Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-01-24

did not know myself tall now. Whit
am about to do NAV be the act Of mad
man: but her holidays shall be none the
less merry on my account
And. smiling bitterly. he walked Nth
the will in his hand toward the open fire.
place. where the logs were smoulderine
in drowsy enjoyment, seemingly, of their
own warmth and holding out the paper,
he was about to thrust it among them,
when there was knock at the door.
He placed the will quickly in his bosom,
and admitted Mrs. Bryndie.
CHAPTER H.
ROME ONE ELSE KNOCKS.
She did not observe his agitation. but,
with smiles and much circumlocution, de-
iyered message from Alice to the ef-
feet that Mr. Daveniry had arrived and
was at the present moment in the parlor,
and she would like to make them acquain-
ted
So William signified his pleasure. and,
having made touch or two of improve
ment in his toilet. Immediately descended.
Something curious and unexpected fol-
lowed.
As he opened the door he saw Alice
with her back to him. busily conversing
with two or three persons. and among
them an old acquaintance whom he scarce
" expected to encounter here, and whose
appearance, in fact, gave him something
of shock.
He. however, advanced across the room
and Just then his friend. looking up,
caught his eye.
The rec ignition was discopcerting.
40 10 At"fn19 uaiI Nil
liam. Offering his hand with some reserve,
in spite of himself.
The others had turned. Alice also
who wore puzzled smile. The gentle
man addressed was crimson.
This is Mr.. Daventry," said Aliee.
An embarrassing pause succeeded.
My name was formerly Atwood,
stammered Williams old acquaintance.
Il changed it to Daventrr to Inherit some
property. of which NV friend Gilbert does
not seem TO be awa'e. The circumstance
is quite common. My mothers family
were Daventrvs.
..Oh,- sad William relieved IL had
not heard.
MIR. mventry, now fully recovered. ex-
planned volubly in detail; indeed, with a
sort of aggressveness that rather crushed
William. who. living so much ont of the
world. was ignorant that people would
change names. aud sometimes more vital
things, TO heir money.
He loo ked and felt little foolish under
Davcntry's quiet, satirical laughter. as that
polished society man went on to enlighten
him.
The somewhat awkward situation dis
solved by Alice's going to the piano, at
tended. of course, by her betrothed, and
William gladly enough stole away to a
distant sofa.
$50 that is the fellow she is going to
marry? | wonder if they knew anything
about him. 1t seems like murder to me-
but dare not interfere or even ask ques-
ton. What an ill-bred blunder that was
TO speak of his change of name! / sup
pose he can explain everything else just as
easily. He is handsome, and talks well,
and sings well, and has money; and the
rest. | conjecture, is of no consequence.
Mr.. Daventry was indeed remarkably
handsome-a dark, starry beauty of the
Spanish type, slight and 1.-THE. He was
now sinsing-a charming tenor that Brig
noii or Capoul might have commended.
A stiffness hung over the crowded room,
broken only in the intervals by the faint
mnrmur of Alice's accompaniment.
Presently Uncle Frank made circuit of
the audience, and came over to where
William sat.
What do you think of him? he asked
smiling little anxiously, and referring,
of course to Daventry.
''IIe-he is very brilliant" hesitated
William. IL have met him before. We
were schoolmates."
Indeed! How fortunate. Yes, he is
highly accomplished. and. as you know.
wealthy. You may wonder. perhaps.
William, that should consider money!,
proceeded Uncle Frank, confidentially
but confess frankly that have no al
tentative. There has been such a shrink
age everywhere. and everybody has felt
it, and among the rest. | absolutely do
not know what has become of my money.
William but there lisa. mortgage on this
place, and-and there are other difficult
ties. Alice has that very handsome legacy
from her Aunt Margaret: but it has never
been touched since the will was proved.
| have never let my girl know my real
situation 1T would only have frightened
her. But now you see the complication
has quite passed. and the relief is i'm
mense. Daventry being so we'll off, they
will have oeed of poor Aunt Mar
garet's money.and with the use of it for
year or two shall easily get on my legs
again"
So whispered Uncle Frank, sanguine
and visionary, and knowing not much
more of the world than William Gilbert
himself.
William nodded, not knowing what to
answer to this revelation. and remember
ing the important document against which
his heart was humping, he began to feel
like traitor.
The song ended and Uncle Frank went
away, and after while William succeed
ed in escaping to his room. where he
poked up the fire again. and sat down in
the capacious armchairbefore it.
Continued tomorrow.