The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-06-18
CHAPTER x.
In the House of Rimmon.


 Conover swung down the hill toward the valley in whose centre twink1ed the lights of the Arareek Country Club He was still buoyed up by the curious elation that was always his after an hour with Desiree: For perhaps the odors of the June dusk carried for him a meaning; and in every nerve he was aware of the milk glory of the night He took deep breaths of the scented air and squared his mighty shoulders as he strode down the slope. It was good to be alive: to feel the easy play of one's perfect muscles: to be tireless victorious. and still in the early thir- ties.
 A girl in a white dress was walking a short distance ahead of him as he neared the Clubhouse. Each long step brought COnOver nearer to her. At her side walked a man. The couple were in no haste. but seemed bent on enjoy ing the beauty of the night in leisure ly fashion before reaching their dis tination. As Caleb came alongside. a few rods from the Arareek gates. the man hailed him. It was Cafne. Con- over, barely remembering himself in time to initiate the others salute. pull ed off his hat and slouched toward the two.
 Miss Standish." said Caine. after --eeting the Fighter. May present MT. Conover?'
 The girl held out her hand shyly. Caleb. as he took it. looked down at her with considerable interest. He was curious to see what manner of woman the fastidious Caine had so long idol ized; and to whom. in face of much rumored family opposition, he had re- cently become engaged. The lights of the open Clubhouse door shone full up- on Lefty Standish, and Caleb's first curiosity changed to something like astonishment. She was a plump little creature, with a pretty, slack face. Ca1o 1oT in nh saw in her up turned countenance much amiability.-of the sort that tends to turn gently sub-acid under the right provocation,-a charming complete lack of any sort of resolu- ton: and an intellect as profound as that of any unusually sagacious guinea pig Large. delft-blue eyes. a culver ing button of a nose. a pouting mouth above a narrow forehead. Pretty with the inherent comeliness of extreme youth. but
 Looks like measly rabbit" thought Conover in amused contempt, An that's what Amzi Nicholas Gaines been worlxin' all his life to win. is it? Gee. but it's queer what kinks a sane mans brain'll take. where a woman's con- cerned."
 Outwardly he was listening with stonv immobility to Letty's timid words of salutation. As she paused, he pulled his wits together.
 
 to have the pleasure of takin' dinner at your house Friday night, I b'lieve. Thanks for askin' me. I hope we'll see more of each other.'
 My Aunt and I are always glad to meet Fathers business friends" re- turned Lefty. i'll at ease. She had wondered. and her aunt had protested loudly. at Standish's curt announce ment that Blacarda's vacated place at the table must be taken by this un- known outsider. Nor. as she looked at the stocky. heavy-jowled man and heard his uncouth speech. did the my stery grow clearer.
 You seemed in a hurry" observed Caine. relieving the girls embarrass- ment by taking Conover off her hands, ''I think we'll be in plenty of time to hear all of the speeches we care to. There's the same pleasing likeness about them that there is about a string of street cars. If you miss one. you can get the next and nothing worth while is lost by the omission. At stag