The Jasper news., 1908-11-07
CHAPTER V.-Continued.

CHAPTER V.-Contlnued.
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 we'll as ever and thanked
me earnestly for my share in her res
cue. In fact, her gratitude was so
profuse as to make me uncomfortable
and l protested volubly that what l
had done was nothing. Nevertheless
from that day on Agatha Second clung
to me in a manner that was almost
touching. Vincent, to my surprise, in
stead of taking advantage of his part
as hero, seemed rather anxious to
avoid the girl, whereas, before our
mutual discovery, he had seemed to be
quite taken with her. Although his
conduct was puzzle to me, yet / could
only rejoice that 1t was so, for it 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.
1t was the first Sunday after the &C.
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 it was finally time to get
ready my head ached from the sun,
for had been sitting without my hat,
and decided that l would not go that
morning, though there was a flattering
chorus of protests when l made this
announcement.
II shall CO." said Vincent, positive
ly, just as If anyone had disputed it.
II always go, don't I, Miss Marsh?" ap-
pealing to the secretary, who was pres
ent, 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 a
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 &C and get himself
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 rip
ping day the girls thought they'd like
it. The phaeton is coming for us after
church. What's the matter with you
We shall miss you" .. ....
"Oh, just bit off my feed this
morning. But, Vincent, my boy, dc
you realize that you're going to church
all alone by yourself with six girls, the
prettiest in England?"
Seven" corrected Vincent, un
moved. "The secretary is going witt
us this morning."
l shook my head at him admiringly
You're a wonderful fellow" l tolC
him.; 81 couldn't manage seven of then
at once to save my skin. 1t keeps mc
busy enough when take 'em one a
a time"
At this moment the girls troopeC
downstairs. They had their pretties
gowns on and were fully aware of tn,
admiration in the eyes of Vincent ant
myself. And that admiration was pei
fectly excusable, for the six Agatha
were looking unusually lovely in thei
lowered frocks. big white hats, an,
the dainty parasols to match the wild
sashes, and l should have been har,
put to 1t to say which was the hand
soonest. But as they filed out of tn
big door / saw Vincent look longes
at the secretary, who walked littl
behind the others, her plain, dark blu
silk gown and little rough straw ha
with the pink roses being conspicu
GUS contrast to the frills and furbe
lows of the six Agathas. / though
had never seen her look so well, an
she passed us men without so much a
glancing in our direction, though Viz
cents gaze. thought was trif
rude.