Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-12-30

ooh, Of course it hasn't come yet,u said she
apparently half hurt; "what mean is that Won
should tell me as soon as it does. 1t would be
when" when her voice faltered-'it may be
too late"
well, !" said 1, trusting to time to clear up
the Misunderstanding which saw existed be-
tween us, "I'n promise to tell you whatever
happens as soon as / know 1t myself" That
seemed to satisfy her somewhat, and, soon after.
hr. Rupert came back, and we all retired"
alt certainly was very stupid and thick
headed Of me-" commenced BrintOn at this
point, rubbing his chin thoughtfully; "but then,
you know, was young, and having been bred
European customs. But next morning a cool
quiet sort of fellow, with patent leather boots.
was was nshered into my room as was putting on
the finishing touches to my toilet, and handed
me neat envelope, the contents of which ex.
planned the whole mystery most satisfactorily
me Old gentleman's compliments, the anxiety of
aus daughter, and all. Ii was a challenge from
the Count"
Here Brinton made an impressive pause, and
looked at me as If he expected me to say some
thing. So remarked, appreeiatiugly:
81 see, of course; and the Ruperts, being
s0utherners, had foreseen il all along. Yes,
yes! By the way, john" added 1, with a
smile, "that reminds me of when we were boys.
and you used to VOW that nothing ever would in,
duce you to fight duel. / said then that cir
cumstanees might arise to force you into it, and
1t seemed to me that Johns expression
changed; he didn't appear pleased, and withal
there was puzzled look on his face. was be-
ginning TO fear had made a mistake when all
al once his c0untenance cleared again.
Il remember the vow you alude to Simpson,"
said be; land rememberedit then. / refused
the challenger"
Twas specifies. confess am timid man,
but / could not help thinking that, in such a
cause, even would not have hesitated to ex-
change shots. Brinton, think, OWNED what
was passing in nv mind; he leaned out of the
window and turned away his face-tO conceal
his emotion, perhaps, for when he resumed his
position, his cheeks and forehead were much
flushed.
Eyes" he continued, al refused; and lost no
time in informing the cool, quiet fellow of nv
decision. need not attempt to describe to YOU"
with meaning look at me, "his expression as
made in persou?"
the occasion should recur, shall act precisely
in the same manner"
"Horror, amazement and disdain were in
voice and aspect as he rejoined:
"Monsieur understands what he is to expect
then," and withdrew with contemptuous
glare. And when, few minutes atterward, /
descended to breakfast, the covert insolence in
the air of the landlord as he bowed to me at the
door, and the stares, whispers, and smiles of
several groups L passed, showed me how I'M
pleasant some of the consequences would be.
But L sat down at table with the Ruperts, feel
ing sure that they, at any rate, would appreciate
and honor my motives. i determined to break
the news at Once.'
al received a challenge from the Count this
morning"
know it, my dear John, - said Mr. Rupert,
eagerly, while his daughters eyes were liked
upon me with proud, loving, anxious look that
almost made me regret the course had taken.
90 saw his second leave the house just now. 1
am an Old man, sir, but II you are willing to
tru me to act for you, L"
Thank you, sir, but there's no need. I've
declined the challenge"
"There was a dead silence for several mo-
Rul ert, evidently much agtated, fell back in
her chair, paling and flushing by turns. At last
Mr. Rupert spoke again"
.' If you say this jOkingly, John, or out of con-
sideration for nv daughters feelings. let me
tell you you are acting unwisely. She has the
old R1pert blood in her veins, sir, and much as
she loves you, would rather see you dead than
disgraced. SO speak out and tell us all about
"I felt little nettled at the proud, severe
tone in which the man said this"
81 Understand me, then, at once for all. I've
refu- either to try to kill this man or let him
attempt my life. 1 never believed it right to
my principles now because / happen to be the
one involved. counted the cost of this STEP
and knew what might lose by it; but not even
that iOss shall alter my resolve"
" looked to Miss Rupert for sympathy as 1
spoke, but her eyes had CLEAN half of anger,
half of contempt, and her mouth was set with
an exI re>siOn at or of disgust and bitter dis
appointment. 1t was her father who spoke,
al see you have anticipated what 1 was
about to say, Mr.. BrintOn. We evidently differ
S cery e IS on some points; I'm glad we've
mains TO say speak for my daughter as we'll
as myself-that you will do us a favor by forget
ting we ever were acquainted. II is fair to sup
pose that a man who doesn't know how to take
care OF his own honor will be no tit guardian OF
womans. Good morning, sir"
" He roo froR1 the table, gave Miss Rupert
his arm, and they moved OF. But 1 wouldn't
give II up so, and, after moment rose and fol-
lowed them. overlook them in the hall, which
happened to be empty, and touched her on the
arm.
IN take my dismissal in your own words,
"She turned round and faced me, the blood
rushing into her cheeks and forehead, "Go
on, father, she said, {" I'll follow directyr She
came close up to me, and looked me straight in
the eyes, her own blazing"
Do you refuse TO light the duel?"
Yes"
Are you a coward?n
She laughed bitterly. "I've not been accus-
tened to see towards; but shan't soon forget
how one looks now. God! wish 1 had killed
dsIe'nt even confess it. You talk of prineipiey leu
she laughed again. And vet you presumed to
love me, and"-she hesitated, but went on des-
perately-"yes, and 1 loved you with all my
soul; no, not you, but what believed you were.
Howl pity you, you poor creature!" She be-
gan to cry HISTORICALLY, and checked herself by
great effort I" Go and never come back till
send for you!'' With that last cut she turned
away.
It'll them" / said, 81 never will" And 50
Brinton looked at me; his face worked
strangely, as Ii he were attempting to smother
some strange emotion. And, confess, was
very much affected myself. / could not help
feeling a )mantic interest, too, in Miss Rupert
all the more, because was conscious of a tender
feeling toward Mrs. Brinton. What strange
things We uman beings are! And that brought
Muggins into nv mind ence more.
But what was the service Muggins did your"
ingUi ed.
Brinion started. Could behave forgotten him
too?
"Ob!" said he, working thoughtfully at his
mustache. ''Yes-well, we're coming to him.
Did tell YOU why left Geneva BY the same
route the Ruperts ana had previously intended
To trayei?'
''You didn't say you left at ALL" returned 1.
"Oh, well, of course l had TO do that, you
know. 1t never would do to stay there after all
q at. i think the reason must have been that
my mind, being in a half-stunned condition.
followed out plans previously conceived, instead
o originating anything. At all events so il was.
4 sent on my trunks before, and Muggins and
started the same afternoon to make the trip on
foot Our road led us through much grand
scenery, and, in particular, one magnificent
pass i dare say you know the one 1 refer to,
about fifteen miles from Geneya?'
murmured assent, though the fact was that
in all NV visits TO Geneva. Il had never seen Or