The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-08-12

 fortable, solid. There was not a sug- gestion of femininity in it-high or low-except the general air of cleanl1- ness. The furniture was rough heWn and built for use, not ornamentation. The walls were hung with English prints. antlers, mementoes of the hunt and the field of sport. The floor was covered with skins and great ''carpet rag" rugs. The whole aspect was so distinctly mannish that her heart fut- tered ridiculously in its loneliness. Her cogitations were running serious ly toward riot when he came hurriedly down the hall and into her presence.
 "Shel be down presently. In fact, so will the cook and the housemaid. Cad, Miss Drake, they were so afraid of the storm that all of them piled into Mrs. Ulrich's room. I wonder at your courage in facing the symptoms outdoors. Now I'll fix you drink. Take off your hat-be comfortable. Cigarette? Good! Here's my side board See? It's nuisance. this hav- ing only one arm in commission; af- fects my style as a barkeep. Don't stir; I'll be able"-A
 "Let me help you. mean, please don't go to so much trouble. Really [ want nothing but place to sleep to- night This couch will do-honestly. And some one to call me at daybreak, so that I may be on my way" He looked at her and laughed quizzicallyt "Oh, I'm in earnest, MT. Shaw. would not have stopped here if it hadn't been for the storm" Come, now, Miss Drake, you spoil the fairy tale. You did intend to come here It was the only place for you to go, and Pm glad of it. My only re- gret- is that the house isn't filled with chaperons."
 "Whyf' she demanded with guilty start
 Because could then say to you the things that are in my heart-aye, that are almost bursting from my lips. III can't say them now, you know, he said, and she understood his tdelicacy. For some minutes she sat in silence, watching hisn as he clumsily mixed the drinks and put the water over the al cohol blaze. Suddenly he turned to her with something like alarm in his voice. By George, you don't suppose they'll pursue you?"~
 "Oi1, wouldn't that be jolly? It.wou1d ] be like the real story book-the fairy and the ogres and all that. But" duz biously, 'I'm sorely afraid they consid- CT me rubbish. Stilp-looking up en- l couragingly-"my brother would try to l find me if he-if he knew that I was gone"
 To her surprise, he whistled softly and permitted a frown of anxiety to creep over his face. "I hadn't thought of that" he observed refectively Then he seemed to throw off the momentary symptoms of uneasiness, adding, with laugh: q daresay nothing will hap pen: The storm would put a stop to all idea of pursuit"
 "Let them pursue" she said, stub born light, in her eyes. T am my own mistress, MT. Shaw. They can't take me, willy nilly, as if were a child, you know"
 'aThat's quite true You don't under stand" he said slowly, his back to her.
 "You mean~the law? Is 1t different from ours?"
 Not that. The-er-situation You I see, they might think it a trifie odd if they found you herewith me. Don't you understand?" He turned to her with very serious expression. She started and sat bolt upright to stare at him comprehensively
 "You mean-it-it isn't quite -er''-
 Regular perhaps" he supplied "Please keep your seat I'm not the censor. I'm not even an opinion. Be neve me, Miss Drake, my only thought was and is for your good"
 "I see. They would believe evil o1 me if they knew had come to you,' she unused, turning quite cold.
 s'I know the kind of people your sis ter-in-law has at her place, Miss Drake Their sort can see but one motive ir l anything. You know them, too, I dare say"
 t'Yes, know them," she said uneasi ly. Good heavens, what fool I'vt been" she added, starting to her feet T might have known they'll say al sorts of terrible things. They mus not find me here MT. Shaw, I'm-l am so ashamed-I wonder what yol are thinking of me-" Her lip trembled and there was such a pleading look il her dark eyes that he controlled him self with difficulty. It, was only D. imposing the severest restraint upol his susceptihilities that he was able t approachher calmly.
 ''I can't tell you now-not here-wha am thinking. It isn't the place. May be-maybe you can read nay thought Penel-Miss Drake Look up, please Can't you read-oh, there now-I bet your pardon! You come to me for pro tection and I-well, don't be too harl on me just yet. I'll find the time ana place to tell you." He drew away al most as his hand was ready to clas] hers--aH because her sweet eyes me his trustingly-he could have sworn lovingly.
 "Just now I am poor little repro bate." she sighed ever so miserahly 'tYou are very good. I'll not forget"
 "I'l not permit you to forget h said eagerly.
 'Isn't the housekeeper long time i coming?'' she asked quickly. H laughed contentedly.