Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-04-03

he passed so amusing and delightful a
half hour. He lived the lonely life OF
a wealthy old bachelor. and the com
edy had come to him in the shape of
a godsend. lie liked what he had seen
of the young man immensely, and he
was prepared to like him more for
his fathers sake, but he determined to
make him suffer as much as possible
in payment for his reckless assurance.
Besides. he had another end in view.
the success of which depended largely
upon the son of his Old friend Bill Will
liams. Every feature of the game was
a JOY to his merry heart. and Ia order
to watch its progress he determined to
be a frequent visitor at Restmore.
which promised to belle its name and
become a troubled spot. after all. Ris-
ing from the bench ut last, he cut
across lots toward his own home. half
n mile away. measuring every stride
with II sort Of chuckling pedometer.
Meanwhile Richard followed the law
yer's counsel. not only as to closing
his mouth with regard to Mr.. Renwyck,
but as to opening it without delay
with regard to Mr.. Renwyck's daugh-
ter. This at least was his intention.
but he found himself once more disap-
pointed. Miss Harriet was in her ia
vorite seat on the lawn, with an open
book resting in her lap. Richards foot
falls made no sound on the soft green
turf. and. unconscious of his approach.
before he was within hailing distance
she arose abruptly and went into the
house. He followed her forthwith. but
just as he reached the veranda steps n
sprightly little figure bounced out and
greeted him effusively. Needless to
say, it was not Miss Renwyck. Miss
Imogene Chittendon was more fluffy
irritating to the %adventurer than usual.
Her motions. like her manner of speech.
were nervous and spasmodic. not un-
like the movements of a humming bird
over a bunch of honeysuckle, with the
lord representing the fragrant bios
ohs
"Why, Lord Croyland" she twit-
tered, with something between a giggle
and a shrek, ''how very Fortunate! !
was Just going out to pick wild flowers
I've never picked wild flowers with q
real nobleman. Please say you are
just dying to give me a new expert
ence."
She looked up ut him with a baby-likC
air of innocence and admiration anC
laughed again.
IL should be delighted" said Rich
ard, telling the first downright liz
which had passed his lips since arriv
ing at %Irvington.
He relieved her of the absurd baske
she was carrying on her arm and start
ed across the fields, cursing inwardly
at the fate which linked him with thi'
troublesome and irresponsible littl,
creature and striving outwardly to b.
decently polite to her. Unconscious o
his cogitation. Miss Imogene futteret
at his side. now murmuring IDIOT
small talk into his bored ears, nov
bouncing with little squeals of deligh
upon some gaudily colored weed ant
depositlng it in the basket.
at is SO good of you to come sh
confided, with a melting glance. II
isn't heavy enough to tire you, is it
, You are so strong. you know. and S
brave
She alluded to the basket. whic
weighed perhaps four ounces, Ricl
ard assured her that he thought h
could stand the strain and that he wa
not in the least afraid of butterflies
the only living thing they had met S
far, which brought forth a fresh on
burst of gigslesome joy. Presently sh
q took a seat upon a stone. begged hi
to do likewise and began tanning he
! self with her hat.
: do you know" she whispered. :
think | shall trust you and tell you
!. secret"
! "All right" he said carelessly. Vii
= -er-I mean do So. by all means" II,
;. seated himself and added Grammatical
$ ly. Believe me, maiden, it shall b.
o sacred with me"
"There!'' she cried in triumph. :"
! knew you could do it, though Harrle
> says fatty - just fatty that 20
couldn't"
Couldn't what?"
"Act."
"Well, as right" agreed Richard
Il can't. I've been told so before
Where do you get your strange deli
iions?"
Once moIe her big baby eyes locke
upward with a pleading glance.
But you'd try If | asked vol
wouldn't you? You couldn't resist
| begged you er - real hard. coul
youT"
Nothing short of assassinatlo
could make me refuse YOU said Ricl
ard. emphasizing the pronoun an
looking sadly out across the Hudson
1t was wrong, of course. but he couldn
help 1t, AMI really she was prett
enough to excuse SO venal a lapse.