The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1901-12-27

| practical, clever, athletic korsewomen,
this free, honest, open, fearless, mas
culine woman, as she loved to think
herself-sat there with her hand In his,
listening to his honeyed words, ana
answering them now and then In
whispers, and feeling too happy Tor
words.
There was a public footpath through
| the abbey in those days, and when
Jack Meadows years before had tried
to make love to her, Mary had been
very quick with excuses for not loiter-
ing, lest people passing to and fro
should think 1t odd.
But with Dick Parker she thought
| of nothing or Of nobody"
They got up from her favorite seat.
and walked along the chancel and In
to the chapter house, and away into
the meadows, Mary telling Dick now
and then some pieces of interesting
history connected with the ruins; he
responding with accounts of the gaye-
ties of London.
The sun was setting when they stood
by the river at the spot where Dick
had beeen flashing the quiet waters. He
picked up his creel out of the grass.
There was a brace of fine trout In 1t,
a tribute rather to the river than to
the skill of the angler. Dick packed
up his tackle, slung the creel over his
shoulder, and fisherman and maiden
wandered homewards through the
fields.
The shadows fell soft and still about
them as they crossed the bridge and
entered the roadway opposite the inn.
Already the binds were drawn, and
the warm light from the autumn fires
made a beacon of the house for trav-
elers in the coming darkness. Mr..
TAYLOR and his friend, Wilson, were
in the bar, and so was Squire Belling-
ham.
"Ah!" said old Morley, when Dick
with a laugh exhibited the results OF
his days sport, you should get Jack
Meadows to show you the way; or
even our man Tom. I've known Tom
to whip out the brace of three and
four Founders many time before
breakfast"
I'm not much of fisherman" said
Dick, land I've been fishing part or
the day in the abbey, talking of the
days of monks and nuns, and ancient
almoners, and the like, with our fair
hostess"
81 reckon Mary knows every stone,
and corbel, and shaft, and broken
arch, and ivy stem in the place. said
Morley.
But she doesn't honor every one Of
your guests as she has honored this
gentleman, l think" said Bellingham.
1--WE shown many gentleman and
lady over the abbey before today"
said Mary. rather sharply
mo doubt, no doubt; and they were
to be envied their guide" remarked
the Squire, smiling, but looking rather
askance at Parker.
THAT is true" said Parker
"You are remaining in thees parts,
said Bellingham, longer than you in
tended at first?"
mo" said Parker
"There is better fishing farther
north" Bellingham rejoined; but not
so interesting as the abbey"
"Nor the beautiful guide, you were
going to add" said Parker. well, l
agree with you, and, believe me, sir,
for it is the TRUTH have an honest
mans reverence and respect for BOTH
Spoken like man." said Taylor
Mary smiled in friendly way at
Taylor, and left the room. Bellingham
said: II hope So"
"You are my elder in years, possibly
my great superior in wisdom; but l
do not know that age or wisdom give
you the right to hint that am not
speaking the truth" said Parker.
Goodnight" was Bellingham's re-
ply, II see the groom has brought out
my horse. l sleep at Harrogate to-
night; but we shall doubtless meet
again. l meant no offense. Good
night, Morley, good night, all"
Meanwhile, within three days OF
Mary's ramble with Parker in the alb
bey all Kirkstall knew that it was all
over with Jack Meadows chances Of
ever marrying Mary Lockwood.