Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-14
CHAPTER XXXI.

CHAPTER XXXI
 When the time for dinner had come, the merry-makers devoted themselves with keen appetites and spirits bois- terous to this-the grand event of the day. To Winslow 1t seemed odd that these simple pioneer folk who served all meals in such bare and homely fashion should find sport in slight deviation from the ordinary habit. But evidently there are degrees in rustic simplicity" he said to himself, as with smile half cynical, half en- vious he surveyed the crowd. Two or three small fires were built, and above these hung kettles for the making of that rare luxury-tea. Over the em- bers game was toasted, and "roastin' ears" slowly baked in their jackets of yellow and green. Cloths were sometimes spread on the ground, but more often lap-robes served as napery.
 Here and there. from their teams de- tached, were wagons in which whole families perched making hungry dives into common hamper. One table graced the grove. It was put together-a few boards on stakes for the use of the committee and its favored guests. Chief of these was Winslow. who occupied his post of honor with secret dissatisfaction. For in the few words she had found time to say, Mrs. Creighton urged his com pany with them. He declined ruefully. "A lamb led to the slaughter l go to play the role of hero in-extraordinary But save little strength to visit with me- and he bowed low over her hand. With divided mind ne performed the honors of the table; secretly intent upon watching Lavender. One or two of the more daring among the village beaux assisted with awkward gallantry while she thrilled the small hickory crates and put the food in tempting ar ray on a white cloth-dropped like cloud upon the green sward.
 When Winslow's gaze would catch and hold hers a rare smile filled her neyes with iridescent sparkle or by bow. blush or wave of the hand she would reward the glances which. how ever they roved. came always back to her. For the lovers fond vision saw but another setting for her beauty in this brilliant scene; the forest-all green save for the scarlet of berry and gold of blossom which blazoned the last glory of summertime. The sky seemed to hold for her the softest bridal veil of mist. and in the back ground a low fire smouldered-against which her head shone in cameo relief.
 He was reused from these poetic fancies by a touch on the shoulder and turning saw Gerald Creighton. his handsome face a-blush. With an em- barrassed smile he said: May I see you when dinner is over? At the grove by the road there; I'll be wait ing under the maple trees" Winslow murmured a surprised assent, but be- ofre he could speak further Gerald had slipped away. In a moment he was joined by Susan whom he. led straight to his mother. -.-t
 Interested. Winslow watched the lit- tie family comedy. Sue. frightened nervous. but beaming with a proud happiness, lowered close to her lover. Happiness-yet not all unmixed; for the daughters conscience was never free from the accusing finger of the dead. It was the first time she had seen Gerald-except for the few mo ments by the brook-since the awful suspicion. and to-day she only con- fused: he had besought. commanded: Tell me. Susan. insist upon showing your reason for this change. You love me. dear; why do you treat me coldly?"
 She had parried his questioning with a promise to go this once. and now she was here-here. with all her lit- tie world looking on. winsloE mo- ticed the gentle kindness with which Mrs. Creighton responded to Sues awkward little courtesy The father placed her near him with an evident intent to put her at ease.
 As Lavender advanced to meet the new guest. winslov watched her close ly: how would she act2 There was just a moments hesitation-she stopped short and. all the color gone from Ter face. put her hand to her heart as if in sudden pain Involun- tarily her eyes sought winslov's. and it gave him a sudden sharp pang as he thought: She is wondering how she must meet the girl whose father l killed.-
 But whatever the reason. Lavender's hesitation vas over in a moment. and going forward she greeted the new conner with hand outstretehed and smiling words winsIou could hear none of the conversation but 1t vas apparent that the family were bent upon kindIiness toward this tinid stranger whose quiet brown eyes and