The Holly chieftain., 1903-07-03
MRS. HAROLD stage.
land 1891 " Robert Bonn-r's
CHAPTER XIV.

and they were descending the steps,
as stylish dos-cart, drawn by mag
nificent looking pair of bays, clattered
slowly up the street. The flush on
Eieanor's cheeks became a deep red
With glance she had realized that
the young man who held the reins was
Owen Page. He was looking inquir-
insly at the numbers, and now, as he
drew up before the house, he recog-
nized her and sprang down from the
box.
Il hope am in time to catch you"
he said, as they shook hands. will
you do me the honor of driving with
me? ! had come to ask you"
For an instant, Eleanor hesitated:
then she said
Il am very sorry, Mr.. Page, but I
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 is Mr.. Page, a
friend of my aunt's and mine
They bowed.
Il regret exceedingly that should
evident chagrin. II 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."
exclaimed Struthers, in tone that
was gentle, but almost sad.
Eleanor locked 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 perfectly fitting.
dark drab coat, adorned by a 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-andsalt, looked commonplace
and sober.
Again she seemed to hesitate.
II cannot go with you both" she
said, with 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-
ohc hot he
standing gazing after him with an
absorbed air 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?"
4 did not wish you to feel bound to
go with me"
You will have to put up with me
now she said. with smile.
Il am afraid you think l am un-
grateful" Then he said with marked
directness: at would have been a
grieyous disappointment to me-"
She made little curtsey.
Who is that gentleman, Miss Bald
VIM"
MIR. Owen Page" Then she added:
Il have seen him quite frequently at
my aunts and elsewhere. He is very
rich, 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
ly 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? If 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 lovely
day it was, and how agreeable the air
with its bracing suggestion of au-
tumn! She felt like flying, or, since
that was denied her, like talking vol.
ubly