Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1907-03-11

llseefeN|~
II sec you are ready for the party"
Some intensely exciting knowledge had
mastered stoicism. His eyes were dis
tended, his lips quivering. He leaned
with one hand on the kitchen table In
the other he had clinched his uncle'S
letter
Constance stood near to him. That
he, of all the men she had ever met,
should yield to an overpowering emo
ton startled her greatly.
She caught his arm.
Mr.. Pyne," she said softly, Gift is
any i'll tidings-you have received-we
are indeed sorry for YOU
lie pulled himself straight and gave
Constance such a glance that she has
tily Withdrew her hand. 1t seemed to
her that he would clasp her in his arms
forthwith without spoken word. Her
| action served to steady him, and he
| laughed. so softly and pleasantly that
| their fe. was baniShed
Girls he said slowly, Il have been
narachuting through space for a min
ute or SO. I'm all right. Everybody is
| all right. But my head swims a bit. If
l come back forgetting my name and
the place where last resided, remem-
Der that once / loved YOU"
He left them. He could not trust
| himself to say more.
THAT letter was from his uncle,
suppose" said Enid, awe stricken.
1T must be something very dra-
matte which would make him act so
strangely. Why has he run away?
Was he afraid to trust us with his
newS?"
There was a sharp vehemence in
Constance's voice which did not escape
her sisters sharp ears.
Connie" said Enid quietly, 'as sure
as Jack loves me, that man is in love
with YOU
Enid
But the other girl laughed with a
touch of her saucy humor
why did he look at you in that way
just now? Didn't you think he was go
ing to embrace you on the spot? Con-
fess"
1T was at you he was looking"
Not in the way l mean. He gaZed
at me as if l were a spirit. But when
you touched him he awoke. He might
have been asleep and suddenly seen
you near him. l wonder he didn't say
Kiss me, dearest, and then l will be
sure it is not a dream"
Constance discovered that she mus
defend herself.
| ~ ha p1l
: utterable things to me-" she said, con
sciOus that clean face betrays a fusl
which smudges may hide Have vol
had letter from Jack that you cal
interpret other peoples thoughts 81
) sweetly?"
NO, dear. Jack has not written.
have found out the cause. His mOthe
: expresses the hope that he will be til,
first to convey her good wishes. So
: think he meant to try to bring tn,
j rope himself. Dad knew it and MI
Pyne. That is why they did not tel
j us
[ Constance gathered her letters into
: heap. The tiny pang of jealousy whicl
thrilled her had gone.
''Eighty-one hungry mouths expect t
be filled to repletion tonight" she said
/ NO more gossip. What curious crea
d lures women are! Our own affairs ar
d sufficiently engroSsing without endeav
e oring to pry into Mr. Pynes."
|. Connie, don't press your lips S
o tightly. You are just dying to know
n what upset him. But, mark my word:
S it had nothing to do with any Othe
s woman"
t Wherein Enid was completely mi:
k taken; she would never commit
greater error of judgment during th
l. rest of her days.
- When Pyne quilted the kitchen hi
1 intent was to reach Brand without d,
e lay. As he passed Mrs. Vansittart
bedroom he paused. Something ha
s delighted him UNNECESSARILY once tt
a first shock Of the intelligence ha
passed.
ie He seemed to be irresolute in b
&c mind for he waited some time on Z
landing before he knocked at the do
is and asked if Mrs. Vansittart wou
10 come and speak TO him.
Are you alone?" she demanded, !
manning invisible.
10 Yes he said.
m Then she appeared. with that bt
o. rowed shawl still closely wrapped ov
fe head and face.
What is it," she said YEARLY
en- You have had a letter from L
uncleT'