The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-08-31
That's a mercy, anyhow" said
Vane deyoutly.
Evelyn laughed

That's a mercy. anyhow" said
Nane deyoutly.
Evelyn laughed.
I'm inclined TO agreew it'll YOU
though 1t is dreadful to be poor
Perhaps you would like to see the
tower. to examine the interior OF the
wing? There's not time tonight;
would you like to come tomorrow
If you would, III find up the keys
and take you through the old place
It's very interesting
Rather responded Nane prompt
ly. It's very good of you, and I'll
come over tomorrow afternoon.
He had lit a cigar with Sir Regi-
nald who, departing from his usual
custom, sat some time with his guest
talking. tor Sir Reginald almost free.
ly.
Nane walked across the park to the
Lodge in a peculiar frame of mind
For the first time in his life he had
not been bored by female society
he had not only spent pleasant ey-
ening. but he was actually looking
forward to seeing Miss Desorough
on the morrow!
As he crossed the lawn the next
day he saw Evelyn waiting for him
on the terrace. She wore a big sun
bonnet, and was enveloped in a large
apron. and looked so charming in this
simple attire that Vane gazed at her
with speechless admiration, which
brought the color to Evelyn's face.
Are you laughing at my get-up?"
she said smiling, i've put on this
armor against the dust. | forgot to tell
YOU to wear your oldest things, Mr.,
Vane."
These are my oldest and newest"
he said, and | defy the dust of ages
to hurt them. wonder whether you
will think me rude if ! say that bon
net ard apron are awfully pretty.
mean that you-er---' His words
fell over each other in confusion, and
he stammered and suffered
Evelyn dropped him a curtesy, and
blushed again.
I've borrowed them from one of
the maids she said. Come along"
They went to the wing; one of the
gardeners. an old man, stood at
heavy door, and with some difficulty
unlocked it with great key. Evelyn
took the bunch from him, telling him
to wait, in case they wanted him;
and Vane followed her into the build
ing The place was almost dark; but
Vane succeeded in opening the shut
-ers, and the light streamed in upon
he deserted room, which had the usu-
al musty smell attaching to such
places. and was everywhere thick with
dust Some of the old furniture
was piled in a corner and Vane went
up to ii and examined it.
Too good to lie here" he remark
ID.
If know" assented Evelyn regret |
ully. q wanted to have 1t repaired |
md brought into the Hall; but there
s too much furniture there already, !
md my father does nit like to have
my part of the old wing disturbed
likes it to remain as it was in Sir |
1ortimer's time. He used this part of
he house sometimes; he was rather |
/ strange man, eccentric and fond
If solitude. Poor fellow"
Sir Mortimer" said Vane, frown-
ng thoughtfully. Seem to have heard
about him.
Evelyn hesitated a moment; then,
Is briefly as she could, she told Vane
he story of Sir Mortimer's adventu-
'ous life, his murder. the abduction
,f his child, and the theft of the 81.
mt ruby. Vane was deeply interested.
They had seated themselves on cou-
pie of antique chairs. from whEh
Vane had swept the dust with the
End of his coat, He had begged per
mission to light his pipe, and he smok-
ed in silence, as much Interested In
the narrator as in the tragic history;
his eyes dwelt on Evelyns face with
4 rapt expression, as if he could have
sat and listened to the sweet voice