Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-04-10

happen again. The next instant he
heard himself calling her Miss Ia
bor."
AT this she seemed amused. you
ought to have called me that years
ago." she said, "for all you knew me-"
81 did know her--you, l mean," he
81 used to know nearly
everything you We're going to say be-
fore you said it. 1t seems strange
"Yes," she interrupted, at does seem
strange now"
Somehow he went on, 81 doubt If
now I'd know"
Somehow" she echoed, with fine
gravity, 81 doubt it too"
Although Ire had so dim perception
of the staring and whispering which
greeted and followed them, Ariel, of
course was thoroughly aware of 1T,
though the only sign she gave was the
slight blush, which very soon disap-
peared. That people turned to look at
her may have been not altogether a
novelty. A girl who had learned to
appear unconscious of the continental
stare, the following gaze of the boule-
Yards, the frank glasses of the costan-
"a in Rome, was not i'll equipped to
face Main street, Canaan, even as it
was today.
Under the sycamores before they
started they had not talked a great
deal. There had been long silences, al
most all her questions concerning the
period of his runaway absence. She
appeared to know and to understand
everything which had happened since
his return to the town. He had not, In
his turn, reached the point where he
would begin to question her. He was
too breathless in his consciousness OF
the marvellous present hour. She had
told him of the death of Roger Tabor,
the year before. "Poor mani" she said
gently. "IIe lived to see how the 9th
CIR fellows did it at last, and everybody
liked him. He was very happy over
there"
After little while she had said that
ii was growing close upon lunch time;
she must be going back.
hen-then-goodby," he replied
ruefully.
"Why"
"Im afraid you don't understand. 1t
wouldn't do for you to be seen with
me. Perhaps, though, you do under
stand. Wasn't that why you asked me
to meet you out here beyond the
bridge?"
In answer she looked at him full and
straight for three seconds, then threw
| back her head and closed her eyes tight
| with laughter. Without II word she
took the parasol from him, opened it
herself, placed the smooth white coral
handle of it in his hand and lightly
| took his arm. There was no further
demur on the part Of the young man.
He did not know where she was going.
He did not ask.
Once Ariel smiled politely, not ut Mr..
Louden. and inclined her head twice,
with the result that the latter, after
thinking for time of how gracefully
she did it and how pretty the top Of
her hat was, became gradually con-
sclous of meaning in her action-that
she had bowed to some one across the
street. He lifted his hat, about four
minutes late, and discovered Mamie
Pike and Eugene upon the opposite
pavement walking home from church
together. Joe changed color.
The sound of Ariers voice brought
him to himself.
"She is iovelier than ever, isn't she?'
Eyes, indeed" he answered blankly.
"Would you still risk she began
smiling, but, apparently thinking bet
ter of it, changed her question: what
is the name of your dog, Mr. Louden;
You haven't told me-"
"Oh, he's just yellow dog" he evad
ed unskillfully.
young manw she said sharply.
WELL" he admitted reluctantly, "l
call him Speck for short"
"And what for long? want to know
his real name"
cts mighty inappropriate, because
we're fond of each other" said Joe
but when picked him up he was sc
yellow and SO thin and SO creeping and
SO scared that l christened him Re
spectability.'
They were now opposite the Pike
mansion, and, to his surprise, she turn
ed Indicating the way by touch
upon his sleeve, and crossed the street
toward the gate, which Mamie and
Eugene had entered. Mamie, after ex
changing word with Eugene upor
the steps, was already hurrying into
the house.
Ariel paused at the gate as if wait
ing for Joe to open it.
Don't you know?" she cried. "I'n
staying here. Judge Pike has charg,
of all my property. He was the ad
ministrator or something" Then. sec
ing him chopfallen and aghast, she
went on: "Of course you don't know.
You don't know anything about me.
You haven't even asked"
you're going to live herc?" he
gasped.
"Will you come to see me?' she
laughed. Twill you come this after.
noon?"
He grew white "You know 1 can't
he said.
You came here once. You rislied a
good deal then just to see Mamie
dance by window. Don't you dare u
little for an old friend?"
"Al right" he gulped. "1ll try"
Mr.. Bantry had come down to the
gate and was holding it open, his eyes
fixed upon Ariel, within them rising
glow. An impression came to Joe aft
erward that his stepbrother had looked
very handsome.
Possibly you remember me, Miss
Tabor:' said Eugene in deep and
impressive voice, lifting his hat. 1--WE
were neigllbors, ! believe, in the Ole
: days"
She gave Him her hand in fashion
= somewhat mannerly, favoring hin
with bright. negligent smile ooh
quite" SHE answered, turning again tc
Joe rs she entered the gate. "Then
shall expect you:"
"lll try" said Joe. "I'll try"
He stumbled away. Responsibility
, ana he together interfering aurmingly