Rocky Ford enterprise., 1908-10-16
CHAPTER V.-continued.

The next morning when she came
down to breakfast inquired with
great concern as to the effects of the
accident of the day previous. She
replied most kindly that she felt very
nearly as well as ever and thanked
me earnestly for my share in her res
cue. In fact. her gratitude was so
prSfuse rs to make me uncomfortable.
and | protested volubly that what
had done was nothing. Nevertheless
from that day on Agatha Second chung
to me in n manner that was almost
touching. Vincent. TO my surprise, in
stead of taking advantage of his part
ms hero. seemed rather anxious to
avoid the girl. whereas. before our
mutual discovery, ne had seemed to be
quite taken with her. Although his
conduct was puzzle to me. yet could
only rejoice that II was so. for 1t left
the field absolutely free to me, and
felt as each day passed that now, in
deed. was hotter on the trail of that
twenty millions than had yet been.
II was the first Sunday after the ac.
cident and the fourth of our stay We
had breakfasted at eight and were
sitting around aimlessly waiting until
1t was time to go TO church.
When 1t was finally time to get
ready my head ached from the sun.
for | had been sitting without my hat,
and I decided that | would not 20 that
morning. though there was fIattering
chorus OF protests when | made this
announcement.
Il shall 60" said Vincent. positive
ly. just as II anyone had disputed 1t.
Il always go, don't I. Miss Marsh?" ap-
peallng TO the secretary. who was pres
eat. but who, of course. had been rath-
er left out of the conversation.
Yes" she answered. smiling at him
family. You always do-ever since
we've known you. that it. You're n
saint. Lord Wilferd." But she laughed
as she said it. and Vincent, for no rea-
son at all. looked pleased.
Then the girls all went into the
house to change their frocks, and Vim
cent, too. had to go and get himself
rigged out in all the sweetness of his
Bond street afternoon things.
Are you going to ride or walk"
asked him as he came downstairs
ahead of the young ladies.
Walk" he said. ITS such a rim.
ping day the girls thought they'd like
1t. The phaeton is coming for us after
church. What's the matter with you?
We shall miss you"
oh just n bit of my feed .his
morning. But. Vincent, my boy. do
you realize that you're going to church
all alone by yourself with six girls. the
prrttiest in England?"
"Sevetr." corrected Vincent. un-
moved. The secretary is going with
us this morning"
l shook my head at him admiringly.
You're a wonderful fellow" told
him; II couldn't manage seven of them
at once to save my skin. 1t keeps me
busy enough when l take 'em one at
a time"
At this moment the girls trooped
downstairs. They had their prettiest
gowns on and were fully aware OF the
admiration in the eyes of Vincent and
myself. And that admiration was per-
fectly eXcusable, for the six Agathas
were looking unusually lovely in their
lowered frocks, big white hats. and
the dainty parasols to match the wide
sashes. and ! should have been hard
put to it TO say which was the hand
soonest. But as they filed out of the
big door | saw Vincent look longest
at the secretary. who walked a little
behind the others, her plain, dark blue
silk gown and little rough straw hat
with the pink roses being conspicu.
Gus contrast to the frills and furbe.
lows OF the six Agathas. l thought
had never seen her look so well, and
she passed US men without SO much rs
glancing in our direction, though Vim