Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-04-27
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1INIEs-REPUBIICAN, MARsHALLT IOWA. APRIL 1870

ian-and heard his door closing very
gently. Long before his arrival. how
ever, / had been certain Of his identity
with the figure l had seen gazing up
at the terraces of Quesnay from the
borders of the grove. Other questions
remained to bother me: Why had Ker-
edec not prevented this night rowing,
and why. since he did permit it. should
he conceal his knowledge Of it from
Oliver? And what, oh, what wondrous
specific had the mighty man found for
his disease?
A note lay beside my plate next
morning addressed in writing strange
to me, one OF dashing and vigorous
character. It read:
In the pursuit Of thrilling scientific re-
search, what with the turnult which pos
sessed me, l forgot to mention the bond
that links US. 1. too. am painter. though
as yet unhonored and unhunS. 1t must
be- only because l lack gentle hand to
guide me. II l might sit beside you as
you paint! The hours pass on leaden
wings at Quesnay. l could shrek. Do
not refuse me few words of instruction,
either in the wildwood. whittier l could
support your shrinking steps. or from time
to time as you work in your studio, which
Il CLEAN from the instructive Mr.. Ferret)
is at Les Trois Pigeons. At any hour. at
any moment, l will speed to you. l am,
sir, yours, If you will but breathe YES,
ANNE ELLIOTT.
To this returned a reply. as much
in her own key as could write it, put
ting my refusal on the ground that |
was not at present painting in the
studio / added that hoped her suit
might prosper. regretting that could
not be of greater assistance to that
end. and concluded with the suggestion
that Nine. Brossard might entertain
an offer for lessons in cooking.
The result Of my attempt to echo her
vivacity was discomfting, and l was
allowed to perceive that epistolary
POPULARITY was not thought to be my
line. 1t was Miss Elizabeth who gave
me this instruction three days later, on
the way to Quesnny for second break
fast" Exercising fairly shamefaced
the chateau again, but by arrange
ment she had driven over for me this
morning in the phaeton.
''Why are you writing silly notes to
that child?'' she demanded as soon as
we were away from the inn.
'FWas it silly?"
''You should know. Do you think
that style Of humor suitable for a
young grip
This bewildered me little. But
there wasn't anything otfensive"-
'tNo?" Miss Elizabeth lifted her eye
brows to a height Of bland inquiry.
"She mightn't think it rather-well.
rough? Your suggesting that she
should take cooking lessons?"
But she suggested she might take
painting lessons" was my feeble pro-
test. II only meant to show her l UNI
derstood that she wanted to get to the
inn"
And why should she care to get to
the imp"
"She seemed interested in young
man who is staying there. Interested
is the mildest word for it can think
Of"
At the chateau, having a mind to Of
fer some sort of apology, looked anx-
iously about for the subject Of our
rather disquieting conversation, but
she was not to be seen until the party
assembled at the table, set under an
awning on the terrace.
Mrs. Hartman had not appeared at
all. having gone to call upon some one
at Dives. was told. and. servant
informing me, on inquiry. that Miss
Elliott had retired to her room, was
thrust upon my own devices indeed.
(.penuIluoO ea oL)