Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-08-07
! THE NOVELIST u,
I AND AN EPISODE !

were ploddlng along the track tnat leaus
from Cape Spartel to Tangier.
Grierson, the novelist, allowed the reins
to drop round his animals neck and pro-
ceeded to roll cigarette. By his side
rode an upright, elderly man with close
cropped hair and keen face, and the
third member of the party, a young girl
of about 20. was some 80 yards ahead.
at has been first class sort Of day."
observed the elder man. Cecilia and
owe, you debt of gratitude for having
looked after us this week in Tangier."
"The luck has been on my SIDE" re-
turned Grierson, with laugh. You see,
came over here from Gibraltar as a GER
tain young persons society was exercis-
ing a depressing influence on me-"
ibid she bore your" asked Ardell.
'"The reverse. She has charmed me
more than any other girl for longer Pc
Rod than l like to think. The point is
that her parents insist on her having
nothing to do with me, which at least
shows they are not wanting in good
sound common sense"
Ardell laughed and gazed contempla-
lively on the surrounding stretch of coun-
try.
II could put in another month here
well, Dut L III dlFdlu IL WOuiu udiuiy suit
Celia" he said, with nod toward the
trim figure riding in front of them.
as she in a huge hurry to see Eng
landY asked Grierson. He knew little
of his companions history. He was
wealthy Australian sheep farmer who
had lately sold his run and determined
ON visit to England.
mot so much that, but eagerness to
meet the man."
| The novelist opened his eyes.
"Oh, is she in love too?" he said, with
sigh.
Eyes; l had young Engishman on
| the farm as manager. He was with us
about five years, decent sort of fellow,
a gentleman by birth. You meet a good
many of that sort up and down the runs
| in the BUSH" said Ardell. Eventually
| he fell in love with Celia and asked my
consent l liked the chap and gave it.
| Then one day there came letter telling
him there had been a big snap in his fam
| lily chain and that he had stepped into
an estate and money in England"
81 know nodded the novelist. I've
used him in a good many of my books.
| So he went. and you are following?" he
| added, with a smile.
"Yes; he said he would return and
fetch Celia when things were settled up
bit. But shortly after he had gone
suddenly took it into my head that l had
done about enough work for one mans
life. so sold the farm and brought the girl
away on this trip" Ardel laughed. It'll
be somewhat of a surprise to him. You
see, there wasn't time to write, so he
| doesn't know we're coming"
| Presently Grierson urged his mule into
| al InI in, I'M
level with Celia.
Il thought I'd just like to congratulate
you," he began.
A touch Of color flew to the girls
cheeks, and her eyes glistened. She made
wonderfully pretty picture, he thought.
care you interested in love affairs p
she asked. with smile.
My dear young lady. I've been vainly
| trying to invent a new one ever since
first began to write." he exclaimed. Then
his tone changed "Now, please tell me
| all about him-is he as near perfection
as a mere man can be-!
II don't know about Archie being
that" she answered. with laugh. but
he is the man | love. and nothing else
matters much, does it?'
absolutely nothing. But l wish your
opinion was more universal" he added.
with a sigh, as he thought of the young
person in the party he had left at Gil
braltar.
An idea seemed to strike him. for a
quick light came into his eyes.
Docs Archie'- he began. then paused.
"By the way. l hardly like referring to
him as Archie. 1t seems so horribly
familiar. What is his other name"
"Trevor-Archibald Errington Trevor"
she said, with laugh.
1--WE been trying to get alongside of
you for five minutes" cried Mr.. Ardell's
voice from behind. "Do, for goodness
sake, rein in your thoroughbred for a
moment, Celia"
The girl, with laugh, turned round to
him and waited. Grierson rode on and
kept little ahead of the others for the
rest of the>way. His face was unusually
grave, and he seemed buried in thought.
They reached the town, and. wishing
to do some shopping he separated from
his companions. When at length he also
arrived at the hotel. he caught sight of a
tall, good looking young man standing in
the hail. He was chatting to girl at
his side. Grierson gave start. then hur-
ried toward them.
."This is very absurd" he exclaimed
as he shook hands with the girl. Il left
4 you to go on to Seville and Madrid, not
to follow me here"
Lady Constance laughed.
1--WE started; but father was so terribly
anxious to get glimpse of Morocco that
at length we had to give in-so here we
are"
She moved toward the staircase.
"Mother was little upset with the
crossing. / am just going to see how she
is getting along: then l will return" she
said, with little smiling nod Of fare
well.
Grierson watched her disappear. turn
, ed to the young man and, linking his arm
within his, drew him to an alcove in
which there was seat.
''You know, it's really too bad Of you to
bother me in this way" he said reproach-
fully. "But there's no alternative. l feel
bound to tell you what an awful scoun-
, drel think you'll"
His companion looked at him in won.
| der