Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1897-1902, 1900-04-20

Yes. the memSahib was at home.
he was informed by the durwan-door-
keeper-who hurried to his summons
A gong was banged to announce a
visitor. and thereupon another native.
red-turbaned and white-caftaned, ap-
peared on the threshold and salaamed
Don Gordon through the white vesti-
bule toward a delightful apartment.
which proved to be untenanted. 1t was
a veritable ladys boudoir. furnished
with European taste and Oriental
splerdor combined.
On the walls were dotted valuable
prints in English frames which Don
remembered 10 have adorned Capt.
Derwent's private quarters at home
They had a touch of pathos as seen in
conjunction with the great gilded
pTnkah which hung overhead.
About the room were scattered the
books and thousand ard one knick-
knacks which betrayed that even in
far northeastern India an English lady
must have her drawing-Ioom 1t is
her own especial kingdom. where she
can gather together and enshrine in
constant remembrance al the pretty
trifeS which make up the larger com
forts Of the mother country
Don Gordon. standing in the center
Of tho room for an instant irresoiute
took in all the details al glance. Then
lie walked 10 the large window opening
into a garden. Ii was still light enough
for the lamps to he unit. and the scent
Of the orange blossoms and the tube
roses stole softly in on the air
He was usually se'f-goVerned to a
fault; but the sight Of this English
room had stirred anew deep thoughts
of that distant Scottish home he tod
himself he could never bear to look
upon again.
silk curtain which draped the door
suddenly rustled. and turning quickly.
Don found the girl he had come TO see
advancing TO meet him.
Lille Derwent wore a simple gown OF
washing silk. which came close about
her slender throat; but it was of spot
less white and the fine mold of her
sloping shoulders and rounded arms
showed daZZlingly through It's delicate
texture. and her abundant golden hair
formed cOronet with which no Jewels
could have We'd.
As he looked At her Don felt his
heart stirred with admiration. for she
was q vision of Ioveiinoss of which anv
man might be proud, much more a
would-be lover.
And Lille who shall say what were
her swift thoughts OF the tall. slim
that moment in his kharki uniform.
one hand holding his helmet. the other
resting lightly on tho Hit of his sword.
I he next instant the helmet was lad
on the floor. and he was taking both
her hands and retaining them. with an
unmistakable emotion
Il hope YOU don't mind me coming
so awfully late. Miss Derwent: but
was on duty off and on till mess. and
then some fellows detained me SO long
till had simply to rush away and ride
here pest haste"
She smiled as she seated herself on
a divan and mCtiOned him TO chair
near he
But, indeed. it is not at all late, and
I am very pleased to see You, Capt
Gordon Then she added. with a
spice of her old coquetry: And what
urgent necessity that could not wal,
another day brought YOU here post
haste?"
Don felt his breath cone quicker for
despite those visits and presents o
. fruit and invalid dainties with which
she had honOred him in hospital. ht
was not at all sure how high in be-, es
/ TEEN he had reached.
! 81 fear | made il a point of nnces
/ sity." he answered bluntly: hut hat
| letter from home today. Miss Der
went, and--and the fact is | couldn
| sleep TIL I'd had five minutes private
/ conversation with you. You won't re
fuse me it," he broke Off with loo.
in his dark eyes she could not mistake
She flushed and looked dawn befor,
that ardent gaze.
Mrs. Franklin is always engaged
with Cecil and his ayah just now" sh'
said softly. We shan not be dis
| turbed."
Don rose and drew his chair noarp
hers; but the tete-a-tete was disturbe:
in very commonplace way neithe
had thought Of at that tense moment
Darkness had suddenly set in. TO
there is no twilight in India. 4 serv
ant was noiseiessly lighting the lamps
and the huge punkah had begun L
swing To and fro overhead to tempe
the added heat.
1t was when tea and coffee wore he
ing served Lille broke the somewha
awkward since which had fallen upol
her visitor and herself by saying soft
voce:
II think one thing that makes on
appreciate Indian life is to have one
comforts attended to as these native
do it. Really, We cannot rely upol
such faithful service from our owl
countrymen.'
1t was the keynote for Don's wait
ing eloquenoe.
That's rather rough on prescn
company. is II not?" be objected. "YO
know. or you ought to know Miss Der
!. went, am ready to serve you any
where In the wide world"
: She blushed crimson.
} "Oh. but you miscOnstrue my mean
ing altogether. Capt. Gordon. wa
| only talking Of hired service. not
She stopped in some confusion an