Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-01-07


has been accidentally called to see a sic
friend, and get him excused. Sha know
he is spending the evening with ME, and S
is sure to believe the story. You'll not con
tradict me, I dare say-eh? And MI
Dreyfus, with an insinuating gesture, put
half-sovereign into the landlords hand t.
enforce his request.
81 expect there'll be no necessity" re
piled the landlord, cautiously
''Not likely" replied Dreyfus, will
briskness. Then he said, II suppose he cal
sleep here all night ?"
"Yes," answered the landlord, lingering
his halfsovereign; II suppose he must
Wen persuade him to go to bed if he get
round little. and if he don't, why, -ahem
he'll have to take his sleep out in thai
chair until morning. You won't be want
ing to enter the room again, sir, because I't
like to turn the key if you've no objection
and make all square agin intrmlers, for
always had a liking for John"
Turn the key, by all MEANS" respond
ed Mr.. Dreyfus. putting on his hat; 'and
I'll go straight to my bedroom on my re-
turn"
He went out of the apartment as he ut
tered the last word, and was soon on his
way to Weldon Hall.
1t was about eight o clock, and quite dark
for summer evening, when he arrived al
the front door, and raised the knocker.
His summons was answered by maid,
as John was out.
The girl came to the door little timidly,
for she was not used to the duty, and visi.
tor was unexpected at that hour.
On seeing Mr.. Dreyfus, however, whom
she remembered to have noticed at the
funeral of her late mistress, she appeared
reassured
''Is Miss Mason in ?" asked Sydney Drey-
fus, boldly.
"Yes sir" answered the maid, who knew
nothing of the prohibition which was in
tended. "Will you step ing I'll 60 and
tell her,
'Y5u need not trouble to do that" re-
piled Sydney Dreyfus, quietly; "she expects
me On business. Please lead the way -
And the maid, having no reason to believe
the contrary, did as she was desired.
When they were almost at the door OF
the hcusekeeper's room, Mr.. Dreyfus step
ped forward suddenly, and touched the arm
Of his conductress.
''Thank you," he said; 81 need not trou-
BILE you to go further. I know my road
now"
'But SIR" exclaimed the maid, astonish-
ed, 81 had better announce you"
SIT is really not necessary, my dear, un-
less you doubt me-" answered Sydney Drey-
fus, with smile meant to be fascinating
II tell you I am expected, and Miss Mason
is probably wondering at my delay"
A half-crown accompanied this remark,
and the maid was silenced.
The next nainnte she was running down.
stairs, thinking more of gnt than the
giver.
rs soop ss the sound OF the girls foot
steps had died away, Sydney Dreyfus knock
ed lightly at the door of the room which had
been indicated as that of the housekeeper,
and was instantly hidden to enter by the
voice Of Janet.
Janet was seated on a sofa near the open
window, reading by a lamp which was set
on small table by her side. She seemed
much interested in her book, and did not
look up at the Isrson who had entered the
room, for she Supposed it was one of the
housemaids COM to fetch a tray which had
been left in the partment by mistake.
Hearing no molement; however, she did
SO, and rose with Astartled gesture, letting
her book fall to thS floor when she saw
strange figure stan\ing in the gloom at the
other end of the roo =.
Dreyfus advancedS Immediately
'Do not be frighpAcd, Miss Mason,' he
said, in low tone;sE am only come to
apologize for my con, act."
SHOW dare you atne unannounced ?"
cried Janet, angrily. dHow did you man
age to enter the house And she moved
forward to ring the be. land order out the
intruder. 81
Anticipating her intelf IN, Dreyfus rapid
ly turned the key in the ior, drew it out,
and sprang in front of thilsll just in time
to intercept her hand. 4d\
81 mean no harm, MisS ssop,'' he said.
in an anxious voice. "NSt 90 Won receive
me in such manner? SIN am here, at
least hear me calmly"
'No, no; will not hear :" exclaimed
},nst ns~ s5ss 7ss sss1ss s,s S's nS
bell ?'
"Listenp answereelDreylus, regarding
the beautiful, angrysirl who stood before
him with a look of.dmiration and surprise,
for in his sight de had never appeared to
SO much adyhtage as she did at that mo
menf. ;tsten for minute. Hear what
| haVto say, and will retire.
know what you have to say" raplied
fnet, sharply. "You wish to renew your
WELCOME suit; but desire it not. jGo-
SO commanded, said
nHith an expression