Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1905-02-09
Continued.

ana confused TO turn HblQep anu u
black -and-tan terrier, dellghting in the
name OF Nix, was on the point OF run
ming her down when, with a sudden.
ness that brought tho dogs and not
only the dogs, but Sir Heron himself,
who nad set OFF running-to stand
still girl darted from gate on the
side OF the road. swooped down upon
tho kitten, and, regardless Of It's claws
and the yelplng dogs whipped 1t under
her sealskin
SO sudden and swift had been the
race that the dogs were staggered for
n moment; the next they were all
around her jumping and yelping with
aalf-playful, halfangry excitement.
Sir Heron, recovering from his mo.
mentary surprise, strobe forward, and
was In the midst Of the clamoring
crew, and knocking thom right and
left before half minute had elapsed.
But in that half-minute n picture
had photographed itself upon his mind,
which, unlike most photographs, was
not likely to fade quickly.
II was the vision OF n glrlish figure,
instinct with the grace OF youth and
beauty. standing, with erect head and
MASKING eyes, daring the army OF
furious dogs, The autumn sun fell full
upon those flashing eyes and upon a
face smltten with beauty.
With her bood.red lips half.parted
TO allow the quick, painting breath to
escape. n roselike flush on her cheeks.
With soft, golden-brown nair, dis.
heveled by her rapid rush. she made a
picture In the autumn sunlight that
mn artist would have given ten years
OF HIS life to have seen and painted.
so rapt and absorbed was she In her
errand Of mercy that she did not know
Sir Horon's nearnoss until he was by
her Side knocking to the right and
left, with no sparlng hand, the dlscom
hted dogs, who, baked and dlsap.
pointed, withdrew to distance and
eyed the couple OF spol-sports with
the most emphatic disgust.
When the dispersal Ind been com
pleted, and not TIL then, Sir Heron
turned TO her and, raising his hat was
about to speak. when he was struck
dsmb by meeting full-bank n pair of
scornrul eyes which seemed to dare
him to utter word.
For n moment he contemplated the
angry, passlonately angry, stare In
profound and puzzled silence; then,
with nm effort that surprised nim by
it's force, he said, In his calm, low
toned bass
II am very sorry; am afraid my
dogs have caused you great deal of
alarm, Pray accept my sincere
apology"
Hut 10 the humble effort ut atone
mcnt there was no softening of the
dark-brown eyes which, to Sir Herons
nmazemont seemed to grow stll more
scornful and naughty Still painting,
she stood vita the kitten huddled up
snder her Jacket her figure drawn to
its full height, the color coming and
going upon her face.
Sir Heron, his eyes chained to hcr,
waited Il moment that seemed nm age,
and In which admiration for the proud,
beautiful face struggled vita vague
pcrplexity.
II was a novel experience for him to
sue for pardon and find 1t denied. The
moment passed, and he spoke again
'lleloyc mo, | am most sincerely
grieved that my dogs should have
caused you SO much annoyance, WIN
You permit me to see If the kitten Is
tnjured?"
The brown eyes flashed and the red
lips compressed tightly then opened
To give passage to n decided. naughty
mot"
Sir Heron stared first into her eyes,
then dropped his own, and inclined his
head with an expression of proud hut
mlity.
Il see" he said, Il have angered
YOU beyond all hope Of pardon. At
least lot me speak In my defense;
the greatest criminal Is allowed that
much navo been walking In the
woods, and unconscously wandered
into the high road, | say unconscious
~; had been moro attentive to my
whereabouts, ! should have kept Il
sharper lookout on my dogs This
accident was caused by my careless.
ness which should have regretted II
II nad merely resulted In harm to the
kitten, but MS II has worked worse
mischief In alarming and annoying
Young lady, hasten to Offer my most
heartfelt apology, which | trust she
will accept"
And as she does not think the
apology worth accepting. then lot 1t
he followed by the immediate absence
o. It's maker" retcrted May, with n
curl Of the lip, which brought the blood
10 Sir Herons dark cheek.
with gesture OF his hand, clio.
quent Of his surprise and disappoint.
ment he bit his lips. and, raising his
hat. was about to turn and obey this
plainly expressed desire for his ah-
sonce when sharp little exclama.