The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-03-06
CONTINUED

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 9th
err fellows did it at last, and everybody
liked him. He was very happy over
there"
After little while she had said that
it was growing close upon lunch time;
she must be going back.
hen-then-goodby," he replied
ruefully.
"Why?"
''I'm afraid you don't understand. II
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 tho
bridge?''
In answer she looked at him full and
straight for three seconds, then threw
back her head and closed her eyes tight
with laughter Without a word she
took the parasol from him, opened it
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 Mr..
Louden, and inclined her head twice,
with the result that the latter, after
thinking for a time of how gracefully
she did it 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 loveller than ever, isn't she p
Eyes, 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, Mr.. Louden
You haven't told me-
ooh, he's just a yellow dog" he evad-
ed unskillfully.
Young man. she said sharply.
"Well," he admitted reluctantly, II
call him Speck for short"
'And what for long? I want to know
his real name"
cts mighty inappropriate, because
we're fond Of each other" said Joe,
"but when l picked him up he was so
so scared that l 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 his sleeve, and crossed the street
toward the gate, which Mamie and
Eugene had entered. Mamie, after ex-
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
staying here. Judge Pike has charge
of all my property. He was the ad-
ministrator or something" Then, sec
ing him chopfallen and aghast, she
went on: "Of course you don't know
You don't knew anything about me
You haven't even asked"
you're going to live here?" hC
gasped.
Twill you come to see me?" she
laughed. "Will you come this after
noon2"
He grew white. "You know 1 can't
he said
"You came here once. You risked ;
good deal then just to see Mamie
dance by window. Don't you dare I
little for an old friend?'
"All right" he gulped. "I'll try"
Mr.. Bantry had come down to tn,
gate and was holding 1t open, his eye
fixed upon Ariel, within them a risin;
glow. An impression came to Joe aft
erward that his stepbrother had looked
very handsome.
Possibly you remember me, Mis-
Tabor" said Eugene in a deep ant
impressive voice, lifting his hat wv
. were neighbors, / believe, in the oil
days"
She gave him her hand in a fashion
somewhat mannerly, favoring hin
with a bright, negligent smile. "Ol
quite" she answered, turning again t
: Joe as she entered the gate "Then
shall expect your
''Pll try" said Joe. "IlI try"
He stumbled away, Respectable
and he together interfering alarmingl
with the comfort Of Mr.. Fntcroft, VIII
!. had stopped in the middle of the pave
: ment TO stare classify at Ariel Ell
gene accompanied the latter into til
house. and Joe, looking back, under
stood. Mamie had sent his stepbrothe
to bring Ariel in-and to keep hir
from following
This afternoon The thought too
away his breath, and he became pale]
CHAPTER XII.
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