Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-09-24
CHAPTER XII

ings business extremely. It was pleas
ant to shop with any one SO 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 corIpanion, with
fund Of easy conversation. As she list
ened Aileen began to understand the Sc
cret Of his extreme popularity. A little
nonsense now and then IS relished by the
vvisest men. and highly strung n
teiiectual girl found Billy's commonpia's
conversation a decided relief.
I've really enjoyed myself sr@ c
mented, as they parted.
The Rectory was very quiet when she
entered 1t, but light issued from De
meath the drawing room door.
Visitors again !" she thought, as she
stood with her hand on the handle. linen
her quick ear caught familiar tone
ssThe professor, of all people J" she ex-
claimed.
She gave a hasty glance at her reHec-
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, VINO
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 VIII never cease" Aileen
thought, as she looked from her future
husband to her sister, whose lovely face
was agow with excitement. What a
beauty she is-our Bride How do you
do, Professor" she said aloud, as he
started almost guiltily. $50 you have
really found your way to this benlghted
region? l am SO sorry we were all out
except my sister. hope she has booked
after you well?"
"Oh, yes-thanksI She has been most
kind"
BEhle 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 eray-headed. untidy man she had
vaguely imagined was one certainly not
more than thirty-eight, with a clever
looking, dark face, kind, grave eyes, and
a black pointed beard and hair as short
as Terry's. Nor did he wear glasses ha-
bitually, as Aileen did, though they hung
ready for use. He was tall nd thin and
stopped little, hut no was no bookworm
In appearance.
"If Aileea takes him in hand and trims
him IN. he will be quite good-looking,
Moyra told herself, as she listened un-
comprehendingly to the conversation that
was going on between master and pupil.
How clever and how very dull 1t was
she thought, as Greek quotations slipped
hawlessly from Aliens lips, and the pro-
fessor waxed eloquent over disputed read
ings.
Dinner was a little later that evening
owing to Terry's and Angus late return
from a football match, and as Moyra
stood at the dining room window, waiting
for them, the postman arrived with some
letters. one for Angus with foreign post
mark. She sent it up to his room and
forgot all about it until later in the even
ing. when his extreme quietness and pre-
occupied expression attracted her atten-
ton.
1t was dull evening. Conversation
at dinner was monopolized by the Rec
tor and professor, and afterwards, when
Mr.. Beresford had gone to meeting,
blanket of dullness seemed to have settled
over every one. Only the professor and
Aileen seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Terry yawned openly and finally went
out. 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
tightening his face. Il must acknowledge
shat two or three times l have felt in
clined to join the crew."
.'Vera Is here. But you haven't done
much to increase our hilarity," she add
ed, with gentle reproach. 81 have been
wondering why you have looked SO mis-
cradle all the time"
He did not answer at once, and she
hooked up inquiringly, to meet his eyes
fixed upon her with an expression that
made the color rise in her face. She bow
ed her head over her work again. not
knowing why she should feel SO foolish
and yet so pleased.
81 am afraid" Angus said, ''if looked
miserable. II was because / feel so.
shall be obliged to so away tomorrow"
Moyra's hands dropped; she looked up
at him astonished.
go away?" she echoed, and It was
happiness for him to hear the sorrow in
her tone ''Not-not to South America ?"
mot yet. although 1 must hold myself
In readiness for that, too. Tomorrow |
must 20 to London"-his brows contract
ing. MY father is growing impatient
at my lGziness and is loading me with
commissions in town. 1t is an unpleas-
ant business. too. and one would in
initely rather leave alone, but needs must
when the chief drives. Ny father is an
exceedingly impatient man. l came TO
England with a great task set me, one
that demands a great deal of care and in
wolves anxiety and trouble, yet every let
ter says. Have you done what WISH
and. alas. every letter says in return, I
have not -
1T am afraid you are very dilatory."
Moyra said He had certainly done moth
ing while he had been with them. -Have
you ever begun to do what your father
wishes?"
"oh. yesr' he answered gravely. not
noticing her surprise. Everything is set
in train. But my father, like other
clever men, thinks only of the end. and
cares nothing for what has produced it,
They were silent for s while; then
Moyra asked, with her usual serenity:
shall You be away long?"
He started as if his thoughts had been
far away.
WHAT oh. I beg your pardonl l
am afraid l cannot answer that-it de-
ponds so much on how my business pro
7 Il.