The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-11-25
THE COMPACT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE sIX


remained silent until the fit had
subsidized. Then, when the girl at
last raised her head and encounter
ed the tender blue eyes above her,
she pressed her for an answer.
you han't well, dearie?'
Mary shook her head.
I'm all right, Tanta,' she said,
miserably.
TOO much alone; too little to
do the old woman said, following
out her own arguments.
Marys weeping passed; she felt
better except for her headache.
Il shall be more alone soon," she
said ruefuEy. Then she went on in
answer to the look of inquiry in
the others eyes, 'Ferman is going
away for three or four months. ~
And she gave a short laugh.
A look of satisfaction spread over
the tat face before her
and so you were crying?'
"Oh, no; not on that account" 4"
Mary said hastily.
"Ah" Tanta smiled indulgently.
She had watched husband and wife
closely in her own shrewd way for
twelve months, and haIl realized
something of the position of things.
Now she felt easier in her mind.
she considered the discontinue OF
Guy Chalmer. She didn't like his
presence on the farm. She didn't
like him; and there was a little
jeer of triumph at his expense In
her mind. you needn't take on. He'll
get back soon. Three months amt
much; and maybe he'll be bringing
you back some fine skins. He's a
great hunter"
"Oh, no. He's not going hunt
ing
'Ah, then it's politics. Tanta went
on with assurance. my, he's
great man. / never snould be sur
prised 10 see 'em make him Cover
nor OF South Africa one day, an
give him title too. Then you'll
be a great lady. AMI you never
wanting for nothing; and loving
you that hard as he does. My"
1t was less the words than the
old woman's sympathetic manner
In her present frame of mind Mary
found it irresistible. In spite of her
aching head she smiled sadly up
into Tanta's kindly face.
Eyes, it would be splendid-for
him." she said. But II should be
more lonely than ever. Oh, Tanta,
l do feel so lonely sometimes.
think that's why l was crying" she
added wistfully.
That's what / reckoned, dearie,
and so l told the boy this morn
ing The round eyes were very
soft. "But we can alter that some
ways" she went on. Now this house
is yours and his. And the farm and
and everything. When two folks
love one another like you two, it's
best for you to take and do. You
can see to things in the house and
make him comfortable. And the farm,
too; there's heap to look to.
Those Kaffir hussies are lazy lot,
and don't half work. There's things
and things you could do to fill up
time. You wouldn't never feel lone
some. The days would pass so quick
you'd have him back before you
knew where he was, all bubbling
over with love and happiness to
be with you again. she finished up
with enthusiasm.
But there was no responsive en-
thusiasm in Mary. She had turned
away staring out across the veldt
with eyes that had suddenly be.
come a little coNL
"A very pretty picture, Tanta,
she said, without shifting her gaze.
But | think VIII you go and
tell Saturday to saddle my horse?
I'll go for a ride and get rid of
my headache"
There was pause while the
housekeeper stared at her mistress,
wondering what she had done to
offend. Then she shuffled back into
the house.
She's a wilful gal-a wilful gal,"
she muttered, flapping her sun
bonnet about her face as she shook
her head. She's lonesome for love,
an5 don't know 1t. That boy had