The Holly chieftain., 1914-07-10

eyes that were raised TO his that
made the Judges heart glow with
admiration.
Thank you," said he warmly.
That is most kind Of you. But per
haps she has found better friend by
this time. l hope eo."
"Or one as kind" she suggested in
low voice.
The conversation then became gen.
eral, and the girl did not look up for
several seconds: but the young man
on her right. who had not missed a
word of the previous tete-atete. could
not give attention to the story Mira
Blackwell was telling. for ponderins
what he had heard.
The ladies now left the table. and
though this was the time that Dun
ham had counted upon for an &C
quaintance with the great Judge who
might hold future career in his
power. he could not but wish that be
might follow them to the other room
He felt entire confidence in his new
friends ability to play her part to
the end, but he wanted to watch her,
to study her and understand her, II
| perchance he might solve the mystery
that was ever growing more intense
about her
As she left the room his eyes fol-
lowed her His hostess. In passing
behind his chair. had whispered:
II don't wonder you feel SO about
her. She is lovely. But please don't
begrudge her to us for few minutes
promise you that you shall have
your innings afterwards"
Then. without any warning and ut
terly against his will. this young man
of much experience and self-control
blushed furiously, and was glad enough
when the door closed behind Mrs.
Bowman.
Miss Remington walked into the
drawing room with steady step, but
with a,rapidly beating heart. Her real
ordeal had now come. She cast about
in her mind for subjects of converse.
ton which should forestall unsafe
topics. and intuitively sought the pro-
lection of the judges wife. But imme-
dtately she saw her hostess making
straight for the little Chippendale
chair beside her.
My dear. 1t is too lovely" she be-
gan. SO opportune! Do tell me how
long you have known Tryon?"
The girl caught her breath and gath
cred her wits together She looked up
shyly into the pleasant curious eyes
OF Mrs. Bowman, and a faint gleam
OF mischief came into her face.
why" Her hesitation seemed
only natural, and Mrs. Bowman de-
cided that there must be something
very special between these two. why,
not so very long. Mrs. Bowman-not
as long as you have known him." She
finished with smile which Mrs. Bow
man decided was charming.
"Oh, you sly child!" she exclaimed.
playfully tapping the round cheek with
her fan. Did you meet him when he
was abroad this summer"
"Oh, no. indeed!" said the girl,
laughing now in spite of herself. 'Oh,
no; 1t was after his return"
Then 1t must have been in the
Adirondacks." went on the determined
interlocutor Were you at" But
the girl interrupted her. She could not
AFFORD to discuss the Adirondacks, and
the sight of the grand piano across
the room had given her an idea.
Mr.. Durham told me that you
would like me to play something for
you, as your musician friend has failed
you. shall be very glad to, II it will
help you any. What do you care for?
Something serious or something gay?
Are you fond of Chopin, or Beethoven,
or something more modernY
scenting possible musical prodigy,
and desiring most earnestly to give
her guests treat, Mrs. Bowman ex.
claimed in enthusiasm:
oh, how lovely Of you! hardly
dared to ask. as Tryon was uncertain
whether you would be willing. Sup
pose you give US something serious
now. and later. when the men come in.
we'll have the gay music. Make your
own choice. though I'm very fond OF
Chopin. Of course"
Without a1other word, the girl
moved quietly over to the piano and
took her seat. For Just moment her
fingers wandered caressingly over the
keys, as II they were old friends and
she were having an understanding
with them. then she began a Chopin
Nocturne. Her touch was firm and vel
vety' and she brought out bell.like