Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-09-10
CHAPTER Will

"Oh !" gasped Aileen; then angry re-
sentiment crimsoned her face and flashed
in her eyes. "Oh, how dare you This
is abominable! Lit is persecution "
I'm very sorry" said the young man
humbly, for the eyes were those of a
well-set-up, broad-shouldered young fell
low. "I-I-thought you saw me and
and-wanted to shake hands"
You didn't! You knew perfectly well
/ would not condescend to do such a
thing | wonder you are not ashamed of
yourself with whitening glance. Il
was going to open the gate"
Then you do live at that house !" the
young fellow exclaimed. This is grand
luck We live at the other, you know.
The doctor has"
Il don't wish to hear" Aileen inter
rupted Jelly. Il don't know you, and
l haven't the least desire to know you"
She passed through the gate which he
held open with all the dignity she could
muster. and after a second ne followed
her. They walked along the avenue for
some distance in silence. Aileen's head
was held very high; she absolutely dis
dsined any notice of the young man.
Il say !" he exclaimed abruptly.
Il really think you'll drive me crazy -
she cried. you've made me the laughing
stock of the varsity"
"Oh, come, Miss Beresfordr ~
"Well, of my friends-which is still
worse. You have positively prosecuted
me with your odious-yes, your odious
attentions and letters and flowers. and
and everything else. I've hardly dared
l. I A.
worry and anxiety have told on my health
and. what is worse, on my work. l could
almost believe that you do It on purpose
to spoil my chances for the tripos. And
now you begin the same thing here, where
/ did hope TO have a little peace. 1t is
more than ungentlemanly-it is caddish ~
The color mounted to his forehead as
they confronted each other, yet his eyes
met hers without any hesitation.
well, I'll acknowledge all that" he
said slowly, thrusting his hands deep into
his pockets, ''and I'm awfully sorry about
the beastly old tripos if you are so set
upon it, though why pretty But
that's nothing TO do with it, l suppoSe?'
looking at her imploringly.
Certainly not with much decision.
But, after all, am | SO much to
blame? After that blessed day when you
were nearly drowned mean of course
il was blessed for me. that is. Oh, con-
found it all You know what I'm trying
to tell you"
A very fain. smile, Instantly sup
pressed, lickered at a, corners of
Aliens mouth. Mr.. He. wood Fenton
saw it and took courage once more.
You know how it was blessed for me /:
it was l who got you out, and, badly
as I've behaved. you won't deny | saved
your life? From the minute l got you
on to the bank and carried you to that
cottage. with your cheek resting on my
shoulder and your poor little hand
There is no necessity to go into de-
tails" Aileen interrupted, blushing hotly.
"You will kindly remember that 1 was
partially unconscious"
I'm very thankful you were. or You
would never have let me hold you. Well.
from that minute it was all up with me- y
Il am very sorry. 1t is to be trusted
that your friend who rescued Miss
Themes was not similarly attacked
Trinity mus, have been in bad way last
term with two such signing furnaces in
adjacent rooms"
"Oh, | knew you would laugh, but l
don't care, Ii making fun of me could
do il, l should have been choked of long
ago. Hobson is already engaged lucky
beggar and, if he wasn't, Miss Thomes
wouldn't get him. Fancy any one falling
in love with that grim austerity! That's
rather a good phrase, is il not9" He
paused for reply, but, receiving none.
continued hurriedly. you won't DENY
that YOU were very grateful TO me and
made yourself as sweet and charming as
YOU could while We waited for HobSon
10 come back with the cab, and the aus
terity' was waiting upstairs while her
things dried You don't deny that, do
your
Naturally 1 was polite and very
thankful o. you for having saved NY
life. 1t was a matter of common cour-
tesy. l should have been as grateful,
hope, 70 a sweep had he rescued me"
You liked me bit better than s
sweep" he answered gloornily.
me color rose in Aliens face; she
looked little confused. and her answer
was not quite 50 prompt as usual
''All this is beside the question she
said. speaking with all the unconcern she
could muster. You saved my life. ]
acknowledged my obligation: but that