The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-10-23

"Don't forget the ride father"
"Never fear. You shall have it."
Normandy was really vexed to see the
old gentleman trot away, and leave him to
entertain the peerless Grace Blcnchford.
Grace suspected it, and she leG him
pretty race of words that brought the
smile to his face in spite of himself, and
provoked some almost merry replies, that
sounded strangely from his lips When
Blanchford returned, he found them quite
sociable Normandy, leaning over the
desk, listening to Grace's merry talk, and
occasionally putting in word that showed
how well he was enjoying it.
"Thawing, by---smoke !" exclaimed
Blenchford in surprise, but his manner
changed Immediately. "Grace, we must
postpone the ride. Some very urgent
business keeps me here. Wait Nor
mandy can take my place"
Il should be pleased" said he.
Very good, Normandy; and remember
that promised her a ride such as she
never had BEFORE"
"a ride extraordinary, father"
"Ycs, yes; that was it, Do not disap'
point her."
"Assuredly not"
While Normandy was drawing on his
greatcoat, gentleman stepped to his side
and spoke to him in a very low tone. Nor
mandy s face blanched winter than the
snow, but he recovered instantly.
"Thank you, Gauson, for this proof of
your friendship, but have known it for
some hours Please let it rest where it is,
if you can, and will make it all right in
the morning. There is some great mis-
take"
With a buoyancy o. manner that sur.
prised Grace, after what she had seen, he
conducted her to the sleigh, and with agal-
lantry little expected from one 50 practical,
he handed her in, arranging the robes
about her more skillfu!ly than egen her old
father could have done. Then he took his
seat By her side, and off they went.
Through the crowded streets. through
the less crowded suburbs, out into the quiet
country, Normandy all the while chatting
mcrrily, startling contrast to his real feel
Jugs. But when once they were opt oil
the reach of the din of the great city, bis
manner changed entirely. Turning bis
dark, searching eyes full upon his compau
ions beautiful face, he asked, earnestly, al
most bescechingly:
"Miss Blenchford, can you trust me?"
| Surprised and somwhat annoyed, 81,
hardly knew how to answer. But she saw
that he vas in earnest andn tAe brici tim,
she thought of all her acqua;ptances, ant
not one of them would size trAst sooner.
"Why do you ask, Mr.. Normandy"
al should tell you" said he, "tha
those whom you hold most dear, yoursel
included, were in great peril, and a pear
tnat you never could guess, and that | ha,
the power TO save you all, would you be
licve me? Would you trust me? Woul,
you be guided by me for brict timer"
Startled by his manner, and convinced
by his earnestness, she replied as ear
nestly:
"Yes, Mr.. Normandy; can and do trus
!, you, But why do you ask 2"
"Do not ask me. 1t will be enough t
tell you that you and your father an
brother are truely in great danger, and
you will place implicit confidence in me
7 can save you. Drop your vail if 20
please. Thank you"
Almost tenderly he wrapped the robe
around her, yetutteriug no word. The
3 gathering the reins, he gave the horse
light blow, and away they went, at 2 pac
that soon left the city far out of sight "a
extraordinary ride. aurely, thought Grace
, as they sped over the crisp snow and tber
was a wonder how it would end. But sh
felt no fear, no regret that she had place
herself in his hands.
For hours they rode, he doing all in hi
,power to entertain her. succeeding so we
s that she almost forgot the singular position
: IN listiuing to his brilliant talk and varied e,
pe,ispce. About dark, they drew up at
farmhouse, where Normandy orderd SUP
per. While it was preparing, he looked al
e ter the::comtort of his horse. rubbing dow
with his own hand and feeding him; for th
ride was not yet over
"We have four hours ye: to ride" sal
be to Grace. "Shall we 60 on?'