The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1881-07-06
CHAPTER x.
PUT TO THE TEST.

Early upon the morning of the eleventh
of October, General CRANKY Dumont pre-
sented himself at the house of Mr. Ovington.
This time he was admitted. The servant
who ushered him into the drawing-room
was William Gorton.
This man looked furtively at the pale face
of the soldier. The noble countenance OF
CRANKY DumOnt 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 that
some secret trouble was preying npon the
mind of Miss OYingtons affianced husband
Jv1ngtons room. L VIII go there at once.
William Gorton bowed.
''Suffer me to go and announce your visit
sir, he said, walking toward the door,
which opened upon the corridor and private
staircase leading to Mr.. OviDgton's room.
CRANKY DumOnt placed his strong hand
upon the coachman's shoulder and put him
aside.
81 will go unannounced.
Maud Ovington was seated by the side of
her father, a gray-haired, fne-lOoking man
of sixty years, when the General entered the
room.
Tho General felt O thrill of relief as he
gazed at the lovely face of his betrothed.
A devoted daughter seated by her father 8
side, watchful of his every glance, eager to
administer to his slightest want. ready to
anticipate his most idle wish.
''To doubt her would be to doubt Heaven
itselfr' thought CRANKY Dumont, as he ex-
changed the commonplace greetings of cere-
monicus life. Then, with graVer manner,
he addressed himself 10 his future father-in-
law. ''My dear Ovington," he said, ''hav-
ing ascertained the state Of your health,
perhaps you will permit me to have a few
I'll y
Certainly" replied Mr.. Ovington, laugh
ing; "a few hours, if you like. Pray chatter
away to your hearts content, young people.
while amuSe myself with my newspaper.
Pardon me, sir, but mean private con-
versation."
s'Private conversation" exclaimed the i'm
petuous old man, looking rather fercely at
his Intended son-in-law spray what can
you have to say to Maud that her father can.
not hear, eh, Granbyg
Miss Ovington neither started nor changed
color, but her breath went and came rathaE
more rapidly than before.
She rose from her seat before the General
had time to reply To her fathers question.
Whatever CRANKY may have to say TO
me, dearest father" she said, sayou will not,
I am sure, deny me the privilege Of hearing
it."
Again the General felt relieved by her in
uOcenG candOr.
''Were she other than she appears" he
thought, ''would she thus seek an interview
In which might attempt to unmask herr"
''You will not refuse to let me hear what
CRANKY has to say, dearest father3" repeated
Maud.
mo, will not, my dear" replied Mr..
OVington. '"Take him to the library, and
hear this tremendous secret whatever it
may be. But pray come back to your lonely
old father as soon as you can, and bring
CRANKY with you; / want 30 ask his opinion
Of leader in this mornings Herald. Thsre,
go along, my darling; but don't forget the
equity old man to whom your presence 10
sunshine"
If Mr.. Ovington had been the most deter
mined matchmaker, he could not have said
anything more calculated to charm the afil-
anced of his dauRhter.
CONTINUED.