Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-02-01
MISS BENCE'S BRITISH LOVER.


woods that then, as now, top the rock
hilled Palisades overlooking the lordly
Hudson. lie was attired in all the
bravery of silk, and powder and ruflieS
and at his feet lay half dozen vol
umes on which an army of ants were
marching with directncss of pur-
pose that caused great events in ant
land later on.
From the pose of this bclaced young
gentleman and the care which he took
20 adjust the rufllcs over his wrstband
as it dangled, the elbow leaning against
the tree. 1t was pretty evident that
he was waiting for one of that Isex
which has ruled the world since Eve
ate that indigestible apple.
lie was handsome youth, TO whom
powder became handy, and, like most
handsome youths, he was perfectly
aware of being a handsome youth.
"She comes :" he said, hravely.
"Pish! wish that my heart would
not rap so against my ribs, and 1 know
that l am becoming pale"
The rustlng of bushes and bramhlcs
announced an approach and in couple
of seconds bright, faiy-haircd, blue
eyed, ,rosy-chccked. .cherry-lippedma
stepped up to where the ants were
marchiug over the books.
a am little late, George" she said,
after half dozen kisses had passed be
tween them, "but | couldn't help it /;
for lot of gentlemen came to see
papa, and had to see after refresh
ment for man and horse"
Company at the Manor. Jac?"
Not exactly company George; but
you see, papa is very determined
against the iron rule of England, and
l fear here she dropped her voice
THAT there is going to be rough work,
for eof the gentlemen spoke Of rails
ing regiment, and
What nonsense. Jac Weare very
well off under British rule. There are
always people ready to complain--al-
ways grumbling. Surely these gentry
do not dream of independence"
And why not?" replied the girl.
almost haughtily, her short upper lip
curling, her thin nostrils expanding.
"Stuff and nonsense, JaC -
81 don't see why we should sub
nit"
You little rebel he burst out.
Unjust stop such seditious language. "
And he did so in that way which
is usual To lovers.
George L'Estrange was the son Of
Sir Henry L'Estrange. an English gen
tleman of birth, who hai come over in
the capacity of private secretary to the
Governor.
Having met very beautiful young
lady, whom he cspouscd contrary to the
wishes of the old baronet in England.
who was rs proud as he was careless,
Sir Henry settled in America where he
made a small fortune in the cultivation
of tobacco.
4 friend, to whom he had loaned n
thousand pounds. having died and left
him property on the Hudson in lieu
of the cash, Sir Henry migrated to the
Manor" where he resided in good
style with his lady, one son, George,
one daughter, Jacquelinc, and a num-
erous retinue of white and colored ser
wants,
Adjoining the manor was the prop
erty of Ephraim Bence n worthy mer-
chant of Gotham. between whose only
child and George L'Estrange sprang
up that mutual feeling Of fcyerish de
light commonly known as love.
Mr.. Bencc did not at first oppose
George L'Estrange's intimacy with his
daughter, but of late his anti-British
feeling became so intense that he po-
litely informed the young man If he
wished to avoid hearing that which he
could not stomach he would cease his
visits.
---- Every day the great spirit Of Inde-
pendence was engaged in upheaval and
George was compelled to take this hint
of the sturdy American.
1--WE must meet elsewhere, darling"
he said, and, as the woods which sepa-
rated the two domains. and every path
way was known to the two lovers, a
particular beach-tree was destined to
become their trysting-place.
Insensibly, hut by degrees, Jacque-
line Beuce felt the spirit Of patriotism
budding in her fresh young heart, and
at length came a uauu of sorrow that