Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-02-23

COuISC, was tAOLOuShAy o"eNAS VI ~, 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 4tare, the following gaze of the boule- wards, the frank glasses of the costan- "a in Rome, was not i'll equipped to Z face Main street, Canaan, even as it was today.
 Under the sycamores before they started they had not talked 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 man!' she said gently. "He lived to see how the oth- CT fellows did 1t at last, and everybody liked him. He was very happy over there" t.
 After a little while she had said that 1t was growing close upon lunch time; she must be going back.
 "Then-then-goodby," he replied ruefully.
 e "Why?"
 .I'm afraid you don't understand. It 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 X with laughter. Without word she took the parasol from him, opened 1t 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 at Mir. Louden, and inclined her head twice, with the result that the latter, after thinking for a time of how gracefully she did 1t and how pretty the top of her hat was, became gradually con scious of a 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 Ariel's voice brought him to himself.
 ''She is lovelier than ever, isn't sheY'
 ''Yes, 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, MT. Louden? You haven't told me"
 "Oh. he's just yellow dog" he evad- cd unskillfully.
 'Young manw she said sharply.
 "well," he admitted reluctantly, q call him Speck for short"
 And what for long? want to know his real name"
 ''It's mighty inappropriate, because we're fond of each other," said Joe, 'but when picked him up he was so yellow and so thin and so creeping and so scared that I christened him Re spectability.'
 They were now opposite the Pike mansion. and, to his surprise, she turn ed, indicating the way by a touch upon bis sleeve. and crossed the street toward the gate. which Mamie and Eugene had entered. Mamie, after ex- changing a word with Eugene upon 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'm l staying here. Judge Pike has charge of all my property. He was the ad- | ministrator or something" Then. see 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 herei' he gasped.
 "will you come to see mel? she laughed. "wilI you come this after eoonT'
 He grew white. You know I can.t- he said.
 You came here once. You risked a good deal then just to see Mamie dance by a window. Don't you dare a little for an old friend?-
 "All right" he gulped. "TII try"
 Mfr. Bantry had come down to the gate and was holding it open. his eyes fixed upon Ariel. within them a rising glow. An impression came to Joe aft ervard that his stepbrother had looked very handsome.
 Possibly you remember me. Miss TaborT said Eugene In a deep and impressive voice, lifting his hat. We were neighbors. believe. in the old days
 She gave him her hand in a fashiaa somewhat msnnerly. favoring linn with a bright. negligent smile. -Oh. quite she answered. turning again to Joe as she entered the gate. Then I shall expect your !. I'll try said Joe -IU try He stumbled away. Re<pectability .1 r..-~ s-. .