Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-02-19

for the hand of the coloncl's eldest
daughter, Caroline, and Capt. Charles
Wrinkle, who owned n fine plantation
five miles beyond the mountain and
was believed TO be an admircr of the
young Gebutante.
Ronald was longing to see Evelyn
again, but he met the two sisters and
their escorts sooner than he desired.
lie had taken his books and fishing
tackle to shady nook on the river
bank and was just getting settled
when he heard merry laughter in the
wood between the river and the road
aLd q moment later the two couples
emerged from the tangle of cane, vines
and foliage 1nstinctivcly Ronald drew
his -brimmed straw hat down over
his eyes, and Evelyn did not recog-
n!ze him for moment. lie had re-
solved that he should never speak to
Der again unless she showed a dispo-
sition to renew their informal ac-
qualItance, and he was averse to Put
ting her TO the test before the 9th
ers. But Capt. Wrinkle knew by sight
Che did not bother himself with their
hamcs) nearly all of what he .iocuarly
termed 1.-THE white trash" of that sec
ton. and he usually addressed them
without ceremony or courtesy. For a
moment he paused watching Ronald's
line, and then he asked:
Are they biting, my mani"
Ronald felt the hot blood Of anger
rush to his face and his fingers tight
ened on his rod. II was on his tongue
to retort sharply, but Evelyns pres
ence helped him control his temper.
lie made no reply. Capt. Wrinkle curled
his mustache with his white fingers;
he thought the fisherman had not heard
his question.
Il see you have some bait, my good
fellow lie said in a louder tone will
You let me have some of your crckets?
the boy has not come with ours" and
the captain tossed a silver coin on the
grass near Ronald. There was a pause,
Ronald was conscious that Evelyn and
Mr.. Hardy had moved on and that Miss
Caroline was waiting for Wrinkle. Then
our hero picked up the piece Of silver
and tossed it into the stream. at the
same moment he dotted his hat and
lifted his basket of criclets.
You are welcome to them" he said.
81 should hate to see ladies lose their
sport
"Oh, no, Capt. Winkle!" objected Miss
CaroliSc, do not mind them; we are
very much obliged, hear the boy com
ing now"
As she turned away and the captain
was following her he looked back and
said with a sncer
II think. Miss llasbrookc, that we'd
better 90 further down the stream;
he'll be diving for that money and will
brighten all the fish"
Ronald's ear had never been so acnte;
he heard Caroline IIasbrooke's low.
guarded voice above the rustlinc of the
leaves against her stiff duck skirt.
lou ought not 10 have noticed him."
She said; that's one of old man Fan
shaw's sons: he has taken up the study
of law, and it seems to have given him
the big head"
you don't tell me- laughed the cap
tain. "law, haw."
linen me negro boy, carrying has
ket or cTlckets, passed at the top of his
speed. Ronald baited his hook and
hung the line into the stream; his
hands were quiyering; he was almost
beside himself with rage. The drone
of voices told him that the fishing party
mao paused about forty yards away. The
rejection of the sunlight on the face
: 10
OF the water was maddening. This,
'heh' was ms long dreamed of meeting
win Evelyn; she would hear her Sis
Ter account OF what had taken place
after she had moved on. Half an hour
passed; fish ribbled at his bait, taking
ms Inc round in circle, but he did
not notice 1t. Suddenly there was a
IlSht step or the grass near him. il was
ENeIyn liashrooke ard she came to him
WIN Land outstretched.
on must pardon me-. Mr. Fanshaw,"
she battered. i did not recognize you
under that big hat. did no, know II
WAS YOU till sister mentioned it lust
now"
lie stood up, dropping his hat on the
ground.
Il really did not presume that Won
would care too renew our slight nc- |
quaintance," lie stAmmered, red in the
face.
a palnod expression passed over her
e.