Evening star., 1905-03-09

wink, and the two became friends from
that moment on.
'rll bet you didn't say thing to Pi-
rate Yesterday, when he bolted over the
wall with you"
We'll, 1 believe 1 did address a few re-
marks to Pirate which would not sound
well on dress parade; but so long as IT
wasn't within hearing distance. William, l
suppose it doesn't matter
No, sir; suppose not
Now, what kind of a master Is the
colonel?" asked Warburton, strapping On
his English leggngs
Well, It's hard to say just now. You
see, I've been with the family ever since l
was six. The colonel used to be the best
fellow 1 ever knew Always looking out
for your comfort. never an undeservad
harsh word, and always smile when You
pleased him. But he's changed in the last
two years.
"How?'
He doesn't take any interest in the
things he used to. He goes about as II he
had something on his mind; kind of abb
sent-mlnded, you know; and forgets TO-
morrow what he says today. He always
puts on good face, though, when Miss
Betty is around
"Ah. What night do 1 have off?'-of a
mind that question like this would sound
eminently professional in Williams ears.
Sunday, possibly; it all depends on Miss
Annesley, sir. In Virginia nearly every
night was ours. Here it's different" Will
lam hurriedly pulled on his rubber boots
and gloves. grabbed up the carriage spong-
es and vanished.
Warburton sat on the edge of his cot
and laughed silently All this was very
amusing. Had any man. since the begin
ming of time, found himself in a like posi-
ton? He doubted it. And he was to be
butler besides! 1t would be something to
remember in his old age. Yet, once or
twice, the pins of his conscience pricked
him. He wasn't treating Nancy just right.
He didn't want her to cry over his graceless-
ness; he didn't want her to think that he
heartless. But what could he do? He
stood too deeply committed.
He was puzzled about one thing, how
ever, and twist it as he would he could
not solve 1t with any degree of satisfac-
ton. Why. after what had happened, had
she hired him? If she could pass over that
episode at the carriage door and forget it,
he couldn't. He knew that each time lie
saw her the memory of that embrace and
brotherly salute would rise before his eyes
and rob him of some of his assurance-an
attribute which was rather well developed
in Mr.. Robert, though he was loath TO
admit it. If his actions were a mystery
him. He made up his mind to move
guardedly in whatever he did, to
practice control over his mobile features
SO as to avert any shock or thought
or later the day would come when he
would be found out: but this made him not
the less eager to court that day.
He shaved himself, and was wiping his
Lace OIl TIE lOWtl WHeH StleSie appeared III
the doorway. She eyed him, her head in
clined rogaishly to one side, the exact at
titude of bird that has suddenly met a
curious and disturbing specimen of insect
life.
'M'sieu Thames, Mees Annesley rides
thees morning. You will prepare your
self accordingly, and she ratified on in
her absurd native tongue (every other ma
tive tongue is absurd to US, you know, y
He is charming and handsome
With his uniform and saber;
And his fine black eyes
Look love as he rides by!"
while the chef In the kitchen glared furi-
ously at his omelet souffle. and vowed ter
rible things to seu Thames if he looked
at Celeste more than twice a day.
coed morning." said Msieu Thames
hanging up his towel His face glowed as
the result of the vigorous rubbing it had re-
ceived.
Bon jourr'-admirngly
Don't give me any of your bong joors,
miss, ,"-stolidly. There's only one Ian
guage for me- and that's English
'Merci! You Anglaises are so conceit!
How you like me to teach You French, eh,
M sieu Zhames?'
mot for me"-shakng his head She was
very pretty, and under ordinary circum-
stances He did not finish the
thought, but 1 will for him. Under ordi-
nary circumstances NJ sieu Thames would
have kissed her
mo teach you French? Non? Ex-
traorrdlnaire" She tripped away, laugh
ing, WIlie the clet tuRged his rOVal
and M sieu Thames whistled
Hang the witchr' the new groom muir
INJURED Her mistress must be very gem
erous. or very positive of her own charms
70 keep a sprite like this maid about her
lon! The name chilled him, somehow.
what was Karloff to her? Had he known
.hat ina she vas to be in Washington for
the winter? What irony if fate
should make him the groom
and m karloff the bridegroom! If Kar-
ior loved her, he could press his suit
frankly and openly. And, as matters stood.
Wnat .snIa chance on earth had he. Warburton?
chuck was right; I've made mistake,
ana am beginning to regret it the very
hrst morning" He snapped his fingers and
proceeded to the right wing, where the
At o'clock he led Jane and Dick out to
the porte-cochere and waited He had not
long to loiter, for she came out at once
drawing on her Cauntlets and taking in
long 6reaths of the morning air. She
nodded briefly, but pleasantly, and came
ooWn the steps. Her riding habit was of
the conventional black, and her small.
shapely boots were of patent leather She
wore no hat on her glorious head. which
showed her good sense and her scorn for
freckles and sunburn. But nature had
given her one of those rare compilations
upon which the sun and the wind have but
trifling effect
I'VE shall ride north, James; the roads
are better and freer. Jane has horror of
cars.
Yes, Miss Annesley" --deferentially.
You will have to teach me the lay of the
land hereabouts, as l am rather green"
III see to 1t that you made perfectly
familiar with the roads. You do not know
Washington very WELL then?'
mo, miss. Shall l give you a-er-boot
up?" He blushed He had almost said
leg up
She assented, and raised her boot, under
which he placed his palm, and sprang into
ha Ia In t,rrr aY,d
waited.
when we ride alone, James, shall not
object to your riding at my side; but when
have guests, always remember to keep
five yards to the rear"
Yes, miss" If he could have got rid of
the idea of Karloff and the possibilities
which his name suggested, all this would
have appealed to him exceedingly funny.
Forward. then!'-and she touched James
flank with her crop.
The weather was perfect for riding no
sun, a keen breeze from the northwest and
a dust-settled road. Warburton confessed
to me afterward that this first ride with
her was one of the most splendid he had
ever ridden. Both animals We're perfect
saddle horses, such are to be found only
in the south. They started up the
road at brisk trot and later broke into
a canter which lasted fully a mile. How
beautiful she was, when at length they
cIou,ad douy, into a valkf Her checks uera