Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-07
CHAPTER xxx.
We Ride After.

Instantly John bade the man dismount,
and with a single pressure of the hand to
me, 1 saw him throw his leg into the sad
die and ride on furiously in the direction of
Castle Cover. 1 stood a while dazed with
the suddenness of the leave-taking 1 knew
that, if the news proved to be true, the fat
would be in the fire indeed.
My father, so 1 found from VIII, who met
me at the door as / was entering, had de-
parted that afternoon soon after 1 had set
out with little Johnny Coulstoun. His de-
clared intention had been to go to Drum
fern in order to arrange for taking US all
thither on the way to the haven of rest he
had been preparing to receive us.
And whom, when did enter, should see
Veronica Caesar. l know that the blood
sprang unbidden into my cheeks as she
rose up with her usual swift impulsiveness
and kissed me. She had been talking to
Kate, who was still busted about her black
dress. And l could see that Veronica had
been helping her, for the skirt had as
sumed quite a different aspect. In fact, it
neared completion.
l do not know what I said or Veronica
either-except that she seemed to be scold-
ing me for being out so late, and | was all
On pins and needles lest Master Johnnys
uncertain tongue should reveal certain
secrets of the fir woods of Cover. But he
did nothing except wipe off Veronicas kiss
in a Disguised manner with his handker-
chief and begin to play obtruslVely with ms
new half-crown.
You small reptile" cried Veronica, you
are decent boy clean spoilt! That's what's
the matter with you. 1t would be telling
you if 1 had you for week over at the
manse with my scamps. l would take
frili or two out Of your tucker, young
man.
well, 90 shsn'tr' said Johnny tranquil
", II don't love 'oo-oos nasty!'
Frank said Vera, laughing. Sweet
child! Speaks SO prettily, too-no wonder
you pet him, Fairie. Well, l know some
body who wouldn't, that's all!'
She regarded him with look Of manifest
disfavor.
"Who gave you that new half-crown,
Johnny Colstoun?' Vera demanded. cycling
it as the owner fitted it alternately into
either eye or held it somewhat perilously
between his teeth.
"Tisn't 'oor bissness! responded Johnny
with simple directness.
Johnny mustn't speak that way to a
LADY, l said, sternly, "or Johnny will be
punished.
He turned upon me quickly.
Does 90 want Lii DZonny to tell the
lady fings?" he asked, quick as the darling
sting of a wasp.
Duty and prudence. discipline and valor's
better part never were in more direct con-
iict. So l said nothing.
"You have had nice walk?" asked Yer
onica, stitching a broad lace collar on
Hates completed dress. | cannot but think
that she had some suspicion or at least
some curiosity as to where l had been. Be
sides, l learned afterward that in my alb
sence Kate had been talking to her about
her husband and Babe Rupert. Yet so
clever was she that from her manner you
would never have suspected that she knew
anything.
20, yes l answered, Johnny and 1
were out on the moor 1t was fine night,
and we came through the wood stopping
once or twice to gather fiowers!'
stopped free times!'' said Johnny, ac-
curately.
Did you bring any flowers back?' said
Kate, lifting her head for the first time
II would like to take them up to Babe Ru-
pert. He likes them. When he is awake he
crows and chuckles over them just wonder
fully He is growing such a clever child,
| and so dear-but, ah-how could he be 9TH
erwise?"
"Ah, how, indeed. sighed Veronica, with
| the least trace of ironc intention.
II will go out and get the flowers" said;
II will take them up to baby myself. l
should like to see him.!
II will tum and help 90 gather taaili!"
said Johnny.
And hoping to cover the verb which he
had used, and fearful of other revelations,
1 took him with me gladly. l went into the
garden and picked what of cornfowers and
bluebells, bell heather and wild thyme
could be found there. Then I went up to
Master Rupert and put the flowers into a
glass by his bedside.
Veronica staid long time after that. but
though was in the room most of the time,
except when l was getting little supper
ready, the name of John Glendonwyn did
not once pass her lips. And Vera is usually
so frank.
But all the time a curious sense of some
thing impending weighed on me, so that L
got hold of VIII, and, after binding him to
secrecy, told him of the sudden illness of
Mr.. Glondonwyn, and that 1 had promised
to marry John.
docs father know" said WILL looking
at me very strangely.
II told him did not know whether he did
or not, adding, however, that John had told
him long ago, when he went to Edinburgh
indeed, that he loved me and meant to ask
me to marry him as soon as he could. Also
that my father sent me this afternoon with
q message to the herds house of Benan-
COVER.
"O!" said Will, thoughtful, then after
pause he added. II think he wants to give
in, and can't bring his pride to let himi'
Which as l now judge was pretty near
the truth.
Yet IL 1t were fact that he had gone