Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1904-03-18

at the top of his lungs, nor getting any
answer, for watch" was snoring in
the tavern and the sun now shining
broad.
"Chock," said her mistress, "go you
On before me to the Kings Arms, where
we alighted, engage the seats in the
coach and, bark We, child, an aught be-
tide come not, get you home without
me and tell his lordship I'm gone to
Kent on a sick call from my godmoth-
q. Lud. it's lies oil the way to be-
ing q man! I'll not walk with you,
lass. IT'S not seemly, and when reach
the inn I'll pretend know you not,
hire room, change my clothes and
alp down to you unseen If can. Now,
"a with you quickly. for I ache to fol
low. Would to God I could doff these
garments and into my petticoats again.
sdded Lady Peggy ruefully, glancing
II hcr hastily tied up bundle and at the
0n1e moment with the broad Of her
sword pushing Chock into the street
with will that sent her a-spinning on
her way.
Indifferent, then, as though the outgo.
Ing damsel were no concern of hers
presently. with swagger, yet i'll con.
cealing the anxiety she felt afresh as
now sobs and female voices assailed
her ears, the mock Sir Robin McTart
emerged upon the street.
There halted q chair between the
posts. In the chair sat Lady Diana
Weston accompanied by her woman
Both wept and trembled. while still
afar the stout lungs Of the terrified
giant shouted:
"Watchw
Peg stood still and stared. All the
Jealous blood in her burned in her
cheeks. Lady Diana here! And where
fore. and at such an nntoward hour?-
veil displaced. eyes red. but still most
undeniably handsome-nay. beautiful.
"Oh, sirw cried Lady Diana beseech.
ingly, raising two imploring hands out
side the chair door toward Lady Peggy.
II pray Of your honor" whimpered
the abigail in concert.
II implore your protection. sir. al
you are a gentleman and man Of hon
or. as your mien disposes me. l came
here but now and sent my footman up
70 the rooms of IA friend, who is i'll.
oh, with token OF, regard in the shape
q fruit and flowers, when the man
must have been set upon by thieves
and beaten. for he''-
II heard him." finishes Peg, stepping
nearer to the chair. "And I assure you,
madam, I put the varlet who attacked
him to his pace with a prick. II can
serve you further. command me-"
A my lady bows low she IL con-
0e4ous that it now behooves her to
0tate concisely her name and station,
and. loathing and hating the deception
more than she could express, she still
Alds (her motive not unmixed with
the natural curiosity to discover who
. the object Of Lady Diana's morning
calD:
''Sir Robin Mozart of Robinswold,
Kent at your ladyship's service"
Diana bows, bushes, almost ogles,
mink that she is. noting well the fine
eyes and beautiful mouth Of the gal
hnt at her side.
LADY Diana Weston. Sir Robin,
daughter to the Earl Of Brookwood, at
your service"
Peg bows. hat in hand. bundle under
arm. Swift as youths impulse ever IL,
says she. taking lIghtnIng-like measure
q her chance and determined to probe
matters to their core:
your ladyship's name was on the
6ps above" nodding up at Kennaston's
windows. II drank the toast with a
YIN. do assure you, and would double
= now. Surely, If you'll allow me to
~ %, Sir Percy de Bohun's gentle
man Of a rare good taste, likewise Lord
Kennaston. Sir Wyatt Lowell, half a
oosen more a-pledging your ladyship
% the tune Of noppareil all the night
long"
You fatter, sir, do protest. cried
The lady in the chair, blushing like the
1eddeet rose that grows, but who might
~ for whose sake, since Peg had
O00oO ~ IuduyI
'Oh. SIR" Lady Diana's voice now
oDWered. ."Your countenance is one to
aspire confidence. I pray you Judge
me not harshly II I venture to Inquire
hnce you were Of their company, how
fares poor Sir Percy de Bohun? The
fruits and flowers I fetched were for
him. since I am informed he pines,
eats nothing. DROPS, mopes and nc
longer is to be enticed among the fair.
Can you give me news Of him-or Of
Lord KennastonT adds Lady Diana
willy and with another magnificent
accession Of color. Thus did Slyboots
pursue inquiry on that lame horse
which Is named Subterfuge.
AYE, madam, that can 1. IT'S as
you say. but as you yourself, If report
speak true. be the cause Of his dis.
temper. methinks you should know
how to effect the cure. see your
sadyship's man returning. There is no
more danger. l take my leave of YOU,
madam" hand to heart, bundle stick.
Ing out under other arm. ut is to
me one Of the most fortunate chances
OF life to have had this encounter"
bending sweet eyes, which Diana re-
turns with will. Fear nothing. The
cutthroats have long since made OF
by rear alloy. The shouter is doubt.
less ere this at his cover. Did YOU
need my further protection 'twould be
yours"
From my heart sir, I thank YOU"
cries Lady Diana very sweetly. "May
we meet again, and soonw
Peggy, bowling. walks quickly off. her