The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-04-03

StuuO the strain no more. ItdTely ndu
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. He 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
iams. Every feature of the game was
Joy to his merry heart, and in order
to watch It's progress he determined to
be frequent visitor at Restmore,
which promised to belle its name and
become troubled spot, after all. Ris-
ing from the bench at last, he cut
across lots toward his own home, half
mile away, measuring every stride
with 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 a
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 I'M
like the movements of a humming bird
over bunch of honeysuckle, with the
lord representing the fragrant bios
SONS.
"Why, Lord Croylandv' she twit-
tered, with something between a giggle
and shrek, 'how very fortunate! 1
was just going out to pick wild flowers.
I've never picked wild flowers with a
real nobleman. Please say you are
just dying to give me new expert
ence."
She looked up at him with baby-like
air of innocence and admiration and
laughed again.
I'll should be delighted" said Rich
ard, telling the first downright lie
which had passed his lips since arriv-
ing at Irvington.
He relieved her OF the absurd basket
she was carrying on her arm and start
ed across the fields, cursing inwardly
at the fate which linked him with this
troublesome and irresponsible little
creature and striving outwardly to be
decently polite to her. Unconscious of
his cogitation, Miss Imogene futtered
at his side, now murmuring idiotic
small talk into his bored ears, now
bouncing with little squeals of delight
upon some gaudily colored weed and
depositing it in the basket.
ut is so good of you to come" she
confided, with a melting glance. at
Isn't heavy enough to tire you, is it?
You are so strong, you know, and so
brave"
She alluded to the basket, which
weighed perhaps four ounces. Rich
ard assured her that he thought he
could stand the strain and that he was
not In the least afraid of butterflies,
the only living thing they had met so
far, which brought forth fresh out
burst of gigglesome Joy. Presently she
took seat upon a stone, begged him
to do likewise and began tanning her
self with her hat.
do you know" she whispered, 81
think 1 shall trust you and tell you
secret"
"All right" he said carelessly. Fire
-er-I mean do So by all means" He
seated himself and added dramatical.
ly, Believe me, maiden, it shall be
sacred with me-"
''There!' she cried in triumph. IL
knew you could do 1t, though Harriet
says fatty just fatty - that you
couldn't"
Couldn't whatr
q "Act."
"Well, she's right" agreed Richard.
II can't. I've been told so before
Where do you get your strange delu-
sions?
Once more her big baby eyes looked
upward with pleading glance.
But you'd try il / asked you,
wouldn't you? You couldn't resist II
begged you : err real hard, could
your"
Nothing short of assassination
could make me refuse you," said Rich
ard, emphasizing the pronoun and
looking sadly out across the Hudson.
It was wrong, Of course, but he couldn't
help It, and really she was pretty
enough to excuse SO venal a lapse.
"Oh, you dear, delightful manw CHR
ruped the little lady. Now. listen.
Don't look at the river. Look at me-"
II dare not"
"Nonsensei You said you were not
afraid Of hnttsrnies."