Waterbury Democrat., 1902-07-02
Gricyc, BiSSct X Holland
MflY7e flushed at the mere thought o1

was tempted to remain where she was, but Miss Lester's influence made itself felt. She did not formulate it, but she felt unconsciously that since her kind teacher had done so much for her, it was only right she should make some use of what had been so generously given her. And so, despite the remon- strances of the others, she left the game and returned to the house. Very timidly she made known her er- rand to Mrs. Hancock, who smiled a kind approval upon her, as she thanked her, and told her that the children had run away, thinking the game was given up, but would probably soon return. Tn the meantime would not Millie play one of her pieces? Mrs. Hancock asked. There were several people in the drawing-room, among them a gentle man whose appearance had created some excitement from it's being so un- expected.
 MT. Darrah was an old friend of the Hancocks' but it was several years since they had seen him, owing to his long absence abroad. He happened to be travelling through their part of the country, and finding that he should be obliged to pass the night at Eastern Junction, only ten miles distant from l Hardwick, he had hiTAd a horse and carriage and driven over to call upon | his friends.
 They were delighted to see him, and l hospitably urged him to spend the night. He declined the invitation, how l ever, as he wished to take the first | 1 41 | tion, and so must drive back that eyen- ing. l They assured him that he could not escape dining with them, as they had postponed their dinner until eight o'clock on account of the children's party. He expressed his pleasure at being able to do so, and they were in full tide of earnest conversation when Millie came into the room. | He was in the midst of sentence when his eye fell upon her, and he sud- denly stopped, evidently much im- pressed in some way by her appear ance. He watched her intently while she played, and at the close, when others were applauding her for hay ing done so remarkably well, he went over to the piano and began to talk to her.
 | Mrs. Hancock, seeing his interest in the child, proposed to Millie that she l should take him to the refreshment tent for an ice. The arrangement was most agreeable to both of her guests, who were soon on such friendly terms that the gentleman went so far as to admire his companions dress. .If you can buy such pretty things in Hardwick," said he, 'I shall advise my lady friends to come here to do their spring shopping
 'T guess you were never in our Hard wick stores,'' answered Millie, laugh ing merrily at the idea. s'No, indeed, this dress came from Paris!" and not without pride, she glanced at her com panion to observe the effect she was producing by her surprising state Inent.
 He looked as startled as she could have wished.
 ''Is that where you do your shop ping he inquired, smiling, though his voice had a curious sharp ring.
 '.Oh, no, of course not, I never was there. My music teacher gave me this"
 ''And her name ?' he asked, breath less1y.
 Miss Lester," said Millie. He drew sharp breath. Miss Mar garet Lester?" he demanded.
 "Yes, that is her name,'' replied Mil lie, surprised in her turn at his excite ment.
 And she is not married ?" continued MT. Darrah.
 s'No, indeed. She is all alone. Her mother died last year, and she is very sad and lonely"
 s'Where does she live?'' he asked, ab- ruptly. 'sNot in this town?"
 "Yes, just below here,' Millie replied, ssyou can see the house from here; that yellow one with the cupola, pointing it out.
 Thank you very much," said her strange companion, and in a moment he was outside the grounds, hurrying down the street.
 Dinner was over, and the evening passed, and still nothing was seen of MT. Darrah. The clock had struck Ii; the coachman had come in to inquire if he should put the gentleman's horse up for the night, and the family were debating as to the advisability of re- tiring, when the culprit appeared, breathless and heated as though from hurrying.
 When he could speak he began his apologies. He was assured that he could be pardoned on only one condi- tion; that he make full and free ex- | !, 4ir,l llo1,
 He agreed that his rudeness demand ed it, and, not without confusion, re- lated his story.
 Three years before, while living in Paris, where his business interests de- manded his presence. be had met Miss