Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-04-20

The girl, whose face was prettier thar
ever with its sudden lush of excitement
caught one Of the cold little hands il
hers and covered 1t with kisses. "oh
Margery," she cried, ''and you promised
not TO go in while sister was gone. How
fortunate this gentleman was here
dear! ! thank you more than car
say, she added, turning to him.
1t was nothing, said Thornton. 81
really did not do it,"
But the girl stopped him as she picked
up the little frock and shoes and stock
ings. ut was a great deal. she said
'.and my mother and | hope to repay
you in part. some time"
Meanwhile" said Thornton. noting
that his little charge was growing faint
again ''if you will lead the way we viii
get Margery to bed and give her some
thing warm"
The girl colored again at the implied
rebuke and walked quickly ahead. 1--WE
are stopping for the summer at the inn. :"
she said My mother is an invalid. and
Margery and | came for walk. But
she is such a little lover Of all nature
and the water, especially"
"A healthful passion at most times,
said Thornton, smiling both at herr pol-
ogy and the impression the three were
making on the people whom they were
meeting on the highway now, but
sometimes dangerous, Miss-Miss-"
Roberts" said the girl.
Thank you. | am Charing Thorn
ton, Of the old place up there. Now if
you will go ahead and get bed ready
for our little mermaid without disturb
ing your mother, | will slip in quietly
and turn her over TO you"
Half an hour later Thornton came
down TO the public room of the inn,
where the keeper was awaiting him.
"The child is doing nicely. Higgins,
said the master Of the Gables, as he
tried yainly to light a match on his still
damp knickerbockers. Il am going
home to get some dry clothes myself
! will drop in again this evening. and
meanwhile anything that Mrs. Roberts
or her children want, be sure you get
them promptly. They are old friends
Of my family" he went on. unblushing- |
ly, "and expect them to have the best
AYE, sir, that they shall have. said
the pleased innkeeper, as his fingers
closed over the offered coin.
True to his promise, Thornton came
later in the evening, and before his lit
tie visit was over felt as If he had known
the Roberts as he told Higgins, many
years. But whenever he had tried TO
iisclaim any credit for the rescue Of
Margery, who had taken a violent liking
o him as soon as he appeared in the
room. and tried TO tell them the truth,
both Isabel and Mrs. Roberts laughing
y stopped him. declaring that all heroes
we're modest and that he was no excep-
ion. So he gave it up, albeit guilty
that some time he must
Explain il all.
When he reached home again, after
/ dreamy stroll from the inn. in which
le had built all manner of strange and
lew air-castles, Nero met him at the
Ioor. His master laughed as he shook
he great head gently TO and fro II
ave accepted the mantle that is yours
" right, old fellow" he said, "and
adn't the courage to disclaim the praise
hat was not mine. But tomorrow"
Yet when tomorrow came, the oppor-
unity did not, although some trivial
rrand led Thornton past the inn. which
f course necessitated his stopping in
D inquire after the little invalid She !
anne running to him herself. for an b
wer. and sprang into his arms, nesting 2
er face close to his. Il am all well !
gain" she cried. breathlessly. and I /
I'VE you and so does mammal" Thorn n
On felt a strange wave Of real happl- !,
ess rush over him at the child's art q
IS words. and he answered softly: a
And / love you. Margery." ?
A week passed. Thornton's visits be- z
anne remarkably regular Each day il
ought its errand in the village. and G
ne evening he accepted their invitation q
) dinner. A few days later he prevailed I
pom them TO make his evening meal at i
le Gables less lonely, and both Mar 2
cry and Isabel went into delighted and :
alightful rsptures over the beautiful 81
ID place. while Thornton talked with $
RS Roberts. both learning much Of !
ich other and finding mutual acquaInt-
noes and friends In the distant city.
mt Thornton's eyes strayed often to q
here the graceful girl and the pretty b
lid walked or sat. and some Of his re- IN
lies were not strictly answers to the ''
Iestions Mrs. Roberts asked: for when =
ipid makes mp his mind to do BIZ IF n
cherry practice, he does not waste time. II
nd 50. before the summer was two
onths old Charing Thornton. deep in a
.e net Of love. laid his heart at Isabels
et.
But before he did so. he told her the a
hole truth Of Margery's rescue. as he J.
al often tried to tell il before. And LIP
Dw.' he said. when he had finished v
( you can love a man who takes the
edit for something he did not do p,
80, 90 10 Toaa tall % ale - 60