Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-10-15

ging. tie mad had numerous assur-
ances OF Dolly's constancy, but her
eyes had been opened to the serious
ness of offending Colonel Barclay. She
now knew that her marriage against
his will would cause her immediate
disnhcritance, and she was too sensi-
BILE a girl to want to go to Alan with
out a dollar and with the doors of her
home closed against her. Besides, she
believed in Alan's future. She some
how had more faith in the railroad
than any other interested person. She
knew, too. that she was now more
closely watched than formerly. She
had. with firm finality refused Frank
Hilhouse's offer of marriage, and that
had not helped her case in the eyes of
her cXaspcrated parent. Her mother
occupied neutral ground. She had a
vague liking for Alan Bishop and, If
the whole truth must be told, was
rather enjoying the situation.
ON Christmas eve Adele was expect
ed home from Atlanta, and Alan had
come in town to meet her. AS it hap
pencd, an accident delayed her train
so that il would not reach barley I'M
til 10 o'clock at night instead Of 6 in
the evening so there was nothing for
her brother to do but arrange for their
staying that night at the Johnston
House. Somewhat to Alan's surprise,
who had never discovered the close
friendship and constant correspond
ence existing between Miller and his
sister, the former announced that he
was going to spend the night at the
hotel and drive out to the farm with
them the next morning. OF course it
was agreeable, Alan reflected, but it
was strange thing for Miller to pro-
pose.
From the long veranda of the hotel
after supper that evening the two
friends witnessed the crude display of
holiday fireworks in the street below.
Half a dozen big bonfres made of dry
goods boxes, kerosene and tar barrels
and refuse of all kinds were blazing
along the main street. Directly oppo-
site the hotel the only confectionery
and toy store in the place was crowded
to overlooking by eager customers,
and in front of it the purchasers Of
fireworks We're letting them off for the
benefit of the bystanders. Firecrack-
els were exploded by the package, and
every now and then a clerk in some
store would come to the front door and
fire off a gun or a revolver.
All this noise and illumination was
Mt its height when Adele's train drew
up in the car shed. The bonfres near
at hand made it as light as day, and
she had no trouble recognizing the two
friends.
"Oh, what an awful racket" she ex-
claimed as she released herself from
Alan's embrace and gave her hand to
Miller.
Its in your honor" Miller laughed
MS. to Alans vast establishment, he held
On to her hand longer than seemed
right. I'VE ought to have had the
brass band out"
"Oh, I'm so glad to get home" said
Adele, laying her hand on Miller's eX
tended arm. Then she released it tc
give Alan her trunk checks. Get them
DTOIDtr she SaIu. MI. Miller VIII
take care of one. l suppose you are MOI
going to drive home tonight"
"Not if you are tired said Miller II
tone Alan had never heard his frienC
use to any woman. nor had he eve
seen such an expression on Miller
face as lay there while the lawyer
eyes were feastng themselves on tn
girls beauty.
Alan hurried away after the trunk
and u porter. He was almost blin'
with rage that was new to him. Wa
Miller deliberately beginning firta
ton with Adele at moments notice
And had she been so spoiled by tn
fast set of Atlanta during her sta
there that she would allow it-eVen
Miller was a friend of the family? Fl
found negro porter near the heap q
luggage that had been hurled from tn
baggage car and ordered his sister
trunks taken to the hotel Then he 70
lowed the couple moodily up to the ht
, tel parlor He was destined to undere
, another shock. for on entering tn;
, room he surprised Miller and Adele c
sofa behind the big square piaI
:, with their heads suspiciously near t
gether. and so deeply were they e.
gagged in conversation that, although |
drew up a chair near them, they pa
= no heed to him further than to rcco
nize his appearance with lifting
their eyes
They We're talking of social affairs
= Atlanta and people whose names we
!, unfamiliar to Alan. He rose and Stot
= before the fireplace, but they did n
notice his change of position. Truly
was maddening, He told himself til
q Adele's pretty face and far too ea
L manner had attracted Mller's attenti,
temporarily, and the fellow was DARN
/ to enter one Of his flirtations right b
J. fore his eyes, Alan would give him
) piece of his mind at the first opportul
II ty. even if he was under Obligations
him. Indeed, Miller had greatly diSa
pointed him. and So had Adele. He h;
Il was different from other girls: but Il
lie she was like them all Miller's ate
VI ton had simply turned her head. We
j. as soon as he had a chance he won
tell her few things about Miller al
his views of women. That would p
her on her guard, but it would n
- draw out the poisoned sting left
- NIiller's presumption or indelicacy
W il was Ian rose and ST