The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1910-11-25

retraced his steps. and the moonlight.
striking across his great forehead as
he came. revealed the burrows plowed
there BY an anxiety Of which | guessed
the cause. The creaking OF the wood
en- stairs and gallery and the whine OF
an old door announced that he had re
turned TO his vigil.
l had perhaps quarter OF an hour
to consider this performance. when 1t
was repeated: now. however, he only
glanced out into the road. retreating
hastily. and ]. saw that he was smil-
ing. while the speed he maintained I'm
returning 70 his quarters was remark
able for one so newly convalescent.
The next moment Saffren came
through the archway. aScended the
steps in turn-bUt slowly and careful
ly. az if fearful OF waking his guard
ian-and heard his door closing very
gently. Long before his ARRIVAL how
ever. had been certain OF his identity
with the figure mad seen gazing up
at the terraces of QueSnay from the
borders of tile grove. Other questions
remained to bother me: Why had kpr-
edec not prevented this night rowing.
and why. since he did permit it. should
he conceal his knowledge OF ii from
Oliver: And what oh. what wundrnuS
specific had the mighty man found for
his disease?
note lay beside my plate next
morning addressed in a writing strange
to me. one of dashinG and vigorous
character. 1t read:
In the pursuit of thrilling scientific re-
search, what with the tumult which pos
sessed me. l forgot to mention the bond
that links us. 1, too. am painter, though
as yet unhonored and unhung. 1t must
be only because / lack gentle hand to
guide me. II l might sit beside you as
you paint! The hours pass on leaden
wings at Quesnay. 1 could Shrek. Do
not refuse me a few words of instruction
either in the wildwood, whittier ! could
support your shrinking steps. or from time
to time as you work in your studio, which
q 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. liz you will but breathe YES,
ANNE ELLIOTT.
To this l returned a reply, as much
in her own key as could write it, put
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 i'm cooking.
The result of my attempt to echo her
vivacity was discomfiting, and / 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 Quesnay for second break
fast" Exercising fairly shamefaced
diplomacy, 1 had avoided dining at
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.
WAS 1T silly?
"You should know. Do you think
that style Of humor suitable for a
young girl?"
This bewildered me a little. But
there wasn't anything offensive"-
Mop" Miss Elizabeth lifted her eye
brows to height of bland inquiry.
"She mightn't think ir rather-well.
rough? Your suggesting that she
should take cooking lessons"
But she suggested she might take
painting lessons" was my feeble pro-
test. 81 only meant to show her IN
derstood that she wanted to get to the
inn.:%
"And why should she care to get to
the fnn:'" ~
"She seemed interested in a young
man who IL staying there. Interested
is the mildest word for 1t l can think
Of"
At the chateau. having a mind to Of
fer some sort OF apology. 1 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. u servant
informing me. ON inquiry. that Miss
Elliott had retired to her room. ! was
thrust upon my OWL devices indeed.
[To BE CONTINUED