The Panola weekly star., 1883-09-08
CHAPTER TX.
AfNxIA'a MISTAKE.

ALhkfAH hisfAkn,
Mr.. Quest was prompt In keeping
his appointment the next morning. lie
was shown into the library of the Oil
phant mansion, and after n few minutes
waiting was joined therc by his host.
my niece has told mo the story Of
your forfeited engagement" said the
latter, quite at his ease through this
knowledge. stand you must allow me
to make good your loss arising from It,"
II can't truihiully say that the money
wouldn't be welcome" returned the
other, "but the truth Ia, Mr.. oliphant,
| have II In my mind TO ask much
greater return than mere payment for
my time. The lecture business isn't
proving fruitful field TO me, My tai
ents, such as they are, llc In quits diff
fercnt direction. | have the germ of nm
Idea In my head which may develop
into something moro profitable than ten
cent admlttances In n country village.
and meanwhile, II you will admit me TO
the honor of your acquaintance. I'll feel
a hundred times repaid for the small
kindness. was ablo 10 render Miss
Bmxton."
The request was made with respect
fil dcfcrcnce, yet Mr.. ollphant was Sc
crctly annoyed by Il.
'llang tho fellowi' he thought
"Wants 10 toady. I'd rather give a
hundred dollars and be rid Of him"
Fact is," explained Mr. Quest. II
want 10 utilize the knowledge I could
pick up. That idea spoke of. Is to
make venture In the literary line,
something In the way Of q sensational
novel, or may be a drama And for a
description q q handsome interior, or
an Idea Of decorative art TO be thrown
i In, admission TO house like this would
be Of incalculablc bcncii, 10 me-"
Put In that shape. Mr. 0llphant felt
that he could hardly refuse.
81 must stipulate that you don't put
any Of US In rs characicrs." he said.
smilinglyi and thus Mr., Quest gained
an entrance 10 the house Of which he
availed himself af,crward. yet used the
privilege 80 discrcctly as never 10 OBJ
trude himself unplcasantly Its mas.
ter.
"Iff had taken hls money, that
would have ended Il, - he said 10 him.
self. "And II | had told him wanted
TO play the spy on his wife. ho would
have Kicked me out Of doors as prop.
erly deserve. Shouldn't wonder II the
money and the kicking wem TO come
togther YETI
II was a week after Alcxia's advent.
She was down In The rarlor for the first
time, limping somewhat as she walked,
but none the less sparklingly bright for
her involuntary seclusion. She Was
seated before one OF the windows. with
a book In her hand. but was much more
Interested In the wcll-drcssed ladies and
| gentlemen passing without
Alexia had been accepted quite AZ
one Of the family. and she felt al home
already amid the luxurious surround.
,ngs Tor which abe had longed all her
The May sunshine was at Its brightest.
and the tollsis she egarled with crit
ical eyeswere rcsplcndent with the pale
tinis Of spring.
And you have new dresses TO show
on. too. suppose. Dana. she said. with
an ensious Sigh. "It's awfully good
OF YOU 10 stay In herr with me. when YOU
might be out with the rest You seem
70 know agood many people for having
bern here 10 short time. Aunt Rose
exchanged bows with nearly q dozen
while she sai here. aud n many more
have looked In since she went away"
"Admlrinv you, Alcxia."
II hope 90 I'd rather he admired
nun distance than not al all. 10 Won
| g anywhere. yesP''
10 church. and 10 drive In she park.
We wers Il one dinner. given by An old
friend q pepA's"
A whlch plane did ycu make your
coequestF' asked Alexla, with : n.
eelsvon glaos& 81 can't think - :