at him in open
eyed amazement.
II thought you were going to spend
the summer at Oakmoor?" she falters;
and then faint smile Fuckers up her
mouth-she cannot help feeling anus
ed at the unexpected turn events are
taking.
Yes; true-I had intended to do SO"
answers Robert Champley in slow
thoughtful voice, "but have changed
my mind The children seem so thor
oughly happy at the farm that
thought I would take advantage of
their being there to take short run
on the continent. Your sister, Miss
Widen, has been, as usual, particu-
iarly kind-she has offered to keep all
eye on the little ones-so feel that
they are perfectly safe" He finishes
his statement with deep-drawn sigh;
and She'll bushes crimson in the gath
ering twilight as she realizes the fact
that he has been driven abroad by Ru-
by's pertinacity.
Would they not have been safer at
Champley House with Mrs. Tolley to
look after them?" ventures Shell du-
biously.
Again the father signs.
II think the air up there is good for
Meg" he answers, drawing his hand
slowly across his brow; "the child has
not been herself of late-even Rob has
turned listless with the heat; but
don't doubt 1 shall find them strong
enough on my return-the Oakmoor
air Is better than any medicine"
And yet you are running away from
IT," laughs Shell mischievously.
ga week of it seemed enough for
Ted" explains Mr.. Champley, throw
ing the onus Of his departure on his
brothers. innocent shoulders. I'VE
thought we should have time for rush
through Switzerland before the long
vacation. Ted has never been to Swift
Ierland."
81 hope you both will enjoy it." re-
marks Shell tamely.
Then there ensues an awkward
pause-neither guest nor hostess seems
to have any further remark to make
till Robert Champley's eyes. travelling
round the room in search Of an OBJ
ject. light upon the piano.
"You were discoursing very sweet
music when broke in upon your soli-
tude," he says, with quick smile.
Yes, I was making as much noise
as possible to. drown my feeling Of
loneliness" laughs Shell.
Perhaps 1t was indiscreet Of me. but
I listened to your music for fully ten
minutes before knocking at the door.
p am particularly partial to good mu-
nc. and It Is not often that get a
sehaneA ~ liafanin1 m anv M well