Middletown transcript., 1904-01-16
EooNr1NuEp FROM LAST wKKKl

tance thought little comically that, il
Mr.. Standard did come down to the Park,
she would be expected to be his compan-
ion as MUCK as his mothers.
While Mrs. Standard was resting in the
afternoon Custance usually went for a
walk. The park and grounds were open
to her, and she revelled in the exquisite
green glades just bursting into their spring
foliage, in the silence of the woods, and
in the carpets of bluebell, wild anemone,
dog-violets, and primroses. Standard
Park had been bought by John Standard,
but, although the house was new, the
beeches and oaks on the land around had
stood there for hundreds of years.
One afternoon, about month after her
arrival at the Park, the girl strayed fur
ther than she intended. 1t was early
May, and the weather had become very
warm.
l believe must have crossed the boun-
Diary OF the Park estate and be trespassing
on a neighbor's land, she thought. Let
me see-where abouts am /? Oh, there's
dog, and some one with him!
When the owner of the dog came in
sight he looked rather like keeper. He
was young man, in tweed jacket and
knickerbockers, and his hands thrust
carelessly into bis pockets. The dog
came frisking around Custance as she
stepped forward.
I beg your pardon, she began, but |
have lost my way. Could you tell me
She paused suddenly and turned very
white. The young man had taken OFF his
cap and sprung forward.
Miss Madison! he exclaimed, his clear
light eyes flashing.
The girl looked at him as if she were
petrifed. No spectre from the past could
have worn SO terrible an aspect for her as
did the appearance of Thorn Nugent-the
man Of whom she had spoken to Mary
Richards as the cause of all her troubles
You! she cried breathlessly.
II he answered, recovering himself. Is
that 50 very strange? One does some
times meet a landowner on his own es-
tate, and I happen to be on my own
ground.
Thorn laughed little, showing his
splendid teeth, and Custance involun-
tarily shuddered. His eyes too-the
strange-colored liquid eyes that would
never leave her face-were fixing OH her
with the old offensive look.
Do you mean that this is your place?
abe forced herself to ask, the words COM
ing harshly in her terror.
He bowed.
This land belongs to Nugent Hall-my
house, he explained, smiling in enjoy
ment of her evident dismay.
And you are our nearest neighbor! she
cried, in horror; then breaking off abrupt
ly, she said, l must 60 home!
But where are you going? he inquired,
with mocking politeness.
To the Park-Standard Park. l am
Mrs. Standards companion, she told
him.
Indeed! congratulate that lady on so
charming an acquisition, and myself on
having such neighbor. Why, Custance,
it is more than year since We met! How
have you contrived to hide yourself from
me SO long?
She ignored the question, but the famil-
iarity of bis tone made her face burn, and
she lifted her head haughtily.
Will you kindly direct me back to the
Park grounds, Mr.. Nugent? she asked
coldly.
He was still looking into her face and
at her words smiled half admiringly, half
amusedly, as if at child.
No, he replied coolly.
Custance's anger got the better of her
fear. She looked him full in the face,
and then turned on her heel.
Then 1 must find it for myself, she
said.
Thorn, still laughing, walked along
beside her.
must warn you that the wood is thick,
and am afraid you will get still further
lost, be remarked.
Custance, feeling desperate, came to
standstill.
Mr.. Nugent, do not know what have
done that you should take delight in
prosecuting me!-and the girls eyes
flashed through indignant tears. have
to be back at the Park by half-past four,
and must not neglect my duties. Why
are you so unmanly as to annoy me with
out any cause7 Please show me the way,
and let me go!
Faith, your eyes are bluer than the
violetsl he declared, and Custance shrank
from him with the old fear as he pressed
nearer to her. Come, my dear, don't be
foolish! You are practically in my power,
but can be merciful. Supposing I show
you your way home-a short cut tool
what will you give me?
My thanks!
want something more than thanks!
Well, name your rewardl she said
scornfully.
Will you give me kiss?
Constance turned away, disgust making
itself apparent in her face and movement.
do not know what bargains you are
in the habit of making with the servants
in this neighborhood, she said coldly, but
for the future. you will be kind enough |
to remember that am lady, whatever
my position may be.
Mr.. Nugent seemed to consider for
moment.
Very well, will let you off this time,
he replied-though could help myself, |
you know. All ask is that may walk |
home with you-I can hardly direct you.
After seconds hesitation, Miss Madi-
son bowed gravely. 1t could do her no |
harm for him to walk by her side how.
ever much she detested his near presence |