Part 11 (1/2)
The maiden lady appeared uncertain as to the possible compliment in this statement, but at last decided to accept it
”You're the saled
Presently, the conversation dragged
”Do you knohy I came to see you today?” asked Miss Fitzpatrick, and, at Donald's negation, continued: ”I thought you one on the expedition, and--and--I came to tell you that I think your i I ever heard of”
”Do you, really?” cried the young erly
”I certainly do, and I spoke to father about it, severely For a ti seery, and said not to ht I would tell you just what I think of it”
”I can't thank you enough,” said Donald, approaching her impulsively, for the little woman's efforts in his behalf really touched him
”I didn't know I had a friend in the world until this rateful--ood, and I sha'n't forget it”
At his approach, Miss Fitzpatrick had pushed her chair back nervously several inches, and, now, Donald turned away to hide the sle to his face, despite his efforts at suppression To bridge the situation, he pulled his pipe froan to examine it intently
”And that isn't all,” continued Miss Fitzpatrick, nerving herself for speech so that her curls quivered violently ”I want you to know that I will do anything in my power to make your confinement here easier, and will always have your interest at heart wherever you are There!
”You are a dear little woman, and I'm overwhelmed with your kindness,”
said Donald, in the deep, rich voice he unconsciously used when moved And, at that, the scarlet tide of joy that had been hovering uncertainly in Miss Fitzpatrick mounted with a rush and suffused her pale little face
”Now,” she went on briskly, to cover her confusion, ”there are a lot of newspapers at the house that of course you haven't read
I'll send them over, with a book or two Mrs Ponshette, at York, sent down for Christ to pass the time”
Once htest intention, his pipe slipped froers, and fell to the floor
With an exclamation of annoyance, he picked it up, to find that the a it almost useless Now he must have the other pipe, despite what Peter Rainy had hinted, and who could get it but Laura Fitzpatrick?
Showing her the broken pieces in his hand, he exclaimed that life would be unbearable without tobacco, and asked her to send his reserve pipe over from the rack in the hall This she promised to do, and a little later rose to take her leave
”You're not a good host, Captain McTavish,” she said, at the doorway
”Why?” he questioned
”You haven't asked ive me!” cried the confused man ”Please, come as often as you wish I have enjoyed the visit immensely”
”So have I,” she returned, with a coy, sidelong look from her mild blue eyes, and then, at last, she shut the door behind her
Donald was really grateful for the call, as it had taken histhat had occupied it so continuously, and, for hours afterward, he smiled alood-heartedness, of the woman's character