The Irish standard., 1915-07-31

And he burst into a roar of uncon-
trollable laughter.
"Strike ME dead! You sly tibet ag'in
an I'll pull yer boko," said the Duke,
going over to him menacingly.
The next moment young girl enter
ed the stable. 1t was plain from her
demeanor that she was not pleased.
"You boys are perfect nuisance"
she complained. ''l've been calling
you the last ten minutes. Breakfasts
been ready for an hour"
The Shrimp turned his head and
scowled at her.
"Oh, all right" he growled.
Further argument was prevented by
the advent of Mallory. accompanied by
Mr.. Crawford and O'Brien.
EUR hiv'n's sake. but thought you
bhoys was at brikfast long ago." said
O'Brien. eyed bitter git over to the
house at wanst, or It's precious little
yell be gittin'. I'm afther thinking"
The boys slipped out, and Nora would
gladly have followed them, but her ia
Their stopped her.
me daughter. Mr.. Crawford, sor; me
daughter. Nora" he explained, his hon.
est, ruddy face beaming with pride.
Nora blushed and. with downcast
gaze. stood before the stranger.
Crawford, with easy politeness, dotted
his hat.
II am awfully pleased to meet you,
Miss Nora," he said in soft, low
voice, adding. "You are very fortunate
to have such charming daughter, Mr..
O'Brien."
The old man regarded the visitor
with dubiousness which was quickly
succeeded by positive disapproval. He
did not like this sudden change from
the brisk business manner with which
Crawford had previously comported
himself, and somehow the mans into
nation and attitude Jared upon him,
struck discordant note in his heart.
AS to Nora. encouraged by the unac-
customed gentleness and courtliness of
his speech, the girl >yentured to look at
him. and as timidly she held out her
hand and he clasped 1t with warm
pressure she encountered his gaze of
mingled amusement and admiration.
Morals eyes were large and dark and
expressive. Crawford thought he had
never seen any more beautiful. But
they were not by any means the girls
only charm. She was distinctly pref
ty, with small, regular features and q
blush rose complexion which her dark
hair, worn In a braid down her back,
set OF to the best possible advantage.
Although barely seventeen. she was
well developed, and her plain cotton
dress, white, with thinned stripes. was
becoming In its very simplicity. In q
word, she looked just what she was
a sweet, naive country lassie.
"I'm sure we shall be good friends
he said encouragingly.
"Y-yes, SIR" she astammered, REDEEM
ing still deeper, and. hastily withdraw
ing her hand, she made her escape.
In the spacious living room of
the trainers house, which served the
purpose of kitchen and dining room.
the Duke and his enemy, the Shrimp.
sat at the table disposing. with raw
enous appetite, Of the good things
provided for the first repast of the day
by Mrs. O'Brien. Nora, still excited
and jubilant. was serving them, ani
as she fitted lightly about from dresser
to stove and from stove to table she
cast complacent glances at herself
whenever she passed small mirror
that hung on the wall. The Duke fol
lowed her movements with sheepIsh
adoring eyes. The Shrimp bent sullen
ly over his plate, intent only on what
was upon 1t.
might I trouble you for little more
Of that ash. Miss Norar asked bel
admirer. with about the Difference will
which he would have addressed the
queen Of England.
mo, you might not" snapped Nora
"And you needn't make googoo eyes al
me either. have no use for you any
more"
II amt to blyme. couldn't 'elp it,
pleaded the boy, who cared nothing
about further helping Of hash, but
did care very great deal to retain
Nora's good .graces.
"I'm sure it was your fault, and IL
never speak to you again for getting
me into this trouble,"', the girl insisted.
"Hindeed, it wusn't," he assured hel
humbly. "As I've already explyned
Shrimp ERE on Ginger crowded m,
into the deep goin' on the ry'ls. an
Lydy Belle didn't like it,
TITS lie!' shouted the Shrimp
6ercely. ut was q fair race, an
wants me money"
'Then you'll have to wait for IT,
said Nora decisively.
II needs the coin, an I won't stant
for no welchin'."
Haven't l always paid your
Eyer KEEP me waitin' tree months
de last time. and it was like drawin' {
tooth to get it out'n yer, and that wa.
on'y dollar"
Nora began to cry. and the Duke
shifted uneasi!y In bis chair. Hi
whole love and sympathy went out II
her. standing there in tears, and b,
would have given worlds to be able t.
fold her in his arms and help and com
fort her.
"Wisht 1 could lend you the money
he sighed regretfully, "but I carn't.
amt got 'y'penny in the world-no
a 'y'penny. Couldn't you write to you
sister, Patsy, an arsk 'er to 'elp 70,
aoutY'
II wouldn't dare to. promised he