Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1886-01-29

wv !th all that hAv IN the moWs, the
least spark would make bloze in q
minute"
"fhere won't he any danger, | sup
pose. Betty said carelessly. "Wouid
you ike TO 60 mp in the cupola,
George: "There's lovely view from
there. You can Ranke's H'il and
the mill pond quite plainly. Won't
yoa come up, Mr.. de Naux:'
NO, thank you" de Vau1 said
iazlly am too tired for stairs. If
'ou'll excuse me. Mis-. Betty, I'll wait
for you below"
\ look of pigue came over Bettv's
lace, but she managed to hide it, and
w"nt on up the staircase with George.
There was lovely view up there, ut
he had no ewes for it. He bal been
longing SO for moment with her J.
l"ne that he pressed close to her side,
and looked down ln'o the witcning
face that had br ksr. his peace forever.
"B~ltv.' he >ald. in IA voice that irem
oIesl from very love. "what is tn mat
ter with y-u lately: You are not the
same Ia me Ms vou used 20 be-
Nv nv, nothing,' she answered in
felghed surprise. You're full Of no
tons, George"
No, am not" he said d. ciledlv.
II know when you are kind To me and
"hea Y Il are not. Betty, YOU know
that love y,u With my whole sou
! have never asked you To 1e nv wife.
u because YOUR fat er is rich man
and | am only Il young farm. r, who
has h's WAY TO make. But il thought
von conlu care for me a little--Ob.
Betty. do YOU think YOU could ?"
lie bad seized her hand, and WAS
boxing wistfully into he- fair face.
with great hunger on hls lips TO
Isis the sweetness o! that tempting
mouth So near his own.
IL Was Il fine fellow and Betty knew
I. lie had never looked rob!er than
le dId - that moment: but de Nauy
VAS a gentleman with invisible means
,. support; his hands were white, aud
e could dance the lawn tenni. quad.
HES beautifully.
Il am sorrv, George" she said has,
l!y. Il am very fond of you but /
don't think | could cafe for you in
hat wsv."
He dropped her hand instantly and
strange whiteuess came over his
rouzs skin. K
lis 1t this De Nau1:" hs asked hus
l!v. AR. you engaged 10 him."
No. sal / Betty, with warm flush:
! Aas- -aaivss~e,I.- .-asAs..a~'" s,-..~i....
oa - s
They came down in silence. and
pund Clarence de Naux smoking a
jsare,te.
You ought not to light that in
ere" said George s,eTnly. "1ou'd
ettrr throw it AWAY"
Sir" said Clarence. giving him &
roIonged s'ars Il smoke where |
hoose."
Then Won had better cho"se ,uch
lxcss rs cannot be jeoDardized by
our folly. ssld George curtly. Bet.
=, .ouIiu t let him smoke in here.
Il don't See any harm in Mr.. de
ANS lighting a cigarette If he wish
:. she s.ld with a resentful fash Of
.er lark sy-,. You must not allow
our personal feelings to provoke you
~ ruieress, Mr.. Knox"
Il had no intention OF being rude,
irorge said quickly. But | warn
ou that If YOU are not very careful
Q uigat thi. barn will be in ashes to,
morrow"
"Iou are = prophet Of evil said
ietty carelefsIy III you are really,
Iir. De Nanx, We will 60 in. Are You
.oing. George: "WelI, good bye. |
oppose We shall ace you tonight -
II hardly think So George answer
d coldly.
And, lifting his hat, he left them to
walk back to the house together. The
vening brought with It fine Septem
Der mo, N. mellow and full The la
lies AMI gentlemen were all in cos I
ume. aud Bet'ys dress was wolder
'ullv becoming.
You lock like poem incarnate.'
y hlspsred Clarence de Nau1, as they
Illd-d over the floor together. Won't
fou give me few momen in toe Gu
ON hen this is over: The moan is
perfect and the ls' dscape is divine to.
night"
"Oh. dear" c,ied Betty, as breeze
swept through her curls and drif,-d
tbem backward. "How cool il sup
here. wish ld brought my shawl"
"ShalI | get it for you:' de Naux
and devotedlv.
"If YOU will be so kind. 1t isswhite
cashmere, hanging on q peg by the
loor"
He started down again with alacri.y.
The band was playing . merry tame
as he made his way to where Betty's
wrap was hanging. 1t was Just slight
Iy above his reach but he jumped for
it, and succeeded in bringing it down
only something else came with it.
A Chinese lantern hanging near was
caught in the fringe Of the shawl, and
fitted off the wire, falling over the
bean right into the midst Of the hay
NOW.
In an instant the place wasin flames
Like magic conilagration seemed t.
be coniurei up, roaring around the
huge rafters and breathing forth a
choking mass Of smoke. There was
one wild scream. The music ceased
with a crash, and every individual
rushed toward the one door, Glare ce
deNaux among them. They had but
one thoug ght-to escape from the burn
ing structure. Betty, alone up iu the
curola, was all unconscious of her
danger ill the smell of smoke sent
her to the staircase. A few steps down,
and she was confronted by the IRE,
which shut off ner passage completely.