Middletown transcript., 1914-01-10

object! Mott is useless, because /
am determined"
The tea was hot and harmless;
lay thinking while she sat In the sun
ny window-corner, nibbling biscuit and
marmalade, and watching me gravely.
81 suppose" said 1, thinking aloud,
that had better go to England"
''When?" she asked, without raising
her head.
I'm day or two. I can find en-
ployment there, l think"
What will you do?"
ooh, the army-horses-som ething
Of that kind. Riding-master, perhaps
perhaps Scotland Yard. If ever
save enough money for the voyage,
perhaps you would let me come, once
in while. to pay my respects. ma
dame?"
"Yes, come, If you wish"
She said no more, nor did l. Pres
emily Sylvia appeared with peasant
woman, and the young countess went
away, followed by the housekeeper
with her keys at her girdle.
1 rose and walked to the window;
then, nerveless and depressed. went
out into the garden again to smoke
cigar.
The cat had disappeared; 1 trav-
ersed the garden, passed through the
side wicket, and found myself on the
cliffs. Almost Immediately 1 was
aware of a young girl, a child, seat
ed on the rocks, her chin propped on
her hands, the sea-wind blowing her
curly elflocks across her cheeks and
eyes. A bundle tied in handkerchief
lay beside her; a cat dozed in her lap.
"JacquelineI" l said, gently. 81
thought you were to sail from Lorient
today?"
The cat stepped purring from her
knees; the child rose, pushing back
her hair from her eyes with bold
hands.
Where is Speed?" she asked,
drowsily.
Did you want to see him. Jacque-
line?"
THAT is why l returned"
"And you are going to give up the
circus forever, Jacqueline?"
yes"
Gust because you want to see
Speed?"
only for that"
She stood rubbing her eyes with
her small fists, as though just awak-
ened.
"Come into the garden. said: I'VE
can talk while you rest"
The young countess was standing at
the window as we approached in sol
emn single file along the path, and
when she caught sight of us she
opened the door and stepped out on
the tiny porch.
9Why, this is our little Jacqueline,"
she said, quickly "They have taken
your father for the conscription, have
they not, my child? And now you
are homeless!"
'T think SO, madame"
Then you will stay with me until
he returns, won't you, little one?"
I'VE thank you, and permit our
selves to accept, madame" said JAG
queline. I'VE are very glad because
we are quite hungry, and we have
thorns from the gorse in our feet"
She broke off with joyous little cry:
There is Speed!" And Speed, enter
ing the garden hurriedly, stopped
short in his tracks.
The child ran to him and threw
both arms around his neck. ''Oh,
Speed! Speed" she stammered, over
and over again. Il was too lonely;
will do what you wish; l will be in
structed in the graces Of education
truly will. I an glad to come back
and am so tired, Speed. will never
go away from you again. Oh,
Speed, l am contented! Do
you love ne:"
Dearly, little sweetheart" he said.
huskily, trying to steady his voice.
There! Madame the countess is
waiting. All will be well now" He
turned, smiling. toward the young
countess, and lifted his hat, then
stepped back and fixed me with a
blank look Of dismay, which said per
fectly plainly that he had unpleasant
news to communicate. The countess,
think, Saw that look, too, for she
gave me an almost imperceptible nod
and took Jacqueline's hand in hers.
"If there are thorns in your feet we
must find them." she said, sweetly.
''Will you come, Jacqueline?"
''Yes, madame" said the child, with
an adoring smile at Speed, who bent
and kissed her upturned face as she
passed
Well" said l turning to Speed. |
what new deviltry is going on in
Paradise. now?"
CTO BE CONTINUED)
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