The times., 1900-12-30

know of my coming. He was absent see
ing to the shipping of some tobacco. when
he sent a message back that guest was
expected. But had thought to come TO
| the dance tonight; therefore, l thought
to use the carriage as far as the inn,
| and TO come on in the chaise, with no in
| convenience"
Truly, another than I might have mis-
construed it," / said, 'for 'tis only the
| commonplace that are in no danger OF
misconstruction."
/ straight and fine line of nose as Mistress
Truxall looked out the other window.
I'VE will say no more on the subject.
SIR she said'haughtily; ''it was not my
wish to wait fer the return of my own
carriagei"
Dear lady no further word of mine
shall offend you!" said; but pardon me
this much understanding of the case: ],
too. would be spared ten-miie drive
alone with Dick Daggart. For l could not
help hearing that twas he you would
avoid!''
"Ah, you know him." she breathed, for
getful of all else, as she turned quickly,
the eagerness of her tone uncomfortable;
I have met no one yet who knows him.
lie has but just arrived, believe"
Not so well but might know him bet
ter, yet well enough for my own pleasure, -
said l. She leaned back with little sigh.
Then presently she said again: 81 would
ask favor Mr.. Eversham, 10 add to the
debt already owe" Now, the exceeding
| sweetness of her voice should have warned
me, but it did not ut is that you shall
ride within all the way to Kings Manor,
and not only for a short distance" Z"
| Straightway, 1 vowed that nothing short
of her own command should drive me out,
but no sooner were the words uttered than
my lady's sweet mood vanished as by mag
ic, and in a twinkling she was in command,
| how, l do not know, but then and there
began so strategic a punishment for my
| presumption in lifting her to her coach,
| that / felt like a hobbledohoy numbering
after will -the-wisp. l perceived her
! bent. but was unable to eyade her subtle
| ty, for every uttered word seemingly gave
offence to Mistress Julia Truxall, until,
had she not had my word, had gladly left
| the coach and ridden outside, ay, and have
taken the wetting, as l grew the more
awkward in my own sight, being ridiculous
| in hers. Yet so did she preserve her high
and mighty lady-like manner that l could
! not cavil openly, but set my wits to work
TO conceive some way by which to regain
footing at least in my own respect.
When we reached the shining lights Of
Kings Manor, and the doors opened above
with a flood of light, the snow was deep
from the coach TO the step, but dared not
offer to again protect those buckled shoes,
ana she sprang from the coach and cour-
| tested, saying;
''I thank you, Mr.. Eversham, and fear
| that Mr.. Ferris would take it i'll OF me-
did not ask you in to the fire. VIII
you not come in?" but thanked her, and
re-entered the coach, as she was swept
! into the house to the far-away tune OF
welcoming voices and laughter.
When the horses heads were turned
! back to the inn, for my destination lay in
different direction from that of King s
Manor, an impulse assailed me, one OF
| those small whisperings of fate, which
| may be the forerunners OF destiny. 1t
was to see Mistress JULIA Truxall again
that very night Being of hot-headed
race, did not stop to argue with self,
there being no good reason for so doing.
Besides, nov g out of the reach of
her wit, ,eeedingly bold, and able
! to pay bac> uncomfortable hour she
had made me spend in the coach. Why
should not l, too, go to the ball at King
Manor? Not as an unyelcome guest, for
| carried letters of introduction to Mr.,
Ferris from friends of whom | knew he
would rejoice TO hear. Therefore, /
| called to the driver that his pay should
be doubled did he lessen by half the time
! back to the inn, for at the inn, be 1t
known, waited my man with luggage and
such parapherIalia necessary to make
presentable gentleman who would go
| to a dance for the purpose OF meeting
that most uncommon fair mixture OF frost
and hame-Mistress JULIA Truxall.
OIce at the inn, my man was despatch
ed on horseback to my first-expected des-
| tination to explain that should not ar
| rive until early morning, and afterward /
returned to Kings Manor, while the
dance was at its height, and was most
warmly welcomed by Mr.. Ferris. i did
not tell him that ! had driven thither