Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-05-26

CHAPTER w.

CHAPTER ".
THE INVITATION EXTENDED.
HFyNHEY were called by the porter
| & early the next morning. The
ID train was pulling into Wash
ington five hours late. Grenfal
wondered as he dressed whether for
tune would permit him to. see much OF
her during her brief day in the capital
After the train had come to a stand
still he could hear the rustic of her gar
ments in the next compartment. Ther
he heard her sweep into the passage
greet her uncle and aunt, utter few
commands to the maid. and, while he
was adjusting his collar and necktie
pass from the car. No man ever made
quicker time in dressing than did Lor'
ry.
She'll get away. and that III be the
end Of it." he growled. seizing his traps
and rushing from the train two min
utes after her departure. The porter
attempted to relieve him Of his bags
OIL the platform, but he brushed him
aside and was off toward the station.
Mice time for you to call a man. you
idiot" was his parting shot for the por'
ter, forgetting OF course that the for.
eigners had been called at the same
time. With eyes intent on the crowd
ahead. he plunged along, seeing nobody
in his disappointed flight "Pll never
forgive myself if I miss her." he was
wuiling to himself. She was not to be
seen in the waiting rooms, so he rushed
to the sidewalk.
Baggage transferredW
"Cab. sir"
$50 to the devil--yes. here! Take
these traps and checks and rush my
stuff to - W avenue. Trunks just
in on +. and o." he cried. tossing his
burdens to transfer man and giving
him the checks so quickly that the fel-
lows sleepy eyes opened wider than
they had been for month. Relieved
of his impediments. he returned to the
station.
Good morning. Mr.. Lorry. Are you
In too much Of hurry to see your
friends?" cried a clear, musical voice.
and he stopped as if shot. The anxious
frown flew from his brow and was sue
ceeded instantaneously by glad smile.
He wheeled and beheld her, with Aunt
Yvonne. standing near the main en-
trance to the station. "Why, good morn
Ing" he exclaimed. extending his hand
gladly. To his amazement she drew
herself up haughtily and ignored the
proffered hand. Only brief second did
this strange and uncalled for hauteur
obtain. A bright smile swept over her
face. and her repentant fingers sought
his timidly, even awkwardiy. Some
thing told him that she was not ac-
customed to handshaking; that same
something impelled him to bend low
and touch the gloved fingers with his
lips. He Strengthened. with face
flushed. half fearful lest his act had
been observed by curious loungers. and
he had taken liberty in public place
which could not be condoned. But she
smiled serenely. approvingly. There
was not the faintest sign Of embarrass-
ment or confusion In the lovely face.
Ary other girl in the world. he thought,
would have jerked her hand away and
giggled furlously. Aunt Yvonne IN
clined her head :. .. p. did not
proffer her hand iir wisely refrained
from extending his own. Il thought
you had left the station" he said.
I'VE are waiting for Uncle Caspar,
who is giving Ecdr.ck instructions.
Hedrlck. you know, iSto so on to New
York with our boxes. He will have
them aboard ship when we arrive
there. All that we have with US is
hand luggage. We leave Washington
tonight
81 had hoped you might stay over for
a few days"
1T is urgent business that compels
us to leave so hastily. Mr.. Lorry. OF
all the cities in the world, have most
desired to see the capital of your coun-
try. Perhaps may return some day.
But do not let us detain you If you are
in Il hurry"
He started, looked guilty, stammered
something about baggage, said he
would return in a moment, and rushed
aimlessly away. his ears fiery.
"Pm all kinds of fool" he NUT
tered rs he 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.
Eve thought you would never return,
SO long were you gone," she cried gay
ly. He had been gone just two min
utes by 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
unteered to accompany them, saying
that he intended to breakfast there.
Quicker than fash a glance unfath-
omable as it was brief passed between
the three, not quickly enough, however,
to escape his keen, watchful eyes. OH
the alert since the beginning of his ac-
quaintance with them, in conjunction
with his ears, to catch something that
might satisfy in measure his burning
curiosity. What was the meaning Of
that glance? 1t half angered him, for
in it he thought he could distinguish
annoyance. apprehension, dismay or
something equally disquieting. Before
he could stitfen 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 30
delighted to have you breakfast with
us, Mr.. Lorry. If 1t is convenient for
you. You can talk to us Of your won
derful city. | am sure we cannot trou-
BILE you much longer"
.AbOrtiOn Prevented