Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-24

retraced his steps to, the field where the
sports were held.
But neither John Mercer nor Piety Rede
was to be found there. John. foreseeing
the possibility that Nigel would return and
make things unpleasant for them both by
some further outbreak of Jealousy. had per-
suaded Piety to leave the ground, and to
come for a drive with him before the pro-
gram was half over. Nigel learned easily
enough the direction In which the dog cart
had driven off, but 1t was, of course, out of
the question to follow the runaways. After
eating his heart OUT with fruitless jealousy
for the rest Of the afternoon he betook
himself to st. Martins, where he saw Mer-
GERS dog cart waiting outside the farm
house.
He knew what had happened: knew that
John Mercer. after heightened drive, had
brought Ptety back to her home and had
been asked in to tea. He dared not go up
knew that he would be refused admittance
on some pretext or other, and he was too
proud to subject himself to this mortifica-
ton by making the attempt.
in the lane behind the old farm house. now
under the shade Of the cherry trees in the
orchard. and now under the rays of the
setting sun, until John Mercer, 1ovtal. self
attended by Aunt Faith. It gave poor Nigel
one sharp pang of relief that was almost
pain to see that Piety had not accompanied
him to the door. But MERGERS easy, stolid
humor In his voice as he made some poor
little joke for Aunt Faith to laugh at,
Jared desperately upon his rivals nerves.
stu more did his next words:
GOOD night, Miss Rede. Tell Miss Piety
not to fret if she don't see me afore Sun
day. I've some work on hand that'n keep
me late these next three nights. But I'll
come for sure and take her out Sunday af-
ternoon." H.
He nodded. touched his hat. and drove off.
Nigel, beside himself with jealousy and
rage met him at the turn of the lane and
seized the horse by the bride
En-, you chap, let go, or I'll lay my whip
across your shoulders" sang out Mercer.
not abandoning the tone of cool, good
humor on which he prided himself.
snough ne raised the5whip nnenaciously, and
hourisned the thong round his head.
But 1.-the Nigel was too. quick for him.
Having checked the horse, he let go the
oridle, and springing nimbly up on the step
seized the whip, wrested # from MERGERS
unprepared hand, and regaining the ground
II moment broke the stock in half a
face.
You've had the best of 1t this afternoon;
put, curse you, you won't have the best of
II aiways! cried he. in a hoarse, stam-
mering voice, as Mercer uttered an excla-
nation, and sprang up In. his seat
But the frightened horse started forward,
ana II was as much rs his driver could do
10 Keep him in control. In the meantime,
shrill scream, in Aupt Faiths voice. reach
ed the ears of both msn.
1t was not until Mercer, giving his atten-
ton wisely to his horse, and contenting
himself with threat to settle with Nigel
another time. had driven of at rapid
pace, that Nigel became conscious that the
scream was not the first he had heard.
Before he had timei to collect his thoughts
there was rush from the farm house
door OF two PERSONA ard he found himself
seized: on one sideshg Mr.. Redo and on the
other by Aunt Faith, both Of them speaking
at once, and making known their displeas-
ure in no measured terms.
One speech alone fr0m EACH amid the
torrent OF indignant lnSective. reached fur
Their than Nigers anlle6 eare.
Understand, Young man." cried the far
mer that this la the last we see Of you.
that you may just taxa yourself of. once
ana for all and not conae hanging after my