The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-09-30

I Selt I should, at least. bs closely watched
in all my intercourse with her.
But where was she! Sharp, beyond the
power OF words to describe it, was the pain
which cnawcd at my heart as l thought OF
her even at this moment engaged il conf
Dental talk with this unknown frieni. Wa'
he old or youngi Who was he? What was
he! l struck my heel savagely upon the
pavement of the hall as I asked myself these
questions.
And even as did so she appeared l had
only time to observe that her companion
WAS unusually tall. and that he seemed tc
have passed the limits OF middle age. In
another Instant my hand had taken hers,
and was feasting my eyes upon her dear
face
But what was the change that I saw ttere'
1t was as beautiful as ever; but shadow OF
some kind had passel over it since we parted
on the previous day have spoken before
nr that veil Of reserve which once or twice
when we were together on the promenade
had spread itself over her features. 1t was
the same thing that saw now, though it
was more pronounced and real. This shadow
of trouble, or tinaidity or doubt could not
tell which-was at least no creation Of my
own imagination
Her smile was kind as it had ever been,
but observed that her face was flushed and
it was with manifest embarrassment that
she turned to hcr companion and said, "This
is Mr.. Fenton"
Had thy bean speaking Of me before!
This was my first thought when l heard her
.gords. The next moment was conscious
of a courteous and even friendly greeting
from her companion looked up; for al
though l myself am tall, this man lowered
far above me- l looked into what felt at
once was ono Of tho most powerful faces
had ever seen--a face that still retained
traces OF manly beauty, though its owner
was evidently verging upon threescore. The
wide, open forehead appeared to indicate
berevolence Of character, as we'll as intel
lectual superiority; the eyes were grave, but
FRANK Every feature Of the face was pre-
possessing except the mouth ! thought the
straight thin lips were nut o; harmony with
the general aspect of the man.
"Miss Stsnclitfe has told mo Of her &C.
ounintance with you," he sail with genial
smile, which showed his beautiful white
teeth 20 advantage. sand, like the rest Of J. r
friends, I.iccl grateful to YOU for the service
YOU renG red her"
He put his hand famiiarly on her arm.
AMY dear," he said Eve shall none of US fail
to do Justice to Mr. Fenton."
thought there WIS 4 trace OF fear in the
look which Daisy turned upon him as he ut
tered these words.
"You came by the schooner see in the bay
this morning?' said, chiefly for the sake of
saving something and thus prolonging the
interview.
ayes, sir, we did," he replied "You have
seen the Golden Hawk! A fine boat and one
of which think this young lady will feel
very proud as its mistress"
He looked down upon her with protect
inc smile saw that she pressed closer to him
as he spoke, Us though responding to some un-
uttered sentiment of affection And yet as
she did so her eyes sought mine. could not
interpret their expression: but was clearly
conscious OF the fact that trouble was in
store for us.
l could hardly believe, however, that the
trouble was likely to come from this man,
with his powerful and commanding counten-
ance, his polished manner, and his genial
air.
"By the way," be said, ~ think this little
girl has forgotten to perform tho whole OF
her duty. She has not told you my name
l am Dr. Branllsome. I bowed, and he
smiled anew. "Has Miss Stancliffe not told
YOU all about my connection with herr" Ire
continued. III see she has not done so.
Well, suppose n young lady who finds her
self in Scarborough for the first time in
her life has something better to do than to
~, 1,l ,t,bn st hoc
known ut the other sIe of the world Eh,
my dear, is that not it?'
She might have been his daughter to
Judge by the easy familiarity with which he
pinched her ear as he spoke Daisy still had
the troubled smile upon her face she lad
worn when she last looked at me Shs did
no. speak 1t almost seemed as though she
could not have spoken if she would.
Il see shall have my own story to tell,
Mr.. Fenton," he continued, in his full, rich
voice. "You are surprised, perhaps, to see
me on such very friendly terms with Miss
Stnnclife But you would not be surprised
f you knew that she 4ived under my roof for
more than twelve years Of her life-from
four to sixteen-and that during all that
time she honestly believed HE to be her
father. A strange story, sir. l can see that
is in your mind but it is true story also
SO now you understand how it is that if
Daisy has an uncle in Mr. Maulcverer, she
has father in me-"
My first feeling on hearing him make this
statement WIS one Of increlulity. l had
heard her so oftrn speak with loving graft
tude of her uncle that felt certain that if
she had really regarded this new conner rs
her father, she would have spoken of him
also. 1 remembered, too, the trouble that
was manifest on her face when she had told
me on tho previous day of the approaching
arrival of her friends 1t was inconceivable,
thought. that she would have felt this
trouble if sho had really entertained Il
daughters love for Bramksomo. But, how
ever this might be, there was 10 doubt now
that SHE was unreserve!ly un Ter tho sway
of his influence. She responded to his
speech with Il look 0: gratitude and airec-
tion, and stood quite passive willie his hand
still rested on her arm.
The situation was becoming embarrassing.
did not know in what words 10 reply to DR..
Branksom"'s statement about Daisy. | con-