The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-29

stantly persilhage dropped away as they took the long woodland curves which brought tn em round the base of the hill on which Gorm Castle was built. Kirktown lay fan below and to tlre right, drowned in greyish haze of its own smoke. The red brick build ings and stables of the "Caravanserai." stood out on the opposite hill, double sweep of white drive leading up to the pretentious Gothic of the front door, The sight recalled to Phil that the girl in the blue serge dress and cheap straw hat had refused the master of all that, and was now walking by his side, lit tie mockingly, 1t is true, with no sus- picion of sentiment-but still. when all was said and done-there! With him. Phil Calmont, and not with another
 But newborn loyalty, and some thing of the chivalry which he had all ways possessed towards the absent, caused Phil to take up the cause of his friend. And this though the side of his nature, which was feminine, cried aloud at the grotesque folly he was about to commit.
 There Is no one like MT. Vic Nor ris," he said determinedly. "I can't help saying ft-though he would be angry, and it is none of my business He is staying on here in Kirktown be- cause of you. Of course he is. He loves you. If I were girl I should count 1t an honor to be loved by such man"
 And all the while the Other Side was saying, What fool you are, Phil Cal mont And you know it! What an ab- ject fool"
 For the moment Vida seemed little taken aback She had not quite ex pected an attack of this nature. It was her first proposal by deputy. and she smiled as she thought of Captain Miles Standish and the celebrated mission of John Alden. But in moment she was herself again-only a little cross with Phil for spelling the evening calm the quiet of the woodland walk, with the crows going noisily home to bye bye" overhead and the cows setting their noses over the pasture bars. and lowing melodiously to be milked. It was the time of all others that Vida loved, and she was not well pleased with Phil for spelling 1t for her. He might have known better-in fact. he did know better. But she would serve him out.
 Did Mr. Ludovic Morris send you to me that you might tell me thatY she said. Really I must consult my natu- protectors, l)lch anu IpiiiS' bViOiS v I give an answer to this proposition by deputyr'
 t"No" said Phil. hastening on the fast CT as he felt more and more keenly the utter folly of his proceedings, he has never breathed word to me-
 Then" said Vida sharply, T think out of mere respect for my feelings you might have sounded your principals S intentions before committing him to this. What Is done by the servant is done by the master. Even l know as much law as that. In fact before we proceed farther. I think we had better step over to the Valley Manse and in- quire of MT. Morris whether he is pre- pared to homologate your actions"
 And she made feint to turn about.
 Don't" said Phfl, catching her by the arm Vida laughed till she cried, long and helplessly.
 You silly" was what she said
 "Yes. l know said Phil, watching her softly. T am silly. But things are hard, with me-you can't help seeing that. For it seems to me that you see everythingl You sare cleverer than I am. Most people are. I am only