Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-12-31

to pick them all up, and do believe hav
dropped the best.r
''It will not take SO long time wit
help" answered strange voice. Lst m
assist you"
And gentleman who had not been nc
ticed by Janet and her companion spran
upoa the road from gap in the hedge
and began to collect the scattered flowers
while Janet and Mrs. Lane, surprised int
inaction by his unexpected appearance
looked on.
.sThank you very much" said Janet, a
the marigolds and hyacinths, none th
worse for their fall, were replaced in lie
hands 81 am sorry to have given you 8
much trouble. -
s'It is no trouble to do anything for Mis-
Mason" was the mplimentary reply.
'.Ah" exclaimed Janet; ''you kno'
me?''
Eyes" answered the stranger, raising
his hat; Il have that pleasure. I saw yo1
d6 1duJ N1du0 luuSIdl.
"Indeedp' said Mrs. Lane, regarding TIN
speaker curiously. "And who may you be
I fancy I know your face; although, to b
sure, we had not much time to notice face
on that sad occasion. Who may you be!'
81 am Sydney Dreyfus, at your service,
answered the young man,-"Mr. Maryland
confidential clerk"
| "Bless me!'' exclaimed Mrs. Lane
'tHave you come on business?"
"Yes, ma'am-with Miss Mason" salt
Mr.. Dreyfus, sniling; shut AS find she il
engaged, will defer my call until to NOR
row, at any hour she will be pleased tt
name. 1 am going to remain the night a
an inn."
"But I can return Immediately, if th,
matter is important" said Janet. ''Mrs
Lane will excuse me for a short time, / an
sure"
"No," said Mr.. Dreyfus, politely; 'I Dc
not think my business can be disposed Of
in short time. I would rather call to-
morrow. What hour will suit you, Miss
Mason?''
"Any time you please" answered Janet.
81 hope your business is not serious, if it
is important.
Mr.. Dreyfus hesitated.
81 do not know what you will think Of
it, Miss Mason," he said, after pause.
By this time the trio (for Mrs Lane and
Janet had continued their walk after the
first few words, and Mr.. Dreyfus had
turned back with them) had reached the
cottage, and Mrs. Lane would insist upon
Mr.. Mayland's confidential clerk stepping
in and taking glass of wine.
81 wish I could ask you to spend the
evening with us sir" added the hospitable
old lady; "but it's the first time of my
coming into the place, as perhaps you
know, and so I'm not settled"
Mr.. Dreyfus bowed.
''You are very kind" be said, 'tand 1
hoRs you will allow me IL, consider that l
have an invitation for another time"
"Oh, certainly, SIR" replied Mrs. Lane;
and soon afterwards Mr.. Dreyfus took his
leave, having made very favorable i'm
preston by his polite behavior on the old
housekeeper; but somehow Janet, though
she could find no fault with his manners,
did not like the expression Of his dark
face.
About half past nine O. clock Janet rose
to go home.
"Oh, dearr' exclaimed Mrs. Lane, when
she saw how dark it was-for. there was
no moon little Mary and her sister had
better run across the Park with you.''
Little Mary was the small villager who
had been engaged to attend Mrs. Lane in
the capacity Of maid, and her sister was
spending the evening with her.
"Nonsensel'' replied Janet, embracing
her anxious friend; ''I'm not in the least
afraid, and I must got used to the walk,
you know. Goodbye, dear, and good rest
to you in your new home. I'll come in to-
morrow and tell you all about the business
which has brought Mr.. Dreyfus into the
neighborhood. Good bye, and don't stand
at the door, or you will catch cold.''
Janet sped away as she uttered the last
words, and Mrs. Lane reluctantly obeyed
her instructions.
Janet had felt very brave when she stood
at Mrs Lanes door, with the light of the
lamp in the tiny entrance hall streaming
upon the road, but as soon as she plunged
into the darkness of the park footpath, her
heart began to beat, just a little at first,
but faster and faster as she ran along.
"How I wish the moon would rise," she
said aloud, s'or that l had allowed little
Mary to come with me-"
And then she chided herself for her
stiffness, anu commenced singing favor
ite song to lively air.
Suddenly she was startled by the sound Of
footsteps, and, nearly fainting, she quick
ened her already swift pace.
"Heigh, Miss Masonr' CRIED out voice
the voice of Sydney Dreyfus; ''don't be
frightened-it is only I!''
|
ooh, I'm so-glad, Mr. Dreyfus!'' replied
Janet, relieved from her fears, and she
waited for him to come up
"Where are you?" he inquired, in the
same loud voice. expecting that she woulo
do so.
| "Here, here!'' answered Janet "Wall
straightforward. Is it not strangely dark?'
eyes" replied Mr.. Dreyfus, arriving il
painting condition. 81 think we shall
h ave storm. How is it you are alone?'
"Because I thought should not bt
afraid!" said Janet.
''But you are," said the clerk, drawing
her hand through his arm in such a wa,
that she could not object.
"Yes," "replied Janet, 20 little; and ye
it is very silly, for what can there be to
frighten one! 1 do not believe in ghosts
l suppose the death of my mistress ant
friend has slightly shaken my nerves; bu
I have no doubt shall soon get overit. l
is fortunate you happened to be so near
MIR. ,Dreyfns, orI might have had fiji, be
fore got home. How did you happen t,