The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1910-06-17

hands OF her own relations.
Paul Leduc, who appeared to
watch every movement of his guests
and endeavor to anticipate their
wants. answered -.rthur with such
ready courtesy that Arthur felt as If
there must be something wrong la,
himself that had made him take such
an unaccountable prejudice against
him.
] can not only; direct you to COM
Portable quarters for the night, but I
shall have the greatest pleasure in
accompanying you to Goucy and in
Producing you to- the very good mis-
tress Of La Pie Blanche" he said, COR
daily. 1T Is homely, but very
good, oId-fashioned inn, and the cuff
sine has quite a little reputation; all
of the gentlemen of the town dine
there regularly. The inn is always,
rather full, but have retained my
room there, although for the last few
days I have been staying here with
my uncle; but must sleep there to-
night for the convenience of starting
by the O'Clock train tomorrow.
There is a vacant room next to my
own Tomorrow, / have no doubt,
you will wish to succeed me in my
apartment. Turning to AntoiHstte,
he went on: Nothing but impera-
tive duty would have induced me to
leave Mon Repos just now. But,
alas! have no choice. travel for
an important firm in Paris. / have
received letters from my principal
asking what makes me finger so long
and desiring my return. You see,
am not yet my own master; but,
nevertheless. can assure you, my
dear cousin, that nothing would have
induced me to leave my uncle had
you not been here to take my place.
AS for. danger, a need of actual pro-
lection that is, am convinced, only
a fancy Of failing health: hnt COM
partnership, sympathy. flial care,
consider essential
HeSstoppsd. and rapidly passed his
hand over his brow, on which, it
seemed to Arthur, the moisture had
gathered.
Il am sorry that you must 60,
said Antoinette, courteously, but,
coldly. And now, messieurs, you
will forgive me, but already re-
proach myself for having delayed to
seek my father. Though Battiste
told him had come, he may not have
heard. Sometimes acuteness OF hear
ing is lost. Z
My uncle hears as well as the
youngest man. said Paul Leduc, en-
phatically.
Indeed" said Antoinette, stifiy.
Then it is possible that old Battiste's
voice may not be SO loud as he inn
AGNES it to be-"
a Frenchman's voice rarely fails
him. said Paul Then, seeing An.
toinette's naughty look as she rose
to leave the room, he added, hastily:i
ADO rot be displeased with me, my
cousin. only speak thus to save you
unnecessary pain. Without casting
a moments doubt on my uncle's aft
lection for so charming daughter,
his eccentricities are great, and-n
Monsieurl" said Antoinette. He
shrugged his shoulders slightly, but
opened the door for her to pass out
with The naughty carriage of young
queen
Paul Leduc returned to the, table
and sat down. Arthur was thinking
deeply. He did not understand why
it was that Antoinette, instead Of be-
ing overjoyed that she possessed re-
lation of whose existence she had no
idea, had, on the contrary, received
and treated him with a GOODNESS and
reserve which he had hardly believed
to exist in her nature. He wondered
whether it was only shyness, or
whether she also had taken an I'M
reasonable prejudice against him.
Monsieur Leduc took out box of
cigars, pushed his en- tr from the
table. and offered one 20 Arthur.
Thank YOU. he answered, abut /
do not smoke. Is it allowed in this
room?"
Paul pointed with a sweep OF his
hand round the bare apartment, ut
terlys devoid OF carpet, cushion, or
curtains. 4Can you doubt it?n he
said, with a sneer. u At least, that
small privilege remains to me.
hope, Dye-fhe-bye. that you are not
too hungry. My uncle's hospitality is,
limited by his extreme poverty"
Indeedir said Arthur.
The dryness of his response seemed
to strike Paul
Your tone is unusual, Monsieur"
he said. putting cloud of smoke into
the air, Surely, with evidences such
as these, and he pointed to the re-
mains, of their scanty supper, sit
would be difficult to believe other
wise.
"you spoke of eccentricities. F" said
Arthur.
~Yes, that is true; and very uncom-
Portable eccentricities they are" he
said, with a short laugh HE is very
exacting. Except when alone, locked