The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1913-01-17
Virgins.

Aif1he Suumer or chimney smoke.
1t must have been a changing current
or air. was reading a book on bal
looming the other day, and it is re-
markable how the air currents change"
That is quite possible, as the air
cools rapidly after sunset at this sea-
son, and that is bound to have an eff
rect on the quality and resistance of
the atmosphere" 1 replied sageIy
Perhaps" suggested Miss HOLSTER,
with one of those flashes of animation
that were so delightful in her, cit was
a ghost The presence of a ghost in
this house would give me the greatest
pleasure. I should look upon ghosts
appearance at Hope1eld Manor as a
great compliment. If any reputable,
decent ghost should by any chance
take up his residence in this house
should give him every encouragement"
Miss Hollister seemed to have for
gotten the proposed game of billiards.
The chimney's lawless demonstration
had, in fact, given a new turn to the
evening. We discussed ghosts for half
an hour, and then, without having en-
joyed any opportunity for a single pri-
vate word with Cecilia, Virgins rose
to leave. He shook hands all around
and bowed from the door. 1t was in
my mind to follow, making a pretext
of walking with him to the station or
of helping him find his car, but moth
ing in his good night to me- encouraged
such attentions, and as 1 pondered the
outer door closed upon my frresolu-
ton.
At the stroke of 10 Miss Hollister
rose and excused herself. 1--WE break
fast at 8, Mr.. Ames. I trust the hour
does not conflict with your habits"
I assured her that the hour was
wholly agreeable, and she gave me her
hand with great dignity.
When I turned toward Cecilia she
had moved to seat close by the
hearth and was gazing dreamily into
the fire, now a bed of glowing Goals.
"It was odd" remarked.
"You mean the chimney"
Eyes 1t was quite unaccountable
1 confess that 1 never knew a chin
ney's mood to change so abruptly"
She sat silent for several minutes
and then she lifted her head and her
eyes met mine.
'sPardon me, Mr. Ames, but did my
aunt ask you here to examine the
chimneys? I didn't quite understand.
We have been here only a week; the
weather has been warm, and believe
this fire had not been lighted before
today. You will pardon my frankness,
but I can't quite understand why my
aunt invited you here if you came pro-
fessionally. l thought when you ap-
peared this afternoon that you were
guest-nothing more-or less"
"You had heard nothing Of any trou-
BILE with the f1replaces? Then I am in
the dark as much as you. As I under
stood it, 1 was called here to examine
| ~ hot 3T,lr NF
she did not say explicitly that her
chimneys were behaving badly, though
that was, of course, implied. I natu-
rally assumed that she summoned me
here in my professional capacity
was a stranger to your aunt; she would
hardly have invited me otherwise. I
imagine, however, that your aunt acts
good deal on impulse. Her asking
me here may have been only whim-"
please don't imagine that your COM
ing has not been agreeable to me-" Ce-
ella protested. MY aunt is quite
capable of inviting stranger to the
house. She met you, believe, at the
Asolando. I hope you understand that
it is only because am in deep trou-
BILE, Mr.. Ames, trouble of the gravest
nature, that have ventured to speak
/ to you in this way of my aunt, for
whom I have all respect and affec-
| ton"
She had never, was sure, been
! lovelier than at this moment. Her
eyes filed, but she lifted her head
proudly. Whatever the trouble might
be was sorry for it on her own ac-
count, and if it involved Hartley Wig
gins my sympathy went out to him
also. On an impulse spoke of him.
set aJ7T-nriao6 fn HaTf1oV
Virgins here. He's a dear friend Of
mine, you know. I thought he had
! gone to his ranch. He left the Hare
and Tortoise very abruptly a few nights
ago just after we had dined together.
He must be stopping somewhere in
the neighborhood."
Its quite possible. And there's an
TIM, you know. I fancy he drove over
from there"
| ST hadn't thought OF that-the Pres
colt Arms 1 suppose you mean"
She nodded, but she was clearly not
interested in me, and when L found
myself failing disma11y to divert her
thoughts to cheerfuler channels rose
and babe her good night
The servant who had previously at
tended me appeared promptly when ]
reached my room, bearing a tray, with
biscuits and a bottle of ale. He gave
me an envelope addressed in hand
1 already knew as Miss Octavia's, and
| I opened and read:
The following either detest distrust.
so kindly refrain from mentioning them
while yoAI are guest of HopefeId Manor;
Automobiles.
Mashed potatoes.
| Whiskers.
chopin's Concerto in e minor Top. III.
| Bishops Coadjutor.
| Limericks.
| Cats. OCTAVIA HOLSTER
Before slept threw up my window
and stepped oNt upon a narrow bal
cony that afforded a capital view of the
fields and woods to the east, The nigh
was fine, with the sky bright will
stars and moon. As my eyes dropped