Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1910-07-29


seats 50 we'll" he answered, with i'll
concealed admiration
Il have always been accustomed TO
horses. In Australia We ride a great
deal"
! For the instant" his face slightly
I p0ler. Il thought something would
/ happen"
1t might have" she returned,
light in her eyes. but for timely
hand. My horse apparently does not
appreciate Scotch airs"
Ugly brute" Lord Ronsdale, dis.
| satisfied expression on his handsome
| counteDance. approached. "A little Of
| the whip The words were arrest
cd. The nobleman stared at John
| Steele or rather at the bare arm which
the torn sleeve revealed we'll above
the elbow.
Th white. uplifted arm suddenly
dropped. Steele drew the cloth quick
ly about it. but not before his eyes
had met those Of Lord Ronsdale and
| caught the amazement. incredulity,
| sudden terror-was it terror?-in their
depths. The nobleman's face looked
drawn and gray. With one hand he
seemed almost clinging to his saddle.
John Steele turned his back. He was
bending over the girth Of his saddle,
| and his features could not be seen,
but the hand. so firm and assured a
| moment before, seemed a little uncer.
tain as it made pretext to readJust a
fastening or buckle.
"Why. man. you look H." Captain
Forsythe. turning to Lord HonJdale,
exclaimed suddenly.
"1ts nothing much" With vacant
expression the nobleman regarded the
speaker. then lifted his hand and
pressed 1t an instant to his breast.
Heart" he murmured mechanically
"beastly bad heart. you know. and
sometimes little thing-slight shock
Miss Wray's danger
Take some of this" The captain,
with soltcitude, pressed a flask ~ Kim.
The nobleman drank deeply "Th.fe.
that'll pick you up"
| Are you ready. Mr.. Steele?" Jocslyr
Wray waited a moment as the others
started. looked down at that gentle
man. Her voice was gracious. Its
soft accents seemed to say: you may
ride with me. 1t is your reward"
For one restored so quickly to favor.
with felicitous prospect Of gay words
and bright glances. John Steele SEEM
cd singularly dull and apathetic. 1t
was impossible she should not notice
his want Of attention. She bit her
lips once. Then she laughed.
do you know. Mr.. Steele. II l were
vain should feel hurt. You haven't
heard what have bsen saying"
Haven't II"
Again she looked at him merrily.
"Of course l can't afford to be harsh
with my rescuer. Perhaps"-in the
same tone-"you really did save my
life! Have you ever really saved any
one-any one else. shall ! say-you.
who are so strongly"
A spasm Of pain passed over his
face. His look. however. was not for
her. and the girls eyes. too. had now
become suddenly set afar. Was she
thinking df another scene. some one
her own words conJured to mind! Her
mood seemed 10 gain In seriousness
She also became very quiet. aud so.
almost In silence. they went gu to the
entrance. down the street to her home.
! "Au revOir. and thank you"
"GOOdby-at least for the present."
he added. Il am leaving London"
abruptly.
Leaving! TO be gone long?"
| ut is difficult to say. Perhaps"
"But-yOu must have decided sud-
denlyT'
EYES,"
while We have been riding home?
Is it's It serious?'
"a little.''
Men make SO much of business now
adays." she observed. Tit always
seems serious. suppose. We've are
moving into the country In. few
weeks. Shall I-shail we see you be-
fore then"
ITO my regret, am afraid not"
And after"-in q voice matter of
fact-"I think aunt has put you down
for July. A house party. l don't re-
call the exact dates. You will conner
Shall we say circumstances permit
ting?
Certainly" little xtifTly. ''circum-
stances permitting" She gave him
her hand. "Au revoir. or goodby II
you prefer It," He held the little
gloved fingers. let them drop.
Good luck In your business" she
found herself saying, half gayly. half
ironically.
He answered hoarsely something
what?-rode OF. With color flaming
high. the girl looked after him until
Lord Ronsdale's horse, Gathering near.
caused her to turn quickly.