The Western news., 1908-01-01
CHAPTER VI.-(Continued.)

O'Rourke walked out to the front OF
the hotel and awaited the arrivals. When
they came it was plain to his eyes that
Maskelynes depression Of two or three
days ago had not altogether left him, and
indeed, he had seen. in the visits he had
made to Butler in the interim signs that
this depression deepened. But since Mas
kelyne's depression obviously meant his
own victory, it was not in human nature
to be greatly grieved by it. The signs
of the young Americans despondency
were not visible to all the world, but
O'Rourke was a keen observer when he
chose to watch with extreme closeness.
Angela reached out her hand with a
frankness altogether encouraging, and
O'Rourke accepted it with finely toned
air of Difference and respect. All three
Of the newcomers had alighted and en-
tered when Farley came downstairs, and
the young American saw his ready rival
take an immediate place by Angela.
1T was 1 who brought them together" "
he said to himself. 81 have wrecked my
own chances. And 1 never gave him a
warning word. O'Rourke isn't the man to
intrude himself between a friend and his
hopes If he had only known"
At this moment his late delicacy seem
ed overstrained and extravagant.
Il am not worthy of her." he said.
"O'Rourke is a better man than I am.
He's not an objectless, good -for-nothing
fellow like me, with nothing but dollars
to recommend him. A man with a career
before him. and a good beginning behind
him. A handsome fellow, too; bright
receptive, quick. A man with everything
in his favor. Why shouldn't a girl like
him."
While O'Rourke talked in his gay and
sympathetic fashion. and Maskelyne look
ing out of window INDUCED these
thoughts, there came tap at the door
and the landlady entered. :,
~ "A telegraphic dispatch for Monsieur
O'Rourke," said she, giving the name a
queer sounding foreign twist, at which
everybody smiled. O'Rourke took the dis
patch, asked to be excused for a moment
and opened it. He read it at glance
crushed it in his hand and stood with an
expression of displeasure and irresolution
In his face
'No ill news. l hope?" said Farley. ap-
preaching him.
For me" said O'Rourke looking round
at his friend with sudden bright smile
"the wretchedest ill news in the world
A wbip"-he held the crumpled telegram
up before them-"a whip of scorpions"
he added, with laugh. ut drives me
from your presence" He bowed to Lucy
and Angela as he said this, and went on
with a sudden seriousness "Yes, I must
go. | had an idea of refusing-for a
single instant-but that Is thing
mustn't do. Farley, order carriage, and
pay my bill for me-" He thrust purse
Into his friends hand. Il shall miss the
local train, | know, but l can catch the
mail on the main line. | must go and
pack, and | haven't n minute to lose. |
am the unluckiest of men. Back to work
again from this paradise of quiet. And
to miss the tour of the world"
He made his excuses and dashed away
to pack with an alacrity and eagerness
which had all the vivacity of hustle, and
somehow missed it's vulgarity and avoided
Its noise. He was down again in a min
ute or two, portmanteau in hand.
Il leave the heavier things behind"
he said, gayly. This will suffice for a
day or two. | am sorry to go. but parlia-
mentary whips dare not be disputed"
Then he let his face cloud somewhat
and. walking to window, began to drum
with notwithstanding fingers en- the SILL
BY and by he turned and met Angela's
gaze.
Il am sorry to CO." he said softly
'very sorry"
The carriage Farley had ordered drew
up to the door and the departing traveller
shook hands all round. There was no
chance for private word with Angela
but ne threw into his parting glance and
hand-shake all he dared to express at such
a time.
Five francs if you catch the mai. !"
he cried to the driver as he mounted
The man cracked his whip and started
ORourke waved his hat to the little
party gathered about the door, and his
last glance was for Angela.
Il disappear with an air of some i'm
portance,' he said to himself, land that
is something. Poor Maskelyne looks a
bit too cowed to play up with any spirit
for while and l shall be back again in
three days. That again is something"