Los Angeles herald., 1907-08-04

man whose manner frank and boy1shly eager at
the threshold at once became, catching sight OF
the other, subdued, even somewhat solicit
tous.
The elder looked up. ''Wel' was his kindly
greeting, you're abroad early Take a chair.
Everything all right at the building, hope"
Eyes, sir,-not vacancy since McGinn Nc
CHM, the attorneys leased. That was two months
ago" There was touch of pride in Heaton's
answer.
You're the best superintendent I've ever had.
Ned I'm more than satisfied with you. And as
dong as your good judgment about tenants seems
to have simplifed your work at the building, you
may feel you can branch out a little. You know
Sparling is leaving me the first of the month";
"The Montgomery street property" Heaton's
face crimsoned with pleasure "Oh, thank you,-
I'D like to try that"
'Wel we'll see." The elder man went back to
his coffee the habitua look of gravity again set
ting upon his face.
Heaton was full minute collecting himself
"What came for this morning" he began at last,
"was personal matter"
"Yes?"
81 stayed up Arroyo way Sunday. Mrs.
George Thorburn spoke of you, and asked me to
bring you letter and-and back it up" He took
envelope from a pocket, rose and handed it
across the table. Really, hope you'll 60"
'I'm going up again for the rest of my vaca-
tion," Heaton continued. "And I'll look for you"
He held out his hand
The elder took it, Perhaps" he said
Extraordinarily. And Heaton passed out
1t was a crested letter perfumed and written in
a large, modishly angular hand
Mrs. Thorburns invitation cordial,
pressing She wrote that the hills were simply
lovely now, and that she just knew her dear Mr..
Knowles awfully tagged So she wanted above
all things that he should have fortnights vaca-
ton at High Court. Dorothy will be home,' she
went to say, land some charming people are
visiting me- You will find your stay restfu am
sure. for you shall do as you choose-except at
dinner-tme-and read or ride ramble the days
away. Dear Mr.. Knowles, do come"
"ResJfu"-his thoughts dwelt upon that word.
He lifted his head presently and touched bell.
1t was answered by the man-servant, young and
soft OF foot who approached, as Heaton had. with
air at once respectful and anxiously inquiring.
Did you ring, sir?'
eyes, Larry. I'm going out of town for a couple
of weeks Pack what I'll need-right off"
Will you want want, me to go with you sir?"
for yourself. Send this WIRE He scrubbed few
words hastily, then rose.
'Mr. Knowes-please." Larry, having
ceived the telegram, halted rresolutely at the
door 'If may ask sir if If you'd object
what, Larry?" Austin turned smiling encour-
.agement
"rd-rd-like to get married, sir while you're
gone. I'd be settled and ready for my duties when
you came back. It's young lady I've known a
good while, SIR and we could rent that little cot
tage just back of here-the one with the nastur-
tiums over the porch. Maybe you recall it, SIR"
The smile warmed into kindness. Marry? Why,
of course" Austin said heartily and, con-
graduate you"
Larry bowed fumbling for the knob. THANK
you sir" he said.
next mornings train carried Austin Knowles
out of the city and toward the line of brown-gray
California foothills midway Of which the Thor
burn country place. He raised a window, and a
breeze swept him, Juggling at his hair and bring
ing to his nostrils the scent of curing grass. He
took deep breath. He had not had good smell
Of the country in, yes, in over seven years. The
last time he and Barbara
The old pain gripped him, singing his eyes and
paning his throat. His hand slipped into vest
pocket and drew forth a small round closed
locket, on side of which, chased delicately,
a lily, upheld between two leaves; the
opposite A and B, intertwned. He opened
it, held it close in palm and looked tenderly upon
the pictured face.
"Ar-roy-o!"
The trainman's cry brought him to his feet. He
put the locket away, took up hand-satchel and
hurried out and down. trap was waiting, in
charge Of man in smart covert livery.
When the trap pulled up, only Mrs. Thorburn
greeted him The others are at the tennis-court,"
remember her-the Lamberts babies and all"
"Good!" exclaimed Austin.
"And Ned Heaton" Mrs. Thorburn rather
snapped this out.
"Oh yes,-Ned," said Austin, wondering at her
asperity.
informed her nearer that she was not
He met the house-party at luncheon. Miss
Scott sat next him and was more pert than usual,
owing to the roguish attentions Of young Hal, who
held the end Of the table opposite his mother.
Across from Austin seated between the Lamberts
Ian ostentatiously happy married couple), was
Dorothy
Presently. Austin responded to the infectious
merriment-and found himself laughing
Luncheon was long over, tea-time was nearly at
manu. anu AuSLlui VIII the young lduleS lOOhluS
gleefully on, busily trying to worst Hal at
billiards. Suddenly he remembered that Ned Hea-
ton had not appeared either at luncheon or after
ward.
ooh, he's staying at the Hamilton ranch, just
back of Arroyo" Hal explained, Rides over every
morning to help Dorothy lick at tennis" This
with a sly smile at Miss Scott.
New guests added at dinner, and this
brought Miss Dorothy next Austin. He spoke of
ride She agreed to it enthusiastically; and for
hour and a quarter held forth notwithstanding
and the growing popularity of stride-saddles.
When dinner ended, and the company strolled out
upon the lawn for coffee, she went with him.
Dorothy and he had their ride in the morning,
and came Ned Heaton just outside of Arroyo
dorothy had chosen that direction). The three
cantered homeward together and breakfasted, with
the rest. Then Hal and Austin went back to their
billiards, while Ned and Dorothy, with the Lam
berts sought the tennis-court