The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-04-20
Che genusha telegraph.
KENosHA, WIS, APRIL 30, 1871.
CONCLUDED FROM SECOND PAGE. I

this singular epithet, which was about as
near as man could come to swearing In
a lady's presence.
II stepped upon stone, and | do be-
lieVe I have sprained my ancle," l an
swered, as | stopped down and pretended
to examine the injured member. mo,
it's all right-only gave it twist"
I tried my best to collect myself and
appear calm, but my brain was in whirl,
and l was so astonished that I hardly
knew what I was about. The recognition
was mutual, as his eyes met mine. 1t
would have been hard to say which was
the most astonished man of the two
This gentleman conversing with Mrs
Briscoe was Parks, the sharper | had
knocked down in the supper-rooms in
London. It was not a pleasant meeting
upon either side. He certainly never ex
pected to meet me there, and as certain
ly never expected to meet him. And
this was Alfred Briscoe. The initials A.
B. upon the stone of his ring were no
longer a mystery.
never felt more awkward in my life.
but knew my best plan was to meet the
affair ,.oldly, and treat him as an entire
stranger. If he chose to bring up the
matter, it would be more to his discredit
than mine. By the time we reached the
yerandah bad become quite cool and
collected. There was not the slightest
apparent sign of recognition, unless it
was just CULVER of the eyelids as we Were
presented to each other. No one WOULD
have imagined for moment that we had
ever met before. | could not help think
ing what consummate pair of hypocrites
we both were. There was one thing, how
ever, prided myself upon : experienced
man of the world as he was, l. a strip
ling, mere tyro in life's mysteries, was
his equal in GOODNESS and self-possession.
Treating me with the mcst marked
consideration and respect outwardly, he
took every occasion, covertly, to make
me appear in ridiculous light before
the ladies, finging little quiet sarcasms
at me in way that could not be resented
without making me appear unreason
ably hot-headed and sensitive
I rather enjoyed this keen en-
counter of our wits, for [ gave him
as good as he sent, as it proved that he
was annoyed at Edith's evident liking
for my society. The ladies had no sus
picion of the ill-feeling existing between
US. Edith looked a little surprised at
some of his sneers, and seemed disposed
to resent them. She more than suspected
this mans true character, and respect for
her sisters feelings alone made her treat
him with common politeness. He could
not influence her against me-that was
one comfort
Mrs. Briscoe received telegram from
her husband, stating that he would be
home by the evening train.
He will be mere by nine o'clock to
night" she said. "IIe always walks
from the train"
I remarked that thought it risk to
run, he having SO much money about
him, her house being on the outskirts of
the town, and some portions of the way
quite lonely. [ had observed that in
my walks about the place.
ooh, there is no danger" she answered,
lightly.
us he armed ?" asked
He never carried weapon in his
life, she returned. do you ?"
"Not exactly" made answer. (" have
one-though do not carry it about me-
an heirloom in our family, relict of the
Olden tlme--a Scottish dirk that belong
ed to & namesake of mine, Malcolm NJ
Weigh. a corporal in the celebrated High
land regiment, known as the Black
Watch, that was SO distinguished in the
battle of Dettigen. have it up stairs in
my carpet bag"
The ladies expressed desire to see it,
and ] went for the dirk, and brought it
down for their examination. Alfred
Briscoe was present when this converse
ton took place, and he examined the dirk
critically. After their curiosity was sat
isfed, | carried it back to my chamb. r.
stopped awhile to make some change
in my apparel, intending to take long
walk after dinner Returning down
Stairs, | found Edith alone in the parlor,
looking, | thought, out of sorts, as if
something had ruffied the natural sereni-
ty OF her temper.
Whats the matter?" / asked, taking
place beside her on the sofa.
Five settled it." she cried, petulantly
GIVE settled il for good and all?"
"Have you? Well, am glad to hear
that; but what have you settled ?"
She smiled, and her good humor came
back again.
0Nr Alfred Briscoe proposed 70 me
ten minutes ago, and l rejected him."
s'And he vows vengeance, l presume ?"
'Oh, no--he would rever dare to
threaten me- Covertly, he would iniure
me if he could. 1t is a great disappoint-
ment to him, know, as he is very anx
ious to have the spending of my money"
Edith, / wish you did not have any
money" cried, suddenly.
"Wny p she demanded, In surprise.
Because don't wish to be accused If
mercenary motives-don't you see? ?"
"But why should you be?"