The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-11-09

husband joyially Don't crush the poor
worm he's only telling the truth.
Miss Claxton arrived at this juncture,
late. as usual She looked unusually prctt y
IN crisp white shirt waist The color
| famed in her cheeks. there was a dampness
around the roots Of her hair. and she had
the unnamable freshness which comes
with the morning plunge.
| kerwin stared at her and she smiled
as she took her place beside him.
Don't l look nioe?' she asked in her
most irritating manner.
As nice a. usual, he responded calmly
You're going TO comb your hair after
| breakfast, aren't your
Il comb IL Saturdays, she replied coolly,
'and this IL only Thursday. You must
possess your soul In patience till then"
Jimmy Clax,on, at the head Of the table,
was enjoying himself hugely, but his wife
was pla inly frightened, and he winked at her
reassuringly.
Jean was talking with Miss Jenries in a
low tone
| ITS bad menners TO whisper at the table,
volunteered Re ginald
| Miss Griffin flushed, but made no other
sign Of having heard him,
| Helen helped herself toe large and lus-
cious looking banana, then moved the dish
Want onep" she asked. taking the first
delicious bite.
| NO, thank you" he answered coldly.
| Don't you honor bananas with yourdis-
tinguished APPROVAL" she inquired. lightly.
Not since l went through the Italian
ripen en-" he answered. -They-ouch!
| There's no need for you to walk on my FOOT
Miss JefYries who had the skin Of banana
on her plate asked to be excused, and
somewhat hastily left the room.
| kerwin disappeared Immediately after
breakfast. coming in a little later in his
macintosh and brandishing an umbrella
! I'm going TO swim down 10 the village
after the mail, he announced. Any Of
you want anything"
Don't you want the trap. old mans-
asked Claxton. kindly. Its quite swim
| down there"
No. thank you." returned Kerwin,
shortly Il could overtske that old plug
| of yours in a walk any day"
For the first time Jimmy Claxton was irri-
tated His thoroughbred chestnut mare
was the pride of his heart, even though she
| had never won race nor taken prize at the
horse show.
The shaft struck Helen even more keenly
FOR she had high-spirited womans love
| for a beautiful horse. and spent many
an hour in the trap behind Juno, watching
the glossy coat CULVER with the Joy Of liv-
ing, and her heart beating quickly In re-
| sponse to the sharp clatter OF the mares
| little feet upon the broad highways Of
Can ! do anything for you. Helen'-
| inquired kerwn
Miss Claxton,' If you please she
commanded. Il want nothing that you
| can give me Nothing" she repeated,
| with emphasis, and founced out Of the
room.
After obtaining various small commits
sions from the others, Kerwin sailed out
into the rain. biting his lips to conceal
| smile.
| eagerly when he returned. He was laden
with parcels which he distributed with
| aggravating leisure
Roses for you, Mrs. Claxton,' no said
carnations for you, Miss Griffin, a book
! for you. Miss Jeffries; another for you
Miss Sprague; a magazine for Miss Warner
| and sweets for the rest Of you.
, He placed bundle Of letters and papers
| Of the table
I'm take the rest ppstairs,' he said,
NO letter for me- sighed Helen as she
sorted the mail.
Never mind" said one Of the other
girls. soothingy. What did you get out
| Of the lottery?'
Her color rose high. but she did no,
temporize.
Nothing" she answered bravely.
Luncheon was very dismal affair
| Seemingly by common consent, no one
| took any particular notice OF kerwin,
/ though he came into the conversat ion
bri-kIy whenever il was possible. and
| Cla1ton, mindful of the duties of hosp
| talty, endeavored TO be amiabe
During the afternoon a servant brought
| Helen a letter and note, which -he opened
| first. Ii read a. follows
| MIR. kerWin presents his compliments
| to Miss Claxton and also the accompany
| ing letter, which came in the morning
post While he IL mindful Of the fact that
| she does not want anything which he can
| Civ. her, and while he wishes above all
| things to please her. he does not feel just
fed in further delaying the United States
mail"
| The letter was of a disturbing nature
and his note did not mitigate II in any
| degree Helen. never very submissive
to circumstances, lost her temper and
| went TO her own room To- have II out with
herself, In the hall, she encountered
| kerwin,
-Whither away, fair maid9" he asked
pleasantly.
She passed him. as IL she were totally
unconscious of his presence
| The cut direct " he unused. az he ~ God
| at the hall window, looking out into the
rain. If l mistake mo not. the gaf stick
| Late in the afternoon a. he was read
| ing in the library, she came in and closed
| the door.
-Cornered!" he said to himself 'Therem
be something doing presently, ! think
| He Appeared TO he deeply Interested
| in his book She waited tor moment,
| then spoke to him
apparent surprise. Il didn't mean.
| how long have you been hcre?"
Not over an hour, lhope don't disturb
you"
| Not at all IL there any book you would
particularly like; If there is I'll get it
for you
| From wherc? From my brothers
| library or the public library?"
| I'D rather get 1t from your brother 5
library" he answ cred ignoring the thrust O..
| Its more convenient, and, besides public
| library books have germs in EN-.
| Il don't want any DOOk-ld rather talk,
/ Il wouldnt--l'd like To read, If you don't
mind"
| Don't be mean, Rcggy," she returned
| sweetly. Il want To ask YOU abOu, things.
When she spoke in that particular tone
| he was AZ wax in her hands
Hurry mp. then, he said, with assumed
| haste, az he laid his book aside
| Helen sat down and toyed with the paper
| knife. The sunless afternoon was shading
| into night, but the last light lay lovingly on
her face.
| -What do you know about Jack Town
| sendf" she asked.