The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-04-05

his back to her. facing Laura Judg- ing by the expression on her face, his look must have been an arresting one. Feeling that she was not beliey- ed, the girl, exhausted, drew quiver- ing breath that was half sob. "If you don't believe me, I can save my self the trouble of saying more" she remarked defiantly. The man called Jem turned round
 swiftly.
 "On the contrary he said, in 1 most disagreeable tone of voice, ''the coincidence is quite extraordinary.
 Though you have not come exactly to the right place, nor to the right
 person, you have come precious near to both. Your Aunt Emma married MT. Bardsley of Varronlea, and I am
 his nephew, Jem Bardsley, at your service.
 They stood together, the man and the woman, their eyes fixed upon the interloper with new, uneasy gIances. She had stepped as it were, into the heart of things; and she was no stranger, who tomorrow would pass upon her way. She was Mrs Bard sley's own niece. Without a, word spoken, their sense of the awkward l ness of the situation impressed itself upon the girl. Her cheeks grew hot. "Am I far from Carronlea ?' she asked after a lengthy, dreadful pause. About four miles," said Jem. "Mrs
 Bardsley is widow, and childless. Since her husbands death, I have managed the estate for her,
 Laura had turned away and gone. to the dresser, where she was cut ting some cold meat. She spoke. with her back to them
 You had better be getting home. Mir. Bardsley," she said, eff you think you can make the mare face tI1s' wind. Miss-er-Wilmot is too wet and tired to go on tonight. You. must drive over and fetch her to- morrow"
 Now that you are no longer alone said Jeln slowly, 'I had better go asi once. If Miss wilmot could stan,f against the wind on the moor road. think I can. Will you give me the key of the stable?'' She desisted from her occupation, went to the dresser, took down a key which hung there, and almost flung J,i,
 But as he slowly went out of the door. she said sharply "Jem!''
 He turned. She rustled after him., out of the door, into the passase.i whence for a minute or two the mur-i mur of voices could be heard Then the outer door opened; a whiff of cold wind rushed bitingly in, there was the sound of a slam, and Mrs. Trent returned to the kitchen with red spots burning in her thin white checks <
 She brought a plate of meat, a loaf and butter to the shivering girl.
 Eat some of this while I go and find you dry clothes"
 'I can't even apologize, tonight, for giving you so much trouble,'' said Miss Wilmot, "I am too stupefed.'' Don't mention it," said her host ess, without heartiness: and the swish of her silken skirts died away in the passage.
 When she repeared, after longish interval, she had taken off her ball- gown, but was arrayed in another garment, of quite as inappropriate actress in the character of the Wo- man with Past. It was the kind of thing that a woman on the stage usually selects, in which to leave her husbands house at dead of night. She carried another garment Of the same furbelowed description over her arm. some rough towels and clean sheets. we have servants sleeping in this house." said she apologeticaily. My cook is married to the cowmans
 The arrangement did not seem strange to the girl from Vancouver. In a very short space of time she waa free of her dripping clothes, rubbed dry, and clad warmly.
 Mrs. Trent helped her, but thew hardly exchanged word: and as soon as she was thoroughly warm hen hostess led the way upstairs.
 CTo Be Continued.)