Charlevoix county herald., 1908-03-28

her shoulders, drifting in graceful cas-
cades far down upon her skirt. Her
features were small and aristocratic,
and the pale gold hair, piled loosely
high upon her well-poised head, gave
her look that was instantly patrician.
Dorcas greeted her eagerly, delight
ed to find her thus far on the road to
recovery.
why, Miss Letitia," she cried, chow
charming you look" She, herself, was
more than lovely in her gown Of pale
blue dimity with its crisp bows of rib
bon. I'm on my way out to take
peep at the house. l have the pony
cart, it's a perfect day, and | do so
want you TO go with me and help me
decide"
The other laughed and rose with
little gesture of pleasure. She pinned
on her hat and dropped the veil over
her face. Then she threw lace boa
over her shoulders and pulled on her
gloves. Afterwards, they went out to
the cart and drove away ct brisk
trot. Ten minutes later, they had left
the last struggling village house be-
hind and turned into the turnpike road,
talking merrily as they whirled along.
Presently Dorcas drew rein in
front of little white cottage, nesting
behind group of trees like pearl in
circle of emeralds. The sunlight
trickled through the branches in gold
en- splotches and the sky overhead COW
cred it like a turquoise cup.
With little gasp of delight, Dorcas
jumped out and tied the pony to a
post.
But for some abrupt reason, Miss
Lctitia remained where she was, ST.
lent and bit pale.
The young girl looked up at her in
establishment. why, why, Miss Lett
tia" she said contritely, Il am afraid
it's been too great tax on you. I"
But the other had recollected her
self swiftly and forced a smile to COW
or her agitation.
ITS nothing" she said I'm just a
trifle shaky because it is my first out
ing after being confined so long" She
rose and stepped down on the ground
and they entered the little iron gate
that opened into a wilderness of bios
som. Dorcas hurried eXcitedly up the
gravel path, ran up the steps and fitted
brass key to the front door.
Miss Letitia sat down on the steps
TO get her breath, smiling in spite of
herself at each rapturous outburst
that came from within as Dorcas dis
covered some fresh revelation of
beauty.
Suddenly the gate changed sharply
and a stranger came quickly up the
rose-bordered path. He was attired
in brown corduroys and riding-boots,
and carried his broad-brimmed felt hat
in his hand
Il beg your pardon" he began in n
rich, musical voice, but l was told
that should meet a possible tenant
here at this hour"
Miss Letitia started, twisting the lit
tie lace handkerchief she carried, be-
tween her fingers. Her lips were
pressed together and two vivid spots
Of color sprang TO her cheeks. When
she could still the tumultuous beating
Of her heart, she lifted her hand and
drew up her veil, while the man looked
on in petrified amaZement. His eyes
slowly widened and the color, surging
into his face, showed clear and strong
beneath the heavy mask of tan.
YOU" he said at last.
yes. Robert"
And so YOU are going to be mar
RED after all, and come here to live"
His tone tried hard to be common
place, but the bitterness leaked
through, and he suddenly looked older
than his 40 years.
The waves of red were coming and
going in Miss Letitia's delicate cheeks
in little soft rushes. There was a quick
in-catch of her breath, as she said:
"Oh, no, not /; it is Dorcas Trimbe
and young Hardin
With paean of thanksgiving in his
heart, Rober.. Grantley took a swift
step in her erection, in his eyes the
look that 10 years had not dimmed
'Letitia!" he cried And
Bob" she answered.
A ripping laugh broke in upon their
supreme moment, followed Immediate
~ by the exuberant young author OF
it. Dear me, Miss Letitia, I've been
waiting-ah!" She stopped short, her
clear gray eyes searching the two
faces before her.
Il am the owner OF this place, Miss
Trimble," apologized Grantley, land
l am sorry to have Inconvenience
you, but have about decided to-er-
occupy 1t myself in the near future"
His gaze rested in luminous question
ing upon Miss Letitias Towering
cheeks.
Dorcas merely said: Obi" And the
language of love being as kindergar-
ten to that young veteran of heart lore,
she suddenly called TO mind that she