The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1884-08-22

'GOlng ID the lrOnJ uOOr Is out Oh Une
question under the circumstances; |
should be required to answer too many
interrogations Let me try the back
door" thought he.
And now behold our hero-a hand
some, well-dressed, gentlcmanly fellow
in the back courtyard of the Silver
BiNhes, asking of the smart housemaid
who answered his knock, whether Miss
Margery Hood lived hereI'
eyes, sir, to be sure. Mrs. Hood and
Miss Margery have lived here all their
lives. But you've mistaken the entrance,
sir; this is the back door"
eyes, yes" replied Frank, delighted
that he had reached his goal; but it is so
late, | came round to the back. Can
speak to Miss Margery for a momentl
Give her this letter; | will wait here.
"I'il take the letter, sir, said the maid,
smiling. "But Miss Margery may be
gone to bed. Won't you step inside SIR"
And with that she tripped away, Frank
waiting in the wide passage, out of which
the office opened.
With eager eyes he watched for the
return of his messenger. Would she re
turn alone, or accompanied by "Miss
Margery 2"
There was a swing door at the end OF
this passage, and in a very few moments
Frank saw it move, to let pass two fig
ures--the maid and IA slim, fair girl in Il
dainty, cream colored dinner dress orna-
mented with knots of the palcst blue
ribbon.
How sweet vision she appeared to the
,-Dnprr WAN How 1ovalv pp,hpdI
ment of loveliest girlhood.
Frank felt his heart stirred with atlut-
ter of emotion.
Her graceful figure moved toward
him; her beautiful face had on it
a faint flush of surprise and embarrass-
ment.
"You brought me this letter p said
the fair Margery, in voice so musical
that it accorded well with the lips from
whence the sweet sounds issued.
Il did, replied Frank, his face flush
ing like that of any girl; "but may
explain that it is through a curious
and unexplained circumstance that be-
came the bearer of your letter.
Certainly interrupted the young
lady, with dignity; but do not let me
keep you standing here" And she
pushed open the door of room and
entered, followed by Frank. To his
surprise, no sooner was she relieved of
the maids presence than she clasped
her hands and turned to him with a
look of entrcaty in her liquid eyes.
My cousin sends me this by you,
therefore ! may trust you she cried
"She asks me, in most urgent manner,
to send her twenty pounds, and she is
such child that feel sure some one is
imposing on her. Oh is it possible that
you can counsel herr Is il possible e"
But here Frank interrupted her.
"Do not 90 on, Miss Hood. | ought
not to let you give me your confidence,
for | am utterly unknown to your cousin
1t was by strange chance that was
the bearer of that letter. May | explain!
will YOU listen while eXplainW
And then Frank, with eager voice,
shortly detailed the odd adventure in
which he had figured.
The fair Margery, meanwhile, listened
with changing face to his brief recital.
He noticed that she suppressed a start
of uneasiness-thata flush rose to her
brow when she realized the fact
that it was no trusted friend of her
youthful cousin to whom she was speak
ing but to mere stranger
Franks face flushed also. He was in
tensely anxious to reassure this sweet
girl, to be Of some use to her in this diff
Guilty. To 90 away and see her no more
was already pain to him; beside, he
had the curiosity of youth, and wished
to know the termination of the affair
Miss Hood said he. with "A good
deal of evident emotion. 81 should
deem it privilege to aid you in any
manner possible. Although myself am
a stranger to you, think you must know
my uncle, Sir Andrew Conyer's name.
Let that be my guarantee, and honor me
with your commands"
"Sir Andrew Congern' exclaimed Mar
gerry. "Oh, mamma and | frequently
90 to Forest Grove. And you are his
nephew? May ask how it is that we
have not had the pleasure Of meeting
you there"
because, for the past three years
have travelled with an invalid brother
now no more concluded Frank, in q
softened voice.
"Ah" exclaimed Margcry, "then in
deed | may trust you. | know-Sil
Andrew has told us of your sad loss
and how he looked forward to your re
turn. Oh how strange thing it i:
that we should become acquainted IL
this manner, Mr.. Conyer, this young
cousin of mine, who implored me to seno
her at once twenty pounds, will some
day be very rich. and-and
fear there may be design to get posses
sion of her wealth, and that she has falleI
into the trap. Her father is so severe
There are, for her so many excuses. Oh
what am to do! If speak out she vii
be subjected to endless prosecutions; if
am silent she will rush on her own ruin.
And for what does she need thi
money! asked Frank, softly.
"She has not contided to me anything,
said Margery but she has given M
hints of the truth, and | fear ever! thin:
from her folly, her inexperience, | be
lieve she has promised her hand to he
old music MASTER who has tlattered he
egregiously. Who knows but that sh