Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-01-26
CHAPTER TX.

{. Remarkable as 1t mayeread, his first
 Impression was of her gow..--a gown \ sGrh as women wear on those after
 moons. when they are free of social obli-
 cations, a gown to walk in or to lounge
 in. The skirt, which barely reached to
 the top of her low shoes, was of some
 blue stuff tstuff, because to a mans
 mind the word covers feminine dress goods generally, iiberaly, and handiiy, )
 overshot with gray. Above this she
 had put on white golfing-sweater garment which at that time was just beginning to find vogue among women who loved the fields ands the road. Only men who ownssto stylish sisters
 appreciate these things. and Warbur- ton possessed father observant eyes. She held bunch of freshly plucked poppies in her hand It was the sec onl time that their glances had met and heic. In the previous episode. ion the day she had leaned out of the cab) {, hers had been the first to fau,5 Now if { was his turn. He studied the tips of < his shoes. There were three canses why he lowered his eyes: First %she was mistress here and he was an appli- s cant for employment; second, he loved ' her; third, he was committing the first ! bold dishonesty in his life. Once. it was on the very tip of his tongue to s, confess everything, apologize, and take < himself of. But his curiosity was of s greater weight than his desire. He remained silent and waited for her to < speak. .. Celeste, you may leave sus,'' said Miss Annesley.
 2 Celeste courtesied, shot a killing glance at the tentative groom, and de- parted the scene
 You have driven horses for some length of time::" the girl began.
 If he might only look as calmly and fearlessly at her! What voice, now that he heard it in its normal tone. "Yes, Madam; have ridden and driven Something like ten years"
 "Where?"
 Tn the west. mostly"
 "You are English?'sa < Yra[t
 No; Mtdam." He wondered how much she had heard at the police-court that morning. 'l am American borr."
 Are you addicted to the use of in- toxicants ?"-mentally noting the clear ness of the whites of his eyes.
 The barest flicker of smile stirred his lips.
 No Madam. had not been drink ing last night--that is. not in the sense the officers declared l had. It is true that I take drink once in a while, when have been riding or driving all day, or when am cold. have ab- solutely no appetite
 She bru shed her cheeks with the pop pies, and for brief second the flowers threw most beautiful color over her face anl neck.
 What was yoGr object in climbing on the box of my carriage and run ming away with i.?'
 !" Quick as a flash of light he con- ceived his answer. Madam. it was a ! jest between me and some maids" He had almost said serving maids. but the thought of Nancy checked his libel.
 Between you and some maids?"- faintly contemptuous. Explain. for I believe an explanation is due me-"
 His gaze was forced to rove again. Well, Madam. it is truly embarrass-  riage and l was to drive them away from the embassy and once had them in the carriage I thought it would be 'an admirable chance to play them a trick"
 Pray since when have serving maids been allowed exit from the main hall of the British embassy"
 Mir. Robert was positive that the shadow of a sarcastic smile rested for . moment on her lips. But 1t was in- stantly hidden under the peoples.
 That is something of which I have no intimate knowledge A groom is not supposed to turn his head on inc box unless spoken to. You Will readi- . ly understand that. Madam. made a mistake in the number. Mine was q. and I answered number r. I was con i fused.
 'I dare say. Seventy one ' she unused. { Tt will be easy to verify this. to find . out whose carriage that was {
 Mir. Robert recognized his mistake. but he saw no way to rectify r.. She stood silently gazing over his shoulder. into the fields beyond.
 Perhaps you can explain 10 mo that remarkable episode st the carriage door? should he pleased 10 hear your explanation"
 It had cume.-thp very thing he had dreaded had come. He had hoped thsr she would ignoTe 1t. Madam. ! ran see that yoI have sent for mo oIt uf curiosity Only. v [ offered any disre- speet to you last night. pray you to forgive me For. on my word of honor. t wss iHuOcenTly done. He bowed. and placed his hand on the knob of the door.
 Have little Fatience- prefer my self Co forget that disazrpeable incl dent The truth fs. -or uy uord Of honor coming from a gro1r1- sounde,f strange in her ears. and she wanted tO learn n0re sbOur rhis fsiloz- Mir Osborne what were yUu before yc1 be came grOomz
 T have not always ben q zrooul. fl is true. Msdau- Ny past prefer to