Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-09-12

-CdluG ofCl lhiAd. one
to her feet and left the tears to roll
down her cheeks unattended as she
cried.
What a splendid thing to do! o,
how like Harry! And it's to be set
tied tonight! What can we do to
make it go right?"
81 intend to take no responsibility
at ALL" protested Neeld. I'm here
to speak to the facts if I'm wanted,
but"
90, bother the facts! What are we
to do to make her take it properly"
She gave another sob. 60 I'm an
IDIOT" she cried. Haven't you
anything to suggest, Mr.. Neeld?"
He shrugged his shoulders peevish-
ly. Her spirits fell again.
81 see. Yes, if shelf she doesn't
take it properly he'll go away again,
and Pm to be ready to stay here"
Another change in the barometer
came in flash. But she can't help
being Lady Tristram now
Its all a most unjustifiable pro-
ceeding. He tricks the girl"
Yes. he had to. That was the only
chance. If he'd told her before"
But isn't she in love with him."
30. you don't know the Tristrams!
o, what are we to do?' Save running
through every kind and degree of
emotion, Nina seemed to find nothing
to do.
And Lam bound to say that consid-
er our position most embarrassing"
Mr.. Neeld spoke with some warmth,
with some excuse, too, perhaps. To
welcome a newly married couple
home may be thought always to re-
quire some tact, when it is a toss-up
whether they will not part again for
ever under your very eyes, the stu
alton is not improved.
I'VE must treat it as a mere trifie,"
the Imp announced, fixing on the
thing which above all others she
could net achieve. Yet her manner
was so confident that Neeld gasped.
And if that doesn't do we must tell
her that the happiness of her whole
life depends on what she does to-
night"
Variety of treatment was evidently
not to be lacking.
81 intend to take no responsibility
of any kind. He's got himself into a
scrape. Let him get out Of it," per-
sisted Neeld.
Il thought you were his friend"
81 may be excused if l consider the
lady a little, too"
81 suppose i don't care for Cecily ?
Do you mean that, Mr.. Neeld?"
My dear friend, need we quarrel,
too?
Don't be stupid. Whose quarrel
ing? never knew anybody so use
less as you are. Can't you do any
thing but sit there and talk about re-
sponsibilities?" She was ranging
about again, diminutive tiger of I'M
usually active habits.
She had wandered around the room
again. She burst out, "but it's some
thing to see the end of it."
That was his feeling too, however
he might rebuke himself for it. HUI
man life at first hand had not been
too plentiful with him. The Imp's eX.
element infected him. "And he's
back here after ALL" she cried. cat
least-heavens, they'll be here direct
ly, Mr. Neeld,'
Eyes, it's past Z" said he.
Come into the garden. Wen wait
for them on the bridge" She turned
to him as they passed through the
hall wouldn't you like something
of this. sort to happen to you?" she
asked.
No. He was perturbed enough as
a spectator. He would not have been
himself engaged in the play.
"Why isn't everybody here?" she
demanded,w a laugh that was
again nervous and almost hysterical
why isn't Addie Tristram here? All
and your old Cholderton?"
"Hark. hear wheels on the road,
said Mr.. Neeld.
shall do right" she said, land Harry
shall not 60"
Surely they'll make the best OF
81 can't bear it," whispered Nina.
Hell expect you to be calm and
composed" Neeld reminded her.
Then give me cigaret," she i'm
plored despairingly.
81 am not smoker" said Mr.
Neeld.
90, you really are the very last
man! Well, come on the bridge
groaned Nina.
They waited on the bridge, and the
wheels drew near. They spoke nc
more. They had found nothing to do
They could only wait. A fly came
down the road.
There they sat, side by side. &c.
oily was leaning forward, her eyes
were eager, and there was bright
touch of color on her cheeks; Harry
leaned back, looking at her. not at
Blent. He wore a quiet smile. His
air was very calm. He saw Nina and
Neeld, and waved his hand to them
The fly stopped opposite the bridge
He jumped out and assisted Cecily
to alight. In moment she was in
Mina's arms. The next she recognized
Neeld's presence with little cry OF
surprise. At loss to account for
himself, the old man stood there in
embarrassed Indebtedness.
81 want you to wait, said Harry to
the driver Put up in the stables
and they'll give you something to eat
You must wait until | send you word
Wait? Why is he to wait, Harry
asked Cecily Her tone was gay; she
was oyerfowing with joy and merri-
ment. Who's going away? o, is it
you, Mr.. .Neeld?"
II have trap from Mr.. Iver's, y