Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1884-05-19

malu appearing at that moment with
bundle of parti-colored wraps, julius
could only lift his hat again and carry
out his purpose of going below. AS he
had no reason for going except that he
was tired of staying on deck, and as the
deck had now acquired paramount at
traction, he was soon back again.
In the meantime the young lady had
made up her mind about the seat, and
had found one for herself close against
the ships side. on the weather quarter
1t was not pleasant location, but as she
had chosen it, and had wrapped large
shawl about her in an exclusive sort of
way, he saw 10 plausible ground for in
terfering.
Nothing could have been more discreet
and retiring than Miss Elton's behavior,
but the perseverance of a man who finds
himself bored by too much of his own
and his alter ego's society, is an incal-
culable force against which no woman
can successfully entrench herself, and so
it was not long before Drake found him
self eliminated as superiuous factor,
from the sum of his friends enjoyment,
whenever Miss Elton appeared above
deck. His success, however, was more
apparent than real, for although he knew
her name, and was allowed to carry her
book and her shawl, and arranged her
chair in the most comfortable position
with reference to the wind or the sun, he
had really made no great progress in her
confidence. Who she was, or why she
had chosen to make the voyage in this
unconventional and eccentric way, re-
mained as great mystery as it had been
on the memorable first day 1t was the
close Of the tenth day, dating from that
of his discovery, and Julius sat beside
her in that intimate fashion bred of the
isolation of the sea.
He had been reading to her, but the
story was finished, and silence had en-
sued, she appeared to be wrapped in
thought, and he watching her face with
half-veiled glances.
'"Three more days and we shall be at
home, she said, rousing herself.
''You count the days, he said. "Are
you eager to be there?"
mo; neither eager nor reluctant. The
voyage has been pleasant, but it will be
nice to be on shore again, too"
what, or rather who is going to make
it nicel Anybody in PARTICULAR
She put the question aside with little
wave of her hand.
"You are curious" she said, mischiev
ously.
julius bit his lip. He was curious, and
this was not the first time she had foiled
him.
''You want much to know just who and
what | am,' she went on. "You have
made dozen attempts to find out. Tell
me why What difference would it make
to youl If were to tell you that am
niece of the governor of Kentucky; mind,
| don't say that am,n she cautioned, as
julius made gesture of surprise. II
say if were to tell you so, and add that
am mistress of an independent fortune,
would that enhance my value in your
eyes?'
julius drummed upon the arm of his
chair, and looked at her in silence.
"Suppose. on the contrary she went
on, impetuously, and with a certain
warmth of tons that seemed to spring
from injured pride, 81 were to tell you
that / am an orphan without fortune;
that | had just money enough to carry
me through the conservatory at Paris,
and that l am hoping and expecting to
make my living by teaching music,
would that lower me in your regardF7
Julius still remained silent, perhaps a
little labashed by the results of his own
temerity
81 see that have embarrassed you. !"
she said, laughing. Il shall not insist
upon an answer. I leave you to adopt
whichever hypothesis best suits you"
She gathered up her shawl and book as
she spoke, and made motion to rise,
but julius laid OBTAINING hand upon
her arm.
g No, no, you mustn't go yet" he ex-
claimed, and he fancied he perceived a
dewiness in her eyes as she turned them
toward him, which touched him mex
pressibly. Il am embarrassed, not so
much by your hypothesis as by some
thing in myself. Since you leave me to
choose between these hypothesis. will
take the latter. lou are, then, an orphan
without fortune. hoping and expecting
to make your living BY teaching music.
I'll prove to you how little deserve
your implied reproach, | will confess
what should have concealed from the
governors niece. Miss Elton, I adore
youl"
s'Mr. Hilderl" she exclaimed, spring
ing to her feet, with flashing eyes.
well, he said, quietly, you chal-
lenged me. !"
"You are impertinent, sir, I" and she
swept away with dignity.
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cabin during the remainder of the after