Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1911-03-25
CHAPTER XIX.

The Deer Trace family and the two
guests from Woodlawn were In the mu-
sic room when Tom was admitted, with
Ardea at the piano playing war songs
for the pleasuring Of her grandfather
and the ex-artilleryman. Under cover
of the music. Tom slipped into the cir
Gle of listeners and went to sit beside
his mother. There was a courteous
hand wave Of welcome from Major
Dabney, but Miss Euphrasia seemed
not to see him. He saw and under
stood, and was obstinately impervious
to the chilling east wind in that quar-
ter
Ardea fingered lovingly on the clos
ing harmonies Of nocturne, and
when the final chord was struck her
hands fingered on the keys until the
sweet voices of the strings had sung
themselves afar into the higher sound
heaven. Then she turned quickly and
surprised her anesthetized audience.
you poor thingsl" she laughed. In
another five minutes the last one OF
you have succumbed. Why didn't some
body stop me?"
The iron-master said something
about the heavy work of the day. ana
helped his wife to her feet. The Major
came awake with start and bestrred
himself Hospitality, and Miss Euphrasla
rose to speed the parting guests-or'
rather. the two OF them who had been
invited In the drift down the wide
han Ardea fell behind with Tom' whom
Cousin Euphrasia continued to ignore
II came to tell you," he said, in a
low tone, snatching his opportunity
can't sleep until have fought II OUT
with you"
You don't deserve hearing. even
from your best friend" was her dis
couraging reply; but when they were
at the door she gave him formal re-
nrleve. II shall walk for a few min
utes on the portico to rest my nerves
sha said. If you want to come la Il
-"
He thanked her gravely. and weni
obadiently when his mother called tC
hin, from the steps But on the Wood
lawn veranda he excused himself, ant
when the door closed behind. the TIVE
,n-qoing. he swiftly recrossed the lawns
10 nay the penalty.
THE front door Of the manor hous
was shut and the broad. pillared porti
90 was untenanted. He sat down II
one of the rustic chairs. The doc
onened and closed and Ardea stood be
fara him. She had thrown a wral
ovar ber. shoulders. and the light from
40 rnusic-room windows illuminate
- There was cool scorn In the slate
blue ewes. but in Toms thought sh
bed never appeared more unutterabl
roauttful and desirable-and unattain
able.
+bat cut him to the heart for its yer
Indifference. What have you to sa
aPm afraid I haven't left myse
much to say" he began, penitently.
was horn foolish, and it seems that
haven't outgrown It But, really. If 20
could know"
.4Jnhappily, I do know" she intel
rupted If did not, I might listen
YOU with better patience"
1T did look pretty bad" he confess
ed and that's what wanted to sa.
It looked a great deal worse than
was, you know"
Il am bound to believe what I s
with my own eyes," she rejoined. "Pe
haps you can make It appear that Sc
ing is not believing"
"Of course I can't II you take tn
attitude" he complained. And then
said irritably: You talk about frien
shipl You don't know the meaning
the world"
IF I didn't. should hardly be he
At this moment" she suggested. ~
don't seem to apprehend to what q
grading depths you have sunk"
His sins ia the business field re
before him accusingly and prompt
ola rsnV