The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1884-09-04
CONQUERED BY Love;
OR
A WOMAN's PRIDE.
BY Fannie Deeping.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.

Nestled among the Berkshire hills, near At
lantic's stormy main, not many years ago, was
tiny but fourishng village. Its inhabitants
were OF the genus homo sort of people who de-
lightedin cleanliness and exhibited marked pre-
ference for white paint, and In consequence from
distance the village resembled huge snow
drift surrounded by riffs of green. On the
outskirts of this village, in an isolated nook,
gloomy and desolate stood dilapidated inn OF
ancient build and architecture. it's tall chimneys
towering above the hill tops, as though striving
TO draw attention from the many American trav
elers passing that way. 1t had the reputation OF
being wholly satisfactory in hospitality, good
fare, and cleanliness, and therefore was patron
lied greatly. This inn, called Travellers Re-
treat, was kept by one Herr Minkler and his
vie, generous people, who had but very little
knowledge of the English language; however,
sufficient supply, as win be seen. for ordinary
purposes
The day upon which our story opens was very
fine. The lawn in front of the inn had been re-
Gently mown, the trees trimmed, the spacious
walk swept thoroughly, and its general appear
ance that day went far toward verifying It's far
renowned reputation. AT about o'clock
p. m the old numbering stage was
heard rafting up the graded road,
and all was eager expectancy at the
propriated one window, being square Shout
dered, corpuent, broad-faced man. with red
whiskeIs, small gray eyes, and huge nose. He
was no beauty, as you may imagine. But plain
faces Outlines are beautified by a brilliantly
cultivated mind and an unsullied character But
Herr Minkler was an exception, being avari-
c1ous, cunning, and willing partner in any petty
crime which was likely TO consist of booty. His
wife and himself were well mated, for she was
greedy TO fault, and although anxious TO ap-
pear perfect in the eyes of the public, was very
careful, IL possible TO assist all in her power in
any mOneY-malNing escapade. Dame Minkler
was standing at the only other win
dow in the bar-room, her short, tieshy form
clearly outlined against the panes. while her
nose. tattened against one of them, appeared to
its fullest capacity. Her looks belied her char
acter. She was clever and good-natured look
ing enough.
The stage ratified up to the gate. The door
was opened, and lady and gentleman aighted.
rs this a tavern asked the younger of the
two, a fine-featured young man, raising his hat.
Yes, sir. Can we do anything for you, gem
menu"
Have You any spare rooms that we might hire
for few days."
"Zah, mine yung friend, we hay got dat samel
Me an Katrina, we do all we can possible to
max de beeples comfterble.
"Ahl Then YOU are the landlord judge2"
Oar you be right. sure but comes in; will
show you de 'comodations."
I'VE will take your word for 1t, my good sir,
as everything exteriorly wears 50 neat an as
pect."
So saying, he settled with the hackman,
and assisted his mother along the walk in
TO the hall. They were SHOWN tnelr
suite of rooms, consisting of a small paror,
tasteful ly furnished, and two bed chambers
communicating. They were well pleased, and
the refreshing repast which followed, was very
appetizing,fand relished by both mother and
son. Mrs. Prescott was the lady's name. She
was travelling for her health; had been all over
Europe, accompanied by her son, and was soon
To emb bark for home. Her husband was a great
Spectator, and had been very successful thus
far in his stocks He very seldom, II ever, left
home, preferring the solitude and quiet of his
own study in New York TO the fatigues of
ton. acquescng in all OF his wites wishes, and
doting on his son, their only child. Mrs Pres
colt was refined and lady-like, and very proud
of her stainless ancestry, and at an early age in
life strove 10 inculcate in her son mind the i'm
portance of her teachings.
She was tall and slight with q well-bred air
about every movement, small, well-shaped
hands and feet, and a gentle we'll modulated
voice. She travelling dress of gray
barege. with dainty lace 1uting at neck and
wrists Her eyes we're dark and changeable
as her sons; she called him Ralph. They had
sought this retreat for quiet and rest for a few
days, ere starting for home. Il want to get a
good taste OF the rural, she had said TO Ralph,
ere we 90 back to the close, dusty city again
She led him wheresoever she listed, for her wish
was his law. more dutiful son never ex-
listed than Ralph Prescott, his parents declared.
Well. mother" exclaimed Ralph, Il believe
will take a stroll around the premises, with your
permission. while you aIe getting acquainted
with your new donnie Ie. So, au revoirl" and he
playfuly kissed his mger-tips 10 her and lett
the room.