The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-05-21
CHAPTER K.
PUT TO THE TEST,

CRANKY Dumpnt was like some open book,
whose truthful pages reveal only that which
is great and generous. Every emotion was
plainly written upon that brave and candid
face, and William Gorton clearly saw THAI
some secret trouble was proving upon the
mind of Miss Ovingtons affianced husband.
''If he knew" muttered the man, as he
walked, with soft tread, through the cor
ridors between the outer hall aud the ele-
giant morning-room into which he ushered
The General-"if he knew as much as do,
l wonder how he would act?"
elias Miss 0vington recovered from the
headache fro which she suffered last
night?" asked CRANKY Dumont.
II believe madsm's health is considerably
improved this morning." answered tie SER
want.
"She had good night, theni"
"An excellent night, General. She is now
with Mr.. Oviugtou, who is suffering from
his old attack of the gout. Twill go and in
form her Of your visit"
''Stop" exclaimed the General, as William
Gorton was about to leave the room. II
think you said that Miss Maud was in Mr..
Ovingtons room. will go there at once.
William Gorton bowed.
"Suffer me to 60 and announce your visit,
sir" he said, walking toward the door,
which opened upon the corridor and private
staircase leading to Mr.. Ovington's room
CRANKY Dumont placed his strong hand
upon the coachman's shoulder and put HIM
asi e.
Il will go unanpounced"
Maud Ovington was seated by the side Of
her father, a gray-haired, fine-looking man
of sixty years, when the General entered the
room.
The General felt thrill of relief as he
gazed at the lovely face of his betrothed
A devoted daughter seated by her fathers
side, watchiul of hi, every glance, eager to
administer to his slightest want, ready to
anticipate his most idle wish.
"To doubt her would he to doubt Heaven
itsclfy' thought CRANKY Dumont as he ex-
changed the commonplace greetings OF cere-
monious lite. Then, with graver manner,
he addressed himself to his future tather-in-
law. "My dear Ovington, he said, 'hav-
ing ascertained the state of your health,
perhaps you will permit me to have few
minutes conversation with Maud?'
Certainly" replied Mr. Oyington, laugh
ing; "a few hours, if you like. Pray chatter
)
while amuse myself with my newspaper.
Pardon me, sir, but mean private con-
versation."
Private conversation" exclaimed the i'm
petuous old man, looking rather tiercely al
his intended son-in-law. "Pray what can
you have to say to Maud that her father can.
not hear. eh, Granby?'
Miss Ovingt neither started nor changed
color, but her breath went and came rathel
more rapidly than before.
She rose from her seat before the Genera
had time to reply TO her fathers question.
| whatever Cranky may have to say tc
me, dearest father, she said, 'you will not
I am sure, deny me the privilege Of hearing
it. ="
Again the General felt relieved by her in
,nOccnt caIdor.
Were she other than she appears" " hi
| thought, would she thus seek an interview
in which might attempt to uumask herT
"You will not refuse to let me hear wha
CRANKY has to say, dearest father" repeated
| bfaud.
NO I will not, my dear" replied Mr
Ovington. Take him to the library, AM
hear this tremendous secret, whatever
may b.. But pray come back to your lionel
old father rs soon as you can, and brin
Cranky with you; want to ask his opinio
of leader in this mornings Herald. There
90 along, my darling; but don't forget tn
gouty old man to whom your presence
lsunshine."
| If Mr.. Ovineton had been the most deter
mined match maker, he could not have sal
anything more calculated to charm the ali
anced of his daughter.
Miss Ovngton led the way into the librar!
Now, Gransy," she said, rs she close
the door Of this apartment behind her, 'te
me, dearest, bravest and best, what is
that troubles you, for can see the shadow
of trouble in those truthful brown eyes, an
the darkness Of sorrow upon that open broV
Tell me, my beloved, what has happened?
The General clasped the rounded arm
his betrothed within his strong hand al
drew her toward the window. Then, wit
his disengaged hand, he drew aside the vol
minous lace curtains which shaded the wi
, dow and admitted the full glory Of autun
/ sunshine. t..-..,.J..
t The broad stream Of light fell upon Il
t face of Miss Ovington.
e Il want to see your eyes Maud, said u
$ General gravely. 81 want to look into yo
r eyes while speak to you, and see wheth
truth or falsehood turks in their azu
E depths"
! The glance which met his own seem
: truthful as the gaze of an angel as MAJ
: Ovington replied to these strange words,
4 "You surely cannot fear the result of gu
{ a test, CRANKY she murmured. 'Whi
. , ever foolish fancy may possess you, you c.
i have no thought 30 foolish as q doubt
a mel
y "You speak fearlessly, Maud"
"Why should speak otherwise2 You
am not afraid of the broad sunlight and
look you boldly in the face. What hs
you to say to me, dearestT
"Maud Ovington, there is a conspira
J. against your honor!" CRANKY Dumont
!. tered these words with terrible solemn
= but there was no shadow Of change in
fair face into which he looked. There
.. those in this city vile enough to accuse
d of intamy-nay, more, OF crime"
l. Miss Ovngton started, and her brit
re eyes flashed Indignantly, but it was with
N indignation of innocence. No changa
y color betrayed either terror or dism
te The blush roses on her cheeks never fac
Sc from their delicate hue.
10 "Of crime, Maud Ovington," repea
"a General Dumont-"of that deadly and u
Is tonable wickedness which is the worst 0
~ ~ blackest in the hideous catalogue Of Grim
" "What crime?" she exclaimed.
'The taking of human life"
The General paused before uttering
last two words-they seemed to iar with
bright sunshine and the fair face look
into his own. .-. ...,.... ~. :,
There are madmen enough in this cit
:, said Maud ovington, with hauteur VIII
~ was no stranger to her; "but did not
aS pose you would be SO foolish as to listen
d. them"
- The General released the arm which