Evening star., 1909-05-10
CHAPTER XIII.
A Harmony In Gray.

AS the trio entered the room Judy
jumped from the sofa vivaciously. The
sheriff followed with an agility wonder
full in a man Of his age; he bade them all
welcome with compelling heartiness.
Judy was full Of animation; indeed she
outdid herself to a degree which made
Joy raise her eyebrows. Joy was q SYM
pathetic soul. and unconsciously adapted
herself to her aunt's supra-vivacity.
To Col. Ogilvie less enthusiastic by ma
ture and concern. 1t appeared that she
was, as he put 1t in his own mind. play
ing up to the old girl He seemed to
realize that the sheriff was ardent In his
aptitude Of a bfother-in-law to not
young lady. had already made up his
mind to give his consent.
Judy few to Joy and kissed her fer
vently. The kisses were returned with
equal warmth. and the two women
IL delight, Of certain of the onlookeri
viewing the circumstance from different
standpoints. Judy took her niece to the
now-vacated sofa. and an animated whis-
tion was, however. distracted; her senses
had different detectives. Her touch was
to Judy sitting beside her and holding
her close In loving embrace; her ears
were to her father. who was talking to
the sheriff. But her eyes were all with
a timid knock at the door. and in answer
to the sheriffs "Come in it was partly
opened. The voice Of the landlady wal
heard: May y, I speak with ye a mo. mo-
door. and a whispered colloquy On.
sued. all his guests turning their eyes
away and endeavoring in that way. "a
usual. to seem not to be listening. Then
the sheriff, having closed the door. said!
"Our good hostess tells me that there
mill no f,1I1 hol ~ kA.
fore we can breakfast. II she Is to have
proper time to do justice to the food
which she wishes to place before US. Sc
] must ask pardon of you all"
Capital! Capitalr' said Col. ogilvie
that half hour is just what we want
Mr.. Sheriff. we have little ceremony t.
go through before we breakfast. TIL.
fact is we are going to have an irregular
marriage. If you are able to take par
in such a thing l hope you will assis
lyme. The sheriff answered:
BE quite easy on that point, sir.
am not In my own shrieval district, ant
| SO, even II such were contra to my duties
at home. 1 am free to act as an indi
vidual elsewhere. But who are the con
! tracing parties? You are married al
| ready: so, too. are your daughter ant
my Lord Athlyne. Indeed. 1t looks, Mis-
Hayes. as II you and 1 are the onl,
available parties left. But / fear sucl
/
would give anything in the wide worl'
to win it!'' He bowed to her gallantl.
and took her hand. She looked quite EN-
barrassed-though not distressed, and gig
| gled like q schoolgirl.
| Indeed, Mr. Sheriff. she said, S'thi
is very sudden. Affairs Of the heart seen
to move quickly in this delightful coun
try!" AS she spoke she looked at 10!
and Athlyne. who happened to be at tn
moment standing hand in hand. 10.
came over and sat beside her and kisse'
| her. Athlyne. in obedience to a lool
| from his wife. kissed her. too. Then tn
colonel calamity followed suit. Their
was only the sheriff left. and he. after ,
pause. took advantage of the occasion
and kissed her also. Then to relieve he
manifest embarrassment he spoke out:
| .'I fear I have diverted your purpose
| Col. Ogilvie. I am not sorry for it,
this with look at Judy which made he
blush afresh. but apologize. take l
that you were alluding to something Il
which / am to have less prominent par
than I have suggested.
1.-THE marriage. sir. is to be betweel