The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-08-07
CHAPTER XVII.
4 NAla IT T.eSr2.>

BY walking rapidly and taking the
short path over the hill, was able to
reach the house several minutes be-
fore Miss Weston, and just in time to
see Miss Carney come out of the
door and peer into the darkness in a
timid, hesitating way.
"Oh, it's you, Mr.. Ware" she OK
claimed, with nervous little laugh.
II am SO glad. couldn't see who it
was at first, and I'm in such a fidgety
state tonight that am almost ready
to start at my own shadow
She came down the steps and stood
by my side, while the light from the
open doorway streamed out and
touched her face so softly that it
poised In the surrounding darkness
like some faint, angelic picture ideal
lied by masters hand.
Il came out to try and find Annie, F."
she went on, "she does not answer
when rap at her door and thought
she might be here. My! what was
that?' she gasped, coming closer to
me and grasping my arm.
1t was only an owl far away in the
cumberland and, when told her, she
laughed quietly but almost hysterical-
ly, and still chung to my side while we
listened to the weird, unearthly sound
that was waited again and again to
our ears from out of the blackness of
the opposite river bank.
She shivered slightly and 1 said:
you are cold, Miss Carney. LIE me
get you wrap, and then. won't you
take little walk? There's a chill in
the air tonight and the exercise will
do you good" :,
she made no reply, but looked. at
me- gratefully, as il 1 had done her
some great service. There was warm
wooden golf cape just inside the door,
and, snatching it up, fastened back
and threw 1t over her shoulders,
clasping 1t myself at her throat while
she drew her hands under 1t and
nestled comfortably in it's generous
folds.
We turned and walked slowly down
the path under the stars, away from
the house and with our backs to the
road along which knew Miss Weston
would pass in another minute.
After few moments silence,
broken only by the drowsy. splashing
Of the river and the cheerful, friend
ly hum Of the insect bands that make
half the charm of an October night,
Miss Carney said, with q contented
little shrug:
"Oh, how delightfully."- warm and
comfortable this cloak IL, Mr.. Ware.
You always seem to know exactly what
need, for am not nervous any more
and l really believe it was nothing but
the cold after all. We mustn't go far,
for ought to be looking for Annie
this very minute. We can turn at the
tennis court. can't we?"
Whenever you wish,' said, with
an effort, for was becoming intoxi-
Gated with the glory of her presence
and her slightest hint served me as a
command.
Il really must not stay a minute
longer" she murmured, almost apollo
getically. annie has had such a hard
day of 1t and must see If there is any
thing she wants. suppose she is
asleep and did not hear me tap, for I've
looked everywhere for her and was
Just going back to her room when
saw you come out of the night like a
-like-a-Oh! mustn't say ghost
Mr.. Ware! It's no longer a joke, is
it,"
We had stopped at little rustic ar.
Dor by the side of the walk and my
hand rested on the trellis in front of
Miss Carney. She did not speak, and
I thought she was laughing softly to
herself when suddenly she leaned for
ward and q hot tear fell on my wrist
and was followed by another and an
other as she gave up entirely and
choked with convulsive sobs.
why, you mustn't do this!" I OK.
claimed, solicitously, laying my hand
instinctively on her arm and then
drawing it away in guilty fashion.
you are completely unstrung, Miss
Carney The day has been too much
or you, and you need rest and quiet.
Shall we go back into the house?"
mot yet" she sobbed. Not yet, Mr..
Ware. must not go until have con.
troll Of myself again. Oh, it is aw-
ful-awful! don't know what I
shall dol"
why, what is it?" asked anxious
ly, as I stood helplessly by her side.
''You surely haven't let .his little az
fair Of the morning take such a hold
Of you?"
"Oh, no-Ao-no-" she moaned. II
am going to tell you in moment. lust