Part 17 (2/2)
”You surprise me,” I retorted sarcastically; but she only laughed again.
I returned to my paper.
An hour pa.s.sed in silence. The train began to slacken speed as we neared the station next before Beech Hill. She looked up and said:
”Would you really rather I didn't come with you?”
I had pa.s.sed a wretched hour. This girl was evidently bent on blasting my character.
”Madam,” I said, ”if you'll get out at this station, I'll give you a five-pound note.”
”What? I heard you never gave away a farthing! They said no one could get a penny out of you.”
”It is true that I disapprove of indiscriminate charity; but, under the circ.u.mstances, I----”
”Think I am a deserving object? Well, I'll take it.”
With a sigh of relief, I took a note from my pocket-book, and gave it her.
”I'll pay it back soon,” she said.
”Never let me see your face again.”
”Apologize for me to the Guntons. Good-by.”
She jumped out lightly, and I sank back, murmuring, ”Thank Heaven!”
After I got rid of her my journey was peaceful and happy, and I forgot my troubles in the warm greeting my old friend Bob Gunton and his wife gave me. The girl must have lied about the telegram; at least, Bob made no reference to it. He had a fine family of boys and girls, and presented them to me with natural pride.
”That's my lot--except Addie. She's gone to see some friends; but we expect her back every minute. They keep me alive, I can tell you, Miller.”
After tea, my host and hostess insisted on taking me for a stroll on the terrace. It was a beautiful evening, and I did not mind the cold. As we were talking together, I heard the rumble of wheels. An omnibus stopped at the gate.
”Ah, the 'bus,” said Gunton; ”it runs between here and our market-town.”
I hardly heard him; for, to my horror, I saw, descending from the 'bus and opening the gate, that girl!
”Send her away!” I cried; ”send her away! On my honor, Bob, as a gentleman, I know nothing about her.”
”Why, what's the matter?”
”I solemnly a.s.sure Mrs. Gunton and yourself that----”
”What's the matter with the man? What's he talking about?”
”Why, Bob, that girl--that barefaced girl!”
”That girl! Why, that's my daughter Addie!”
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