Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1903-12-07
GRAUSTARK !
80. By -.
GEORGE BARR MCUTCHT0N !
Copyright. 1901. bp Herbert s. Stone 4

try. Perhaps I may return some day.
But go not let us detain you II you are
ia hurry"
He started. looked guilty, stammered
something about baggage. said he
would return In moment, and rushed
aimlcss,y away. his ears fiery.
I'm an kinds OF fool" he NUT
tered rs ne raced around the baggage
room and then back to where he had
left the two ladies. Mr.. Guggenslocker
had joined them, and they were prepar-
ing to depart. Miss Guggenslocker's
face expressed pleasure at seeing him.
1--WE thought you would never retur-.
so long were you gone" she cried gay
~. lie had been gone just two min
utcs 10y the watch. The old gentleman
greeted him warmly, and Lorry asked
them TO what hotel they were going.
On being Informed that they expected
TO spend the day at the Ebbitt he vol
untecred 20 accompany them, saying
that he intended to breakfast ther'.
quicker than flash a glance Hnfath-
enable as IL was brief passed between
the three, not quickly enough, however,
10 escape his keen. watchful eyes, OH
the alert since the beginning of his ac-
quaintance with them, i'm conjunction
with his ears. 10 catch something that
might satisfy in measure his burning
curiosity. What was the meaning Of
that glance? 1t half angered him, for
I'm IL he thought he could distinguish
annoyance, apprehension, dismay or
something equally disquieting. Before
he could stiffen his long frame and
give vent TO the dignified reconsidera-
ton that flew TO his mind the young
lady dispelled all pain and displeasure,
sending him into raptures by saying:
How good Of you! We shall be so
delighted to have you breakfast with
US Mr. Lorry. If it is convenient for
You. You can talk 10 us of your Won
derful city. | am sure we cannot trou-
bile you much longer"
lie eNpOstulated CALAMITY and de-
lightedly and then hurried forth to call
n cab. At = o'clock he breakfasted with
them, his infatuation growing deeper
and stronger MS he sat for the hour be-
meath the spell of those eyes, the glOri-
Gus face, the sweet. imperial air that
was a part of her. strange and unaf-
fected. AS they were leaving the din
ing room lie asked If she would not
drive with him.
His ardent gallantry met with a sur
prising rebuke. Her voice, a moment
ago sweet and affable. changed it's
tone instantly to one so proud and ar
rogant that he could scarcely believe
his ears.
Il shall be engaged during the entire
day, Mr.. Lorry," she said slowly, look
ing him fairly in the eyes with cruel
positiveness. For moment he dared
not speak.
II have reason TO feel thankful that
you are TO be engaged" he said at last
calmly. without taking his eyes from
hers. II am forced to believe, much to
my regret, that have offended when
intended to please. You will pardon
my temerity."
There was no installing the resent
ment i'm his voice or the glitter in his
eyes. Impulsively her little hand was
stretched forth. falling upon his arm,
while into her eyes came again the soft
glow and to her lips the most pathetic.
appealing smile, the forerunner of a
pretty plea FOR forgiveness. The change
startled and puzzled him more than
ever In one moment she was unrea-
sonably rude and imperious. in the
next gracious and imploring.
Forgive me-" she cried, the blue
eyes battling bravely against the steel
in the gray ones above. Il was so
unCivil. Perhaps | cannot make you
understand why | spoke as did. but.
let me say. | richly deserved the re-
buke. Pray forgive me and forget that
l have been disagreeable. Do not ask
me TO tell you why was so rude to
you just now. but overlook my unkind
treatment of your invitation. Please,
Mr.. L0rry, beg of you'll beg for the
first time in my life. You have been
so good TO me. be good to me still"
His wrath melted away like snow be-
fore the sunshine. How could he resist
such an appeal? Il beg for the first
time In my life" whirled in his brain.
What did she mean by that?
Il absolve the penitent." he said
EraVely.
IL thank you. You are still my ideal
Neutrality-suspicious.. bold and gentle
do not wonder that Americans can be
masterful men. And now | thank yOU
for your invitation and ask you TO LET
me withdraw my implied refusal. II
you will take me for the drive shall
be delighted and more than grateful
You make me happy again." he sale
softly, as they drew near the eide
members OF the party. who had paused
20 wait for them. II shall ask your un
Gle and aunt to accompany us"
Uncle Caspar will be busy all day
but am sure my aunt will be charmed
Aunt Ivonne. Mr.. Lorry has asked u
TO drive with him over the city. and
have accepted for you. When are W,
o. start. Mr.. Lorryf'
Mr.. and Mrs. Guggenslocker stare,