Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-02-05

about the house or on the Iarm. Wild
her sleeves rolled up. wearing her nat.
ural expression Of busy interest about
household trifes. Mason would have
passed no other comment on her than
would be expressed in the remark that
she was fine girl.
AS 1t was, however, she had for him
all the interest of beautiful woman
met under romantic and singular cir
cumstanoes. He was interested in
her, touched by her evident concern
on his account
Where have you come fromr' she
asked shortly. mot WalesY'
II come from London"
"Ah! That was where your brother
came from"
You saw hIm?" asked Mason ca.
gerly.
She threw at him a frightened
glance, which woke his interest anew.
NO"
"But you heard Of his comingr' pur-
sued he quickly.
Again. to his impatience and disgust,
he saw In this charming, attractive
girl the same ugly reticence which had
characterized Coch Tails every men,
tion of his brother.
II heard Of clergyman's coming to
see the ruins" she answered stifay, as
II measuring out her words.
And as she spoke she settled herself
down among her pillows and closed
her eyes as II the exertion Of sitting
up had tired her. But he knew that
this fatigue was only assumed, and he
asked her another question in low
voice earnestly. They were alone to-
gether for the first time; the grand
mother. whose presence acted like an
evil spell upon Mason. was for once
out Of the way. Such an opportunity
was not to be lightly missed.
IF you know anything. tell me-" said
he imploringly in voice which shook
with the emotion he felt. Nobody
will tell me anything. But ! must
know"
How paltry her excuse Of apparent
fatigue was became In an instant
abundantly evident. She flashed her
great eyes at him and repeated quickly
In the low voice she had used all the
time:
Must know! What do you mean by
that? Is 1t a threatT
"No." answered he passionately. 1T
is-an entreaty."
There was silence. She closed her
eyes again, and presently he saw roll
ing from under her eyelids two tears,
which slowly trickled down to her
pillow. Mason bit his lip. he felt
that he was a brute to disturb her at
such a time. and yet he knew that the
agitation from which she was suffer-
ing could hardly be increased by any
thing he could say.
Again there was silence. The big
snowfiakes nuttered steadily past the
window. darkening 1t as they fell: the
fire Kissed In the crate. Presently the
girl turned her head.
'"There Is some one at the door,"
said she In whisper. "See who II is."
Mason crossed the floor very quick
ly, threw open the door and discover
ed Coch Tai standing close behind.
The peasants face wore an ugly.
threatening look as he met the eyes
Of the doctor.
$50 you're not going, sir. after all?"
said he In strongly ironical tone.
"Im going the moment can do So"
returned Mason. AT present I'm told
It is impossible to leave the house."
impossible! Yes. especially for
them as aren't In the mood to Co."
retorted Coch Tai fiercely.
Mason, afraid that the mans angry
and aggressive tones would reach
Gwyn's ears and alarm her. closed the
door Of the room. shutting himself and
his companion out.
"Do you doubt that l want to get
away" asked he quietly.
doubt It? Yes, do. doubt
your wanting to get away from herr
And he jerked his head violently In
the direction Of the room where the
sick girl was lying.
Jealous" thought Mason, with his
eyes suddenly opened.
And at once he set about allaying the
excited lovers fears.
81 should certainly not have cared to
20 or have been willing to go while my
patient was In any DANGER" he answer
ed in solemn, professional tones, "but l
am happy to say there Is nothing more
to fear. Pneumonia Is an illness which
leaves one in doubt when the crisis Ia
past. She Is mcnding rapidly and now
only wants ordinary care. not skilled
attendance. Now, are you satisfied"
Apparently Coch Tai was not. In
the dim light Of the stairhead, where
there was scarcely room for them to
stand without touching each other. he
went on staring scrutinizingly In the
face Of the doctor.
"Are you a married man, sirT he
asked ut Mst, abruptly enough.
"No. not yet, but I hope to be one
soon," answered Mason, with smile.
YOU hope to be married soon? You
are engaged to be married?" went on
the peasant inquisitorially.
"And may venture to inquire what
business it Is of yoursT" said Mason,
not i'll humoredly. but with a strong
sense that the line must be drawn
somewhere between natural interest
and impertinent curiosity.
swell sir. it's tu4t this wsA" rs'