The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

crime with a curious smile, and she con-
tinued to smile after the girl had gone
for her embroidery frame.
Whatever the smile may have meant
it had no effect on Zepherine, for when
ever Darlington came to Shady Dale
which was often, the young woman
promptly disappeared and was seen no
more until after his departure. More
than once he made inquiries about her
and on one occasion he said he wanted
to see her for the purpose of apologizine
for his rudeness.
why. / hope you haven't been rude to
the child Randolph" remarked Sarah
Clopton when he mentioned the matter.
'She thinks that she was rude to YOU"
Well only properly so. 1 was irrita-
ted when she came into that house, but
not for long. l soon found that she knows
more about the treatment of smallpox
| than do. She threw my medicine out of
the window and refused positively to fol-
low my directions; and yet Nan tells Inc
she's the timidest gentlest little thing
in the world. I'm sure | don't understand
her at all" Later when Sarah Clopton
| informed Zepherine that the doctor had
made inquiries for her, she raised her
eyebrows in establishment
For me-" she cried.
Eyes; he said he wanted to apologize, -
| replied the older woman dryly
Apologize to met" exclaimed Zepher =
inc. We'll, poor mani If he knew moth
ing of smallpoX,and know not who should
apologize, he must have a deep trouble
somewhere. l am quite sorrowful for
him. Whereupon Sarah Clopton renewed
the dry smile with which she had regard
ed Zepherine on former occasion. This
time, however. Zepherine saw it, and
seemed to divine its import. "Oh now you
are laughing at me-" she cried, blushing
violently. II am very foolish; 1 cannot
tell why your Doctor Randolph cause me
to be so out of temper all the time, day
and night
why, he's not nearly so important as
| that" replied Sarah Clopton; hes moth
ing but great, big, laundering, good
natured man.
Zepherine tossed her head and her eyes
flashed well, 1 wish L could see some
Of that great good nature" she said
scornfully.
have plenty of opportunities, the older
woman suggested. after while you IL
come to the conclusion that Randolph is
not important enough for you, to jump
up and run away every time you hear
his footstep on the gravel outside. He's
been coming here regularly many years,
but I've never taken the trouble to try
and distinguish his footstep from that
of other people,
ooh, but if you were in my place, :"
said Zepherine, blushing; eff you had
heard him walking as I did, all through
the long night, while Nan was so ill
we'll, I think you would know his step
when you heard it. I know yours, and
know Mans. l don't think it so hard
to know the step of those you-oh, mean
those you like or dislike; do you think
so?'
"No, suppose not" replied Sarah Clop-
ton. -
Zepherine was only too glad of an ex-
cuse to get away from this friend, who
had suddenly developed desire to tease
so she ran off to meet Nan.
AS soon as she saw Zepherine, she
threw up her hands with a shriIl scream
Of delight. She had the most delicious
mystery, and she just knew it would turn
out to be real and truly romance. She
had gone around to Mr.. Valicombes
shop to find out why he didn't come to
Shady Dale any more, and one of the
men there-he had two noW-had told
her that Mr.. Valicombe was not in town
at all; that he had gone to New Or
leans, and that he didn't propose to re-
turn until-at this point she placed both
hands over her mouth and gave Zepher-
inc wild look.
What, then, is the matter with you?
Why do you begin to tell something, and
then pause in that way?' inquired the
thoroughly puzzled Miss Johns.
ooh, / want to tell you, but / mustn't.
Oh, Mr. Sanders would never forgive me.
Indeed he wouldn't; he told me So 1t is
the most perfectly lovely idea 1 ever
heard Of
"But what can it be? is it about me?"
AS she spoke, Miss Johns began to blush
even as she blushed before Sarah Clop-
ton.
Nan paid no attention to the bushes.
She simply placed hand over her mouth
and shook her head. When she did speak.
she pretended to be angry. you know
1 am just dying to tell you. Oh, if you
knew how wild 1 am you wouldn't dare
to ask mel"
Dare? 1t is something terrible, then"