Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work

You must excuse me."

Beth looked at the strange girl without taking the hint to retire.

Somehow, she could not rid herself of the impression that whether or not

she was mistaken in supposing Eliza to be the missing Lucy, she had

stumbled upon a sphinx whose riddle was well worth solving.

But Eliza bore the scrutiny with quiet unconcern. She even seemed mildly

amused at the attention she attracted. Beth was a beautiful girl--the

handsomest of the three cousins, by far; yet Eliza surpassed her in

natural charm, and seemed well aware of the fact. Her manner was neither

independent nor assertive, but rather one of well-bred composure and

calm reliance. Beth felt that she was intruding and knew that she ought

to go; yet some fascination held her to the spot. Her eyes wandered to

the maid's hands. However her features and form might repress any

evidence of nervousness, these hands told a different story. The thin

fingers clasped and unclasped in little spasmodic jerks and belied the

quiet smile upon the face above them.

"I wish," said Beth, slowly, "I knew you."

A sudden wave of scarlet swept over Eliza's face. She rose quickly to

her feet, with an impetuous gesture that made her visitor catch her

breath.

"I wish I knew myself," she cried, fiercely. "Why do you annoy me in

this manner? What am I to you? Will you leave me alone in my own room,

or must I go away to escape you?"

"I will go," said Beth, a little frightened at the passionate appeal.

Eliza closed the door behind her with a decided slam, and a key clicked

in the lock. The sound made Beth indignant, and she hurried back to

where her cousins were busy with the laughing, chattering throng of

visitors.

CHAPTER XIII

THE BOOMERANG

The lawn fкte was a tremendous success, and every farmer's wife was

proud of her satin badge bearing the monogram: "W. P. L.," and the

words: "FORBES FOR REPRESENTATIVE."

Certain edibles, such as charlotte-russe, Spanish cream, wine jellies

and mousses, to say nothing of the caviars and anchovies, were wholly

unknown to them; but they ate the dainties with a wise disregard of

their inexperience and enjoyed them immensely.