The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-11-07
THE AMETHYST SEAL.
CHAPTER I.
he turret clock struck two.


 Luncheon was just over at Wenlock Towers, and on the terrace two young men were pacing slowly. smoking thelr cigars and talking between the wh.ffs They were both tall and good looking 0ne of them was Bruce Weplock, a cap tain in crack cavalry regiment, and the eldest son of Sir George Wenlock, the owner of the Towers. The other was his half-cousin, Harold Dare, at present a junior clerk in her majesy's office of the Green Wand
 Young Weplock was dark, with black hair and heavy moustAche. His face was very pleasant one, especially when he smiled, and his eyes looked into yours with frankness and candor that were all most boyish. He spoke with a slight lisp, which many people took to be an afectanon, whereas it was natural de- feet and one which he could not help. Dare had light hair and steel-blue eyes, and his face was closely shaven. His features were good, but their expression was hard and somewhat cynical. There vas certain undo hnable something in his face that made hIm look several years older than he was.
 It was bright, frosty afternoon, and Chustmas. The house had been full of company. There had been shooting, nding, dancing, csarades, amateur act |. ing and unlmi ed Alraion. But the guests were now gone all except Harold Dare, who was. however, looked upon al- most as one of the family-and he was going back to town by the evening train "lf you are really as fond of her as you say you are, why don't you ask her to marry you? don't know a prettier or a better girl than Elinor T-cn.on." The speaker was Captain Wenlock
 The other gave his shoulders an ex- Pressive shrug, and took another whiff at hs cigar before answering. Then he sald: That she is both pretty and good ] fully agree with you, and certainly never cared for any one else in the way care for her. But look at the position
 am pauper Miss Trenton is pau per; and neither of us has much prose ect oi ever being anything else My dear bruoe, l am not equal to such pros- pect"
 "Your bachelor life in London has made coward of you, returned Captain Wenlock " What is a man worth who would not dare anything for the sake of winning the g,rl ofhis hear1 There are worse ills in life than poverty"
 @Asif you knew the meaning Of the word. or was ever likely to do so!' an s~ered, with a half yelled sneer "I ad- mire your enthusiasm, but cannot imi- tate 1t No! l will hie myself back to ny lonely chambers, and try to think ot the witching smiles and sunny eyes of sweet Elinor Trenton as being so many uxudes beyond poor mans reach" For few minutes the two men walked and smoked in silence.
 "l rather fancy nay father would like you and Elinor to make a match of it," iemarked Captain Wenlock presently.
 Dare favored his companion with a ssift, keen glance out of his steel. blue eyes but did not answer in words.
 By the by," said Harold presently,
 what has become of that young fellow boyd think his name was to whom sas introduced when l was down here ast9 It seemed to me at the time that ae vas rather sweet on Miss Trenton"
 James Boyd you mean, and very hice fellow. He IS a railway engineer. aad has gone out to Buenos Ayr.s. 1 estainly was inclined to tbink that Elinor aad found weak place in his armor i; put don't believe any real harm vas cone. h any case, it's far cry to South Anerica, and he has gone out under a afee years agreement, he is not likely nou ole you for some time to come"
 Again the t~o young men took turn two silence. Then Bruce said:
 ! am going down to the post-office resently You may as we'll walk as far .ah me, and l dare say Elinor will go 1sc. It is shame to stay indoors on och lovely afternoon"
 All right" answered Harold, little aassntiy.
 Bruce stopped in his walk, and putting |.s hand into the breast pocket of his |, ss,oeting. jacket, he drew therefrom a long
 - enveaope, sealed with a great splash afsd wax. "h this could reveal its ss- uss. it might tell us something worth