Mexico Missouri message., 1909-01-07
CHAPTER v.-contInusd.

The next morning when she came
down to breakfast I 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 protested volubly that what
had done was nothing. Nevertheless,
from that day on Agatha Second chung
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 a puzzle to me, yet could
only rejoice that It was so, for Il 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
II 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 would not 20 that
morning. though there was a fiattering
chorus OF protests when l made this
announcement
Il shall CO." said Vincent. positive
ly, Just as II anyone had disputed It.
Il 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 II. You're a
saint, Lord WIlferd." But she laughed
az she said II, and Vincent, for no rea-
son at all. looked pleased.
Then the girls all went into the
house to change their froclts. and Vim.
cent. too. had to go and get himself
rugged out In all the sweetness Of his
Bond street afternoon things.
Are you going to ride or walk2" !
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 you7
We shall miss you"
"oh, Just a BIT on my feed this
| morning. But, Vincent, my boy, do
you realize that you're going TO church
all alone by yourself with six girls. the
prettiest in England2"
Seven" corrected Vincent. un.
moved. "The secretary is going with
US thia morning"
shook my head at him admirlngly.
You're q wonderful fellow" / told
him; II couldn't manage seven OF them
at once 10 save my skin. II keeps me
busy enough when take 'em one al
a time"
AT this moment the girls trooped
downstairs. They had their prettiesi
gowns ON and were fully aware OF the
admiration In the eyes Of Vincent and
myself. And that admiration was per
fectiy excusable, for the six Agathal
were looking unusually lovely in theiI
lowered frocks, big white hats. and
the dainty paraaols 70 match the wide
sashes. and should have been hard
put to II 70 say which was the hand
soonest. But as they fiied out OF the
big door / saw Vincent look longest
at the secretary. who walked q little
behind the others. her plain, dark blue
eiIk gown and little rough straw hal
with the pink roses being q conspicu
Gus contrast TO tho frilis and furhe
lows Of the ak Aanihas. I thought
/ ] had never asen her look 90 well. and
she passed ~ men without SO much al
! Hlanclna IA our direction. though vin