The state herald., 1913-07-04
.R1Xz coAeH'

UioSucu CrlmbOu II tulb point tu8t
is, we. my aunt and l. were Mr.. Van
Camps guests on board the Sea Gull.
When he heard Of the wreck Of the
Jeanne D'Arc We put In to Charles
port; though he has probably ex-
planned all this to you. 1t was such
relief and pleasure to Mr.. Van Camp
to find his cousin. Ill az he was; for
he had feared the worst"
Agatha had not heard Miss Rey-
nier's name before, but she knew
vaguely that Mr.. Van Camp had been
with yachting party when he arrived
at Charlesport Now that she was
face to face with Miss Reynier. keen
liking and interest. quick confidence.
rose in her heart for her.
Then perhaps you know Mr.. Ham
bleton." said Agatha impulsively.
"The fever turned last night. Were
you told that he is better?"
"No. don't know him." said Me
lanie. shaking her head. "Neverthe-
less. am heartily glad to hear that
he is better. Much better. they said
at the house."
They had been standing at the place
where Agatha had first discovered her
visitor. but now they turned back into
the clearing.
"Come and try the organ pipes
again" she begged. They walked
about the wood. singing FIRST one
strain and then another. testing the
curiously beautiful properties Of the
footing of friendliness. II was evident
that each was capable Of laying aside
formaiity, when she wished to do so.
pine dome. They were quickly on .
and each was. at heart. frank and sin
cere. Melanie's talent for song was
not small. yet she recognized In
Agatha 4 superior gift; while. to Aga
tina, Melanie Reynier seemed increas-
ingly mature. polished. full Of charm
They left the wood and wandered
back through the pasture and over the
stile. each learning many things in re-
gard to tho other. They spoke Of the
place and its beauty. and Agatha told
Melanie OF the childhood memories
which. for the hrst time. she had re-
vived In their living background.
How our thoughts change!" she
said at last. As q child, I never felt
this farm to be lonely: 1t was the
most populous and entertaining place
IN all the world. I much preferred
the wood to anything In the city. |
love II now. too; but It seems the
essence OF solitude to me-"
THAT is because you have been
where the passions and restlessness
OF men have centered. One Is never
the same after that"
strangely enough. the place now
belongs to me" went on Agatha. Par.
son Thayer. the former owner and
resident. was my mothers guardian
and friend. and left the place to me
for her sake"
"Ah. that 10 well." cried Meianie
1T will be your castle OF retreat.
your Sans.Souci, for all your life. I
envy you! II 10 charming. Pastor
Parson. do you sayl-Parson Thayer
was q man OF judgment"
Yes. and q man OF strange and
dominating personality. In his way.
Everything about the house speaks OF
him and his tastes. Even Danny here
follows me-. I really believe. because
I am beginning to appreciate his for
mer master.
Agatha stopped and patted the dogs
head. Youth and health. helped by
tho sympathy OF q friend. were work
ing wonders In Agatha. She bcained
with happiness
Come into the house." she begged
books with me. But nrst wcii nnd
sniiic and get luncheon. and perhaps
Mr.. Van Camp will appear by that
time. Poor man. he was quite worn
out Then you shall see Parpon Thny.
er's books and flowers. II you will"
They ntroiicd over tho velvet lawn
toward the front Of the house. where
tho door and the long windows stood
open. Down by the road. and close
TO tho lilac bushes that nankcd the
gateway, stood n large siiyerwhit.
obile--evidcntiy Miss Reynicr's
conveyance. Tho driver Of tho ma.
chine had disappeared
II mustn't trcspasr on your kindness
for luncheon today. thank you" Me.
ianie was saying: but III come again
soon, II I may" Meantime she wna
moving slowly down the walk hut
Agatha would not have II no. She
clung to this woman friend with an
unwonted eagerness. begging her 10
stay.
I'VE arc quite alone. ana W. have
been 40 miserable over Mr.. HANDLE.
tons Illness. aho pleaded quite ~
logically. DO stay and cheer ua up"
And 40 Meinnio was persuaded cas-.
ily. too. except for hor compunctlops
about abusing tho hospitality Of
household whose frs. care must necea.
narily ba for the sick.
Il want 20 stay" rho said frankly.
''Ths house brsatbes tho very air Of