The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-03-13

tive one. Where did you come from
 From Abruzzi," said Raven glib- ly.
 "Ah, yes," said Reece. Twill you let me see the mill. I have never been over one.'
 "sWith all the pleasure I can sus- tain," said Raven immediately. Hon our us by entering, sir.''
 He threw open the door, and Dex- ter Reece went in. Cara was stand ing by a hopper;she turned her head but took no further notice of him Lemuel Raven showed Dexter Reece the working of the mill, and explain ed its simple process with painstak- ing politeness; indeed, he appeared to be pleased by the interest which his visitor displayed. Dexter Reece remained some time; but, during his visit, Cara did not address him, and was not addressed by him. Lemuel Raven accompanied his visitor to the door, and, with barred .head, bade him
  who had been apparently absorbed with her work, and said:
 Have you seen this gentleman be- fore?"
 "Yes,'' said Cara, twice. He was with Miss Desborough when she drove here the other day; and I saw him at the Hall yesterday"
 "He spoke, to you--you spoke tc nim?" asked Raven easily. "He seems a very pleasant gentleman"
 "Is he?" said Cara. "Yes; he asked me a lot of questions"
 "Ah, indeed" murmured Lenuel Raven. And his name?"
 "Reece-Dexter Reeoe," she re- piled.
 Raven moved about the mill, hum ming softly, as if there were nothing whatever on his mind. He went out after a while, and did not return un- til late in the afternoon. The mill had stopped, Cara had exchanged hel workad day clothes for the serge coat and skirt, and she was sitting by the door, absorbed in one of the new books Evelyn had let her. Reading again, eh, Cara?" said Raven lightly. "You spend too much time over these books little one; you will spoil your eyes. Better go for a walk.'
 7 Cara put down the book reluctant 'ly, took her sum- bonnet from its nail. and went out.
 Raven watched her until the slim figure was hidden by the dip of the hill; then he locked the door, lit 3 lantern, and went into the cupboard in the angle; he came out presently and went up the rough stairs. Af. ter a time he descended dressed ir the clothes he wore on Sunday; ne stood at the door as if waiting fo, some one; and presently a cart drove up.
 "Ah, here you are!" said Raven. "1 will not keep you moment!'' He brought down box from up. stairs, placed it in the cart, and said;
 'aThat is all: you know what to dc with it''
 Half an hour afterwards Cara re- turned. She had been to a part o1 the moor from which she could look down at that portion of the Hal which was visible amongst the trees and she had stood, lost in thought thinking of all she had seen there, and of Evelyn. Half unconsciously sht felt that she was on the threshold ui new life.
 uel Raven pleasantly. "Yes; am go. l ing down to Port Dale,' he added answering her look of surprise at hi. changed clothes. ''You shall come down with me. No, mol" he sait quickly as she moved towards tht stairs. "You are we'll dressed eu ough; besides, I cannot wait; I have an appointment, and I am late al ready
 They started, Raven having locked the door carefully, and walked dowr to Port Dale. Lemuel Raven talked more freely than usual; and when ht was not talking he hummed lightly It was dusk as they descended, tn, quay, and Raven looked round hin carelessly.
 There's ketch getting ready tc sail," he said. 1T know the captain have business with him. voult you like to go aboard wl,h rne?"
 "Yes!" said Cara promptly.
 80 you shall, little one," he said with sinister amiability, as he halle, the boat. 1 They went aboard the ketch. Tn small crew appeared, to be busy an, the captain hurried across the deck and held out his hand, saying heart ily:
 ''Ah, here you are, MT. Raven Just in time!"
 l Unseen by Cara, who was gazinl about her with interest. Lemuel Ra ven put his finger on his lip an, I frowned warningly at the captain who looked embarrassed and sai, confusediy:
 You'll find cup of tea in m