The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-03-13
BY CHARLES GARVICE
Continued.)
Author of "Just a Girl" "Diana and Destiny" "In Wolf's Clothing" etc.
Copyright, 1909 By George H. Doran Company

Reeece had now and again regarded Evelyn Desborough as desirable prey But Evelyn Desborough as a possible wife sank to insignificance compared with this strange girl, Cara Raven if she were, indeed, Sir Mortimer's daughter To put it shortly. our friend, Dexter Reeece, was agitated by the emotion from which man would suffer who stood before two caskets, either of which might con tain the treasure he coveted.
 He did not meet Evelyn before din- ner that night. MT. Lexham had gone. there were no other guests, and Sir Reginald, Evelyn and Dexter Reece dined alone. As usual, Sir Reginald was absorbed in his own gloomy thoughts, and appeared al- most unconscious of the presence of the other two; so that Dexter Reece could talk to Evelyn as if no third person were present
 You took Miss Raven homer" he stid, as he filled his glass.
 "Yes," said Evelyn. T am so glad that I brought her her. She is suca a charming girl.'
 ..Really?" he asked, with an ele- wation of his brows.
 .sYes. really" she said eInphaticai- ly 'I have never met any one like her. She is so-so original. It's q poor way of describing her; but I can't think of any other word for the moment"
 How is she original?" he asked.
 well" replied Evelyn. with hesi- -tation, for it is always difficult to ex- plain an impression, ''she is so un- like what one would imagine girl of her position, in her situation, would be. She has lived all her life at the mill on the moor, and yet she is not at all gauche, not bit shy or awkward. 1t is difficult to explain what I mean; but you will under stand when I say that she is as calm and unemba-rassed as one of our selves. You must have noticed that. MT. Reece."
 "Yes," he said, 'T did notice it. How do you account for it?"
 Evelyn shrugged her shoulders.
 II don't account for it. I can't. She is a very strange girl; but I like her immensely. I feel drawn to- wards her:she interests me more than any girl I've ever met. I am quite sure that if saw more of her I should love her"
 Sir Eeginald lifted his head.
 of whom are you speaking? what girl is this ?'' he asked in his weary. listless fashion.
 .sThe girl at the old mill on the moor, father" replied Evelyn; "the girl who stopped the cobs. You know; told you."
 Sir Reginald nodded, and apparent ly abandoned all interest in the sub ject-
 Dexter Reece also changed the sub- ject of conversation. He found 1t difficult to sleep that night. and the next day, soon after breakfast, he walked up to the moor. As he ap- preached the mill he saw the sails were revolving slowly. He did not walk straight up to the door, but, seating himself on one of the gran ite boulders at little distance, was apparently lost in studying the view; k &I,> and knocked 1t the closed door.
 IL was opened by Cara, who was dressed in her rough. quaint, working attire. befiecked with the flour, which powdered her dark hair.
 How do you do, Miss Raven" said Dexter Reece.
 Cara regarded him coldly.
 "I am very we'll" she said. What { do. you want?"
 "Only a glass of water, if I may beg 1t of you,' he said, with con- ventional smile.
 .swaIt there," she said; .I'Il bring it to you
 Dexter Reece seated himself on an old milestone outside the door, and presently came, not Cara, but-Lem- 1el Raven. He had a mug of wa ter in his hand, and he presented it with Q courtly little bow to Reece.
 'sOh, thank you!' said Reece. "It is rather a warm morning, and am thirsty. What a delightful view you have heret I dare say you have be- come used to 1t and don't notice 1t You have been here some time, Mir Raven?'
 Some time." assented Raven, with smile.
 He made the response carelessly enough, but his dark bird-like eyes searched Dexter Reece's face; but though the eyes were keen enough the attitude of the miller was as careless as his tone, that of a man ap. parently quite at ease.
 You find trade good, I hope? said Dexter Reece. as he slipped the water.
 rairiy eood.- replied Raven.
 You are an Italian, I understand ?' remarked Reece. after a pause.
 T am an Italian, sir.' said Ra.