The Holly chieftain., 1903-05-01
CHAPTER II.

interlocutor.
"Oh, yes; every one knew the pro-
fessor," was the answer, with judi
c,al deliberation. He was a fine
man. the professor was; a trifie
iiighty in his notions, according to my
lights, and not always knowing as to
which side his bread was buttered;
but real Christian gentleman, and
taking points from no one in his busi-
ness, too. though he did plank out
good many dollars in them patents OF
his, that never showed him no profit,
and that would ha' come in handy
Low, / reckon, for them that's left.
That's a fine girl of his; she favors
her father. too. Going to stop long,"
The driver as he asked this ques-
tion drew UP before a medium sized
house of GLd-fashioned pattern, gabled
AID of weather-beaten shingle color,
with vegetable garden on one side.
only a few hours probably. Is
this the place."
That's where he lived, sir, ever
since he come here" said the man,
muftiing his speech again, by way of
respect TO the departed.
Harold Stagg passed through the
little gate, and strobe with a bust
ness-like step to the door, on which
he sounded vigorously with the
knocker that took the place of bell.
After moment it was opened by
small boy who looked at him doubt
fully, as though he suspected who the
visitor might be, but did not dare to
make the first advances.
Il take it you must be Harold Stage
Baldwin" said the owner of the first
lwo-thirds of the name.
yes, sir" said the. lad, with a glad,
sheepish smile.
'Wea, I'm your uncle Harold" he
said, patting him on the head. 81
suppose your sister got my tele-
grsm?"
Yes, sir. She's expecting you"
Whereupon his namesake seized
the handle of the valise, by way of
evincing hospitality and hiding en-
0arrassment at the same time, and
began pulling it into the entry.
AS Harold Stagg followed him, a
larger boy and a tall, slim young
woman advanced from the threshold
of an adjoining room.
"Ah, my dears!" he said, grasping
Silas by the hand and embracing his
niece. @Im glad to be with you
will you walk in, uncle" said Flea
nor, ushering him into the room
from which she had come.
1t was cosy little apartment; it's
furniture and stuffs, though slightly
worn and slightly oldfashioned, were
tasteful 81 suppose you are ready
for breakfast" she added. 1T will be
ready in moment"
Yes. I am little hungry"
Harold spoke cheerfully. An atmos-
sphere Of grief was instinctively op-
Tressiye to him. Moreover, he felt
that he ought to try to enliven the
9an-visaged family. Poor little girl!
How pale and sad she looked, with
r Gark places under her eyes, that told
of heart-ache and loss of sleep! She
vas pretty, to, distinctly pretty, with
a delicate, pensive style of face that
matched well her willowy figure, but
She appeared far from strong. He
wondered what Emma would think of
her. There was not trace of en-
barrassment in her manner, as she
did the hospitalities of the breakfast
room, Offering him his choice of tea
Or coffee. and providing for his other
needs with serious composure that
was astonishing to him, from it's lack
of consciousness, and yet was in no
respect girlish. He could scarcely be-
lieve, until he convinced himself by
inquiry, that she was but eighteen.
Early contact with the responsible
ties Of life had developed her in GER
tain ways beyond her years, and yet
left her a child in many respects.
how wss1d she and Emma get on?
What would Emma think of her?
Il have come out here, you know,
to take yoa all back with me to New
York" said Harold, presently, getting
TO the point at once, as was his won't
It is Jour aunts wish and mine,"
he added breaking the silence that
followed his announcement.
The two boys looked at their sister
in doubtful, bewildered sort of way.
She was evidently thinking.
That would be very pleasant.
uncle, and it is very kind of you to
suggest It; but as we have to support
ourselves. wouldn't it be wiser tor
us to begin here at once where we
are known?" she said, in her calm,
dispassionate tone. You see. papa
left very little property-nothing ex-
rpnt his natants and thic bo,,co