The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1907-12-21
CHAPTER XIII

On the whole Aileen enjoyed the morn
ings business extremely. 1t was pleas
ant to shop with any one 80 generously
inclined as Haywood Fenton, and both
The Caterham West and the orphanage
children had reason to bless his presence
in the toyshop that morning. And Billy
was an entertaining companion, with a
fund Of easy conversation. As she list
ened Aieen began to understand the Sc
cret of his extreme popularity. A little
nonsense now and then is relished by the
wlsest men, and the highly strung, in
tellectual girl found Billy's commonplace
conversation decided relief.
"Ive really enjoyed myself" she COM
mented, as they parted.
The Rectory was very quiet when she
entered 1t, but light issued from be-
meath the drawing room door.
Visitors again !" she thought, as she
stood with her hand on the handle. Then
her quick ear caught a familiar tone.
.1The professor, Of all peopler' she ex-
claimed.
She gave a hasty glance at her refiec-
ton in the glass that faced the doorway
and went quickly into the room. She ex-
pected to find Moyra making friendly talk
with the reserved, silent professor, who
was held in awe even by the most auda-
cious of undergraduates; but instead, TO
her intense establishment, almost openly
expressed, Bride was presiding over the
tea table, and Bride was talking easily
and freely to the visitor, who listened
with an indulgent smile on his dark face
and managed TO appear very interested
over the news that Bride was giving him.
Wonders will never cease" Aileen
thought, as she looked from her future
husband to her sister, whose lovely face
was aglow with excitement. What
beauty she is--our Bride! How do you
do, ProfessorY she said aloud, as he
started almost guiltily. $50 you have
really found your way to this benighted
region? ! am so sorry we were all out
except my sister. ! hope she has looked
after you well?"
"oh, yes-thanks! She has been most
kind"
Bride flushed little and shrank into
herself. No longer obliged to rely upon
herself, she went back to her customary
attitude of dependence upon her sisters
She gave up her seat to Aileen, and pres
emily, when Moyra entered, slipped quiet
ly out OF. the room.
Moyra was agreeably surprised at the
sight of Prof. Lewiston. Instead OF the
old gray-headed, untidy man she had
imagineS was one certainly not
more than thirty-eight, with clever
looking, dark face, kind, grave eyes, and
! black pointed beard and hair as short
10 Terry's. Nor did he wear glasses ha-
as Aileen did, though they hung
ready for use. He was tall nd thin and
stopped little, but he was no bookworm
b appearance.
IF Aileen takes him in hand and trims
him up, he will be quite good-looking,"
Moyra told herself, as she listened un-
to the conversation that
vas going on between master and pupil. |
How clever and how very dull 1t was
he thought, as Greek quotations slipped
lawlessly from Aliens lips, and the pro-
essor waxed eloquent over disputed read
ngs.
Dinner was little later that evening |
wing to Terrys and Angus late return |
rom q football match, and as Moyra |
TODD ut the dining room window, waiting |
or them, the postman arrived with some
etters, one for Angus with foreign post
mark. She sent 1t up to his room and |
orgot all about 1t until later In the even
az. when his extreme quietness and pre-
coupled expression attracted her atten.
ion.
1t was q dull evening. Conversation
4 dinner was monopolixed by the Rec
or and professor, and afterwards, when
". Reresford had gone TO a meeting, a
,lanket Of dullness seemed to have settled |
,ver every one. Only the professor and |
Aiieen seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Terry yawned openly and finally went |
but, while Bride went to sleep without |
any disguise. Moyra glanced at Angus, |
and he met her gaze. he rose and seated |
himself beside her.
Hasn't 1t been dull EVENING"" Moyra |
said. "Terry has gone to the big house."
And Bride is asleep, which Is a sad |
comment on our general liveliness. Card |
playing and the easiness of the school
room party have spoilt US for respectable
life in the drawing room," he said, smile
his face. II must acknowledge
that two or three times I have felt in
clncd to join the crew."
Vera Is here. But you haven't done
mpch to increase our hilarity," she add
ed, with gentle reproach. Il have been
wondering why you have looked so mis-
cradle all the time
He did not answer at once, and she
looked up inquiringly, to meet his eyes
fixed upon her with an expression that
made the color rise in her face. She bow
cd her head over her work again, not
knowing why she should feel 50 foolish
and yet SO pleased.
Il am afraid" Angus said. "if looked
miserable, Y was because I feel SO. +