The Lamar register., 1903-07-01
CHAPTER XIV.


as she turned to nod farewell over her
shoulder.
Struthers had closed the front door,
and they were descending the steps,
as a stylish dog.cart, drawn by a mag
nifcent looking pair OF bays, clattered
slowly up the street. The flush on
Eleanor's cheeks became deep red.
With a glance she had realized that
tho young man who held the reins was
Owen Page. He was looking inquir-
ingly at the numbers, and now. as he
drew up before the house, he recog-
nized her and sprang down from the
box.
II hope 1 am in time to catch you."
he said, as they shook hands. "Will
you do me the honor of driving with
me? l had come to ask you"
For an instant Eleanor hesitated:
then she said:
Il am very sorry. Mr.. Page. but
have promised to walk with Mr..
Struthers this afternoon. We were
just starting. in fact. as you drove up"
The two men exchanged looks, and
there was an awkward pause. which
was broken by her adding:
Mr.. Struthers. this fs Mr.. Page,
friend of my aunt's and mine"
They bowed.
II regret exceedingly that should
be so unlucky." said owen Page, with
evident chagrin. Il shall hope to be
more fortunate another time"
Il beg that you will not allow me to
interfere with your pleasure, Miss
Baldwin. We can walk another day"
l-. hot
was gentle. but almost sad.
Eleanor looked from one to the
other and, uncomfortable as the situa-
tion was, could not help being struck
by the contrast in their appearance.
Owen Page wore a perfectly fitting,
dark drab coat, adorned by big but
tonhole bouquet. The standing collar
that encased his neck. his closely
cropped whiskers. and short, pointed,
auburn beard and his tan-colored driv-
ing gloves were equally trim, and In
keeping with his well-appointed equip
age, the horses of which were now
held by an irreproachable groom. Be
side him, Mr.. Struthers in nondescript
pepper-and-salt, looked commonplace
and sober.
Again she seemed to hesitate.
II cannot go with you both" she
said, with a smile, "and l think an
engagement is an engagement. Mr..
Page, must ask you to excuse me
this afternoon"
A moment later. Owen Page had
mounted to his seat, and raising his
hat rather gravely. he drove his pair
down the street. Glancing at Struth-
ers, Eleanor observed that he was
standing gazing after him with an
absorbed cir that seemed far from
happy.
Are you ready" she asked. gayly,
opening her parasol.
She was conscious, somehow. of ella
ton.
why did YOU not go with him?" he
asked quietly.
Did you wish me to go with him?"
"I did not wish you to feel bound to
go with me-"
You will have to put up with me
now," she said. with a smile.
81 am afraid you think I am un-
grateful" Then he said with marked
directness: "It would have been
grievous disappointment to me-"
She made a little curtsey.
WHO is that gentleman. Miss Bald
win?'
"Mr. owen Page" Then she added:
81 have seen him quite frequently at
my aunt's and elsewhere. He is very
rich, l believe. and he owns yacht
and a great many horses, and-er-is
much interested in farming"
"Oh,"
The melancholy in Struthers' tone
struck Eleanor. In her reply she had
spoken half ironically, without exact
iy meaning to do so. 1t had suited
her mood, which had become buoyant.
And now her companions mournful
ejaculation seemed to her very funny.
Why should he be mournful? What
was Owen Page to him or he to Owen
Page? II she had forsaken him for
Mr.. Page. there might have been
ground for gloom. but here he was
walking with her as he desired. and
yet his humor had changed in mo-
ment from cheerfulness to detection.
What was the reason?
She was conscious herself of being
in the best of spirits. What a lovely
day it was. and how agreeable the air
with its bracing suggestion of au-
that was denied her, like talking vol
ubly.
"Oh, Mr.. Struthers. Uncle Phin
approves entirely. and he thinks that
he knows of position. In another
month 1 hope to be hard at work. We
had Just finished talking about it when
you came in"
At her words. Struthers seemed to
start as one awakened from maze.
II congratulate you he said
But you do not approve?"
"On the contrary, l do. heartily.
There was so little enthusiasm in
your tone that was doubtful"
Can you expect me to be enthusi-
astic that you are going away
That was very prettily said, Mr..
Struthers."
"Prettily said? I am not man to
make pretty speeches. Miss BALDWIN.
l am very much in earnest. / He
etonDad short in his eager delivery,