The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1909-04-15

cation of a candied peach and her face
in the vicinity of her mouth all choc-
olate colored.
"But don't you know it is very
naughty to take peoples lettersT
"Uh-huh? Some people," modifying
the situation. But Sam he don't care
what l do. He loves me tho. l gueth
he wouldn't think it was naughty
gueth he wouldn't" seeming to reflect
for the first time on what she had
done. Anyway, I'll give them to him
if you'll make them all over again
nithe and clean. Will you?"
"Talk about impsw exclaimed John
Abbott, raising his hands summarily.
II gueth I'd better be going home"
suggested Mary Burns. with dawning
apprehension.
you certainly are going home"
nodded Katherine Abbott, land l am
going with you! You have run away,
and l can imagine how your people are
hunting the city for you even now.
Besides" she added, turning to her
father mo matter what mother shall
say, must see Samw
Eyes, CO." replied Abbott. "I'd rather
you would. 1t will be better to have
this letter affair understood. And,
daughter" looking at her knowingly,
'if you and Sammy girl, I'll stand
by you and Sam to the end of every
thingw
Some one arrived just then, and
Jacques appeared and announced Sam
Burns. Mary Burns had inadvertently
mentioned her destination to her
chum, and brief interview with that
parsonage had apprised the Burnses
where Mary might be found. Sam
Burns had come to reclaim the lost.
Presently, when John Abbott saw
Burns staring at some grimy letters
on the library table, he discreetly
withdrew, taking along with him the
object upon whom censure was liable
to fall in warrantable measure. He
escorted her into the music room and
drew the portieres together behind
him.
Mary Burns was enthusiastically in
Producing John Abbott to the melodies
of FIVE finger exercise when Tichenor
entered.
"O-o-ow she squealed, jumping down
from the piano bench and running to
him. 'If here amt that nithe man!
know himw
"Mr. Abbott" said Tichenor, taking
Abbotts extended hand and drawing
the elfish Mary to his side, 81 should
like to see you and Mrs. Abbott alone
for a few minutes"
Mrs. Abbott is at church"
"Then YOU" he replied. "This cher
ub," patting Mary Burns on the head
as he seated himself, who happened
to be fellow passenger on a street cal
with me this morning, accidentally
conveyed a bit of information which
will enable me-which makes 1t my
duty-er-
Abbott" Strengthening with deter
mination, "by the innocent prattle OF
this child l have learned that Rather
inc does not love me and that she does
love some one else.
at isn't right, it isn't fair" he went
on, ito wreck that dear girls life!
love her-but'-
He broke off and bowed his head fol
a moment. Then he rose and went to
ward Abbott. what can we do"
During the few seconds that the two
men stood confronting each other IT
their heart reaching perplexities Mary
Burns was testing her hopping abili
ties by leaping from one figure to an
other In the oriental rugs. AS she near
ed the portieres which separated hel
from the library she noticed the draw
Ing cords of the heavy hangings. Grab
bling both ends, she ran back quickly.
Instantaneously. silently, the cur
tains parted. Surprised at her achieve
ment, she stood speechless. Abbot
and Tichenor stood silent also, for they
| xvara a mn zad ot what thav saw