Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-08

| the days wore on in wonderful peace. It was on radiant afternoon. when twelve of the crowd had started l out after tea for a long ride toward Lugano. that Monty determined to call Peggy Gray to account He was cer- tain that she had deliberately avoided him for days and weeks. and he could | find no reason for it. Hour after hour he had lain awake wondering where he had failed her. but the conclusion of one moment was rejected the next. The Monte Carlo episode seemed the most plausible cause, yet even before that he had noticed that whenever he approached her she managed to be talking with some one else. Two or three times he was sure she had seen his intention before she took refuge with Mrs. Dan or Mary Valentine or { Pettingill. The thought of the last name gave Monty a sudden thrill. What if it were he who had come be- tween them: It troubled him, but there were moments when the idea seemed impossible. AS they mounted and started off the exhilaration of the ride made him hopeful They were to have dinner in the open air in the shadow of an abbey ruin some miles away, and the servants had been sent ahead to prepare it. It went we'll, and with Mrs Dams help the dinner was made gay. On the return Monty, who was off last. spurred up his horse to Join Peggy. She seemed eager to be with the rest, and he lost no time with a preamble.
 Do you know, Peggy" hs began. something seems to be wrong. and am wondering what it is
 ."Why. what do you mean, Aonty?' as he paused.
 Every time I come near you, child, you seem to have something else to do. If join the group you are in it is the signal for you to break away"
 Nonsense, Monty. Why should ' avoid you? We have known one an other much too long for that" But he thought he detected some contradiction in her eyes. and he was right. The girl was afraid of him, afraid of the sensa- tions he awoke, afraid desperately of betrayal
 "Pettingill may appeal to you," he said, and his voice was serious, but you might at least be courteous to me-"
 How absurd you are, Monty Brew ster." The girl grew hot. You needn't ;p1- that rv,- >h, privilege of dictation to all of your guests"
 Peggy! How can youy he inter. jected.
 She went on ruthlessly. "If my con- duct interferes with your highness' pleasure I can easily join the Prestons in Paris
 Suddenly Brewster remembered that Pettingill had spoken of the Prestons and expressed a feeting wish that he might be with them in the Latin quar- ter. With Pettingill to follow. SUD- pose" he said icily. Tt would certain ly give you more privacy"
 And Mrs Dan more opportunities she retorted as he dropped back toward the others
 The artist instantly took his place. The next moment he had challeng ged her to race and they were flying down the road in the moonlight Brew ster, not to be outdone, was after them, but it was only moment before his horse shied violently at something black in the road. Then he saw Peg. gy's horse ganoping riderless. Instant ly, with fear at his throat. he had dis mounted and was at the girls side. She was not hurt, they found: only bruised and dazed and somewhat lam ed A girth had broken and her sad de turned. The crowd waited. silent