The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-11-25
to try, while devote few moments to
business"
Don't forget the ride, father


Normandy was really vcxed to see the
old gentleman trot away, aud leave him
to entertain the peerless Grace Blench-
ford. Grace suspected it, and she led
him pretty race Of words that brought
the smile to his face 10 spite of himself,
aud provoked some almost merry re-
plies, that sounded strangely FROM bis
lips. When Blenchford returned, no
found them quite sociable. Normandy,
leaning over the desk, listening to
Grace's merry talk, and occasionally
putting in word that showed how woll
he was enjoying il,
"Thawing, by--smoke!" exclaimed
Blenchford in surprise, but his manner
changed Immediately. "Gracc we must
postpone the ride. Some very urgent
business keeps me here. Wait Nor.
mandy can take my place"
~ should be pleased !" said he.
VERY good, Normandy; and remcm-
Der / promised her a ride such as she
never had before
"a ride extraordinary, father"
"Yes, yes; that was it. Do not dis.
appoint her"
"Assuredly not
While Normandy was drawing on his
greatcoat, a gentleman stepped to his
side and spoke to him in a very low
tone. Normnndy's face blanched winter
than the snow, but he recovered in.
instantly.
"Thank you Gausen, for this proof of
your friendship, bit have known il for
some hours. Please let it rest where
it is, if you can, and | will make il all
right in the morning. There is some
great mistake.
With buoyancy OF manner that sur
prised Grace, after what she had seen,
he conducted her TO the sleigh, and with
gallantry little expected from one so
practical, he handed her in, arranging
the robes about her more skillfully than
even 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
open country, Normandy all the while
chatting merrily, startling contrast to
his real feelings. But when once thew
were out Of the reach of the din, of the
great city, his manner changed entirely.
Turning his dark, searching eyes full
upon his companions beautiful face, he
asked, earnestly, almost besecchinsly /:
"Nliss Blcnchford, can you trust me?''
Surprised aud somewhat annoyed.
y
she hardly knew how to answer. But
she saw that he was in earnest, aud in
the brief time, she thought of all her
acquaintance, and not one of them
would she trust sooner.
"Why do you ask, Mr. Normandy ?"
"If | should tell you" said he, "that
those whom you hold most dear, your.
self included, were in great peril, and
peril that you never could guess, and
that | had the power to save you all,
would you believe me? Would you
trust met Would you be guided by
me for brief time 7"
Startled by hi. manner, and convinced
BY his esrRestness, she replied as earn.
estly:
ayes, Mr.. Normandy; can aud do
trust you. But why do you ask 7"
"Do not ask me. 1t will be enough
to tell you that you and your father
aud brother are truly in great danger,
and if you will place implicit confidence
in me, | can save you. Drop your veil
if you please. Thank you"
Almost tenderly he wrapped the robes
around her, yet uttering no word Then
the rcius, he gave the horse
a light blow, and away they went at
pace that soon left the city far out Of
sight. "Au extraordinary ride, surely"
thought Grace, as they sped over the
crisp snow; and there was wonder
how it would end. But she felt no
fear, no regret, that she had placed her.
self in his hands.
For hours they rode, he doing oil in
his power to entertain her, succeeding
so well that she almost forgot the sim
gular position, in listening to his bril-
liant talk and varied experience. About
dark, they drew up at farmhouse,
where Normandy ordered supper
While il was preparing, he looked after
the comfort Of his horse, rubbing him
down With his own hand and feeding
him; for the ride vas not yet over.
1--WE have four hours yet to ride,,o
said he to Grace, "shall we 60 on3o
II trust you, Mr., Normandy. Let
me help you il cam
"Thank you'll Thank you, Miss
Blenchford," he said gratefully. "You