The Rich Hill tribune., 1907-07-11

Anefe was a sounu OF uulth NHA
scampering feet IN the hall above and
chen down the steps. between the line
of guests arrested in their descent
came dark laughing girl in the garb
OF Little Red Ridins Hood. amid gen
erai applause and laughter.
"Its Olivia! She won the wager,H
exclaimed the spectacled gentleman,
and the girl. whose dark curls we're
sfeken about her face. ran up to rs 4
and threw her arms about him and 1
kissed him. It was a charming pic /
ture-the figures on the stairway the I
pretty. graceful child. the eager. happy 4
faces all about I was too interested /
in the scene to be uncomfortable.
Then, at the top OF the stair, her 1
height accentuated by her gown 81 I
white. stood Marian Devereux, hest |
tating an instant. as a bird pauses be- |
fore taking wing. and then laughingly /
running between the lines to where
Olivia faced her ia mock AFFECTION
To the charm Of the girl IN the wood
land was added now the dignity OF
beautiful wOmanhood, and my heart
leaped al the thought that had ever
spoken 10 her. that I was there be-
cause she had tainted me with the
risk of coming.
Above. on the stair landing, deep
toned clock began to strike midnight
and every one cried Merry Christ
mas" and "Ohvias woni" and there
was more hand clapping. IN which l
Joined with good viii.
Some one behind me was explaining
what had just occurred. Olivia, the
youngest daughter OF the house. had
been denied q glimpse of the bali;
Miss Devereux had made wager
with her host that Olivia would ap
pear before midnight; and Olivia. de-
feating the plot against her, gained
the main hall at The stroke OF p
Good night Good night" called
'Olivia--the real Olivia--in derision TO
the company, and turned and ran back
through the applsuding laughing
fhrong.
The specialized gentleman was Oiiv-
las father, and he mockingly rebuked
Marian Devereux for having encour-
aged an infraction OF parent disci-
pline. while she was twitting him upon
AlE Atinn "a MS ntAntAs AANAA AAlA NA
rested upon me for the FIRST time She
lifted. her brows slightly. but contln-
ued talking placidly to her host The
situation did not please me; had not
travelled so far and barglariOusly en-
tered Doctor Armstrong; house in
quest OF a girl with blue eyes merely
to stand by while she talked with an
sother man
I drew nearer. impatiently; and was
conscious that four other young men
In white waistcoats and gloves quite
as irreproachahle as my own stood
ready 10 clam her the instant she was
free. did not propose 20 be thwarted
by the beaux OF Cincinnati and | ad
dressed NY host boldly.
4 BEG your pardon. Doctor"
said with an assurance for which
blush TO this hour
IAN right. my boy; I, too. have been
IN Arcadyi- he exclaimed in cheerful
apology, and she put her baud on my
arm and led her away.
He called me my boy. 50 / must bs
passing muster" remarked. not dar
Ing to look at her
"He's afraid not 10 recognize you
His inability 10 remember faces Is
town Joke"
We reached quiet corner Of thl
great hall and found a seat FOR her
"You don't seem surprised 20 SCI
me.--you knew / would come shoul,
have come across the world for this
for just this"
Her eyes were grave az once.
why did you Gomez did not thin
you were so foolish. This Is ail--s
wrefched You didn't know that Nj
PickerinE-Mr. Pickering
She was greatly distressed and TIM
name came from her ehokingly.
"Yes, what Of him2" ! laughed. III
Is well on the way 70 California. .--aR
without yonl
"No-you don't know--yon don't IN
derstand-he's herel He abandone
mis- California trip At Chicago; be tel'
graphed me TO expect him--here-t'
nishtl You must 80 at once-a
oncel"
"Ah, but you cant frlghten me.
said. trying 20 realize just what NEE
ing with Pickering IN that house migl
mean.
"No."-she looked anxlously abou
they we're 70 arrive late, he and N
Taylors; they know the Armstrong
quite we'll They may come al an
moment nov. Please gol"
"But ! have only a few minutes m
aelf.~-you wouldn't have me sit thel
out IN the station down town. Thei
are some things ] have come to sa
and Arthur Pickering and ! are NJ
afraid of each otheri"
"But you must not meet him her
Think. what that would mean 20 m'
You are very foolDardy Mr GlenarI
had no idea you would come"
"Ruf you wished 10 try me,--y'
challenges nae"