Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-02-28
CHAPTER ".

CAPTAIN STARBRIGHTe RAGE.
Captain Starbright stood in the center Of
the room the very picture of chagrin and
rage. His rebuff had been both unex-
pected and deeply cutting. He was not in
the habit of being thus treated by one Of
the weaker sex
'Sor' he muttered at length, with en-
phasis. "Well, did think had you in bet
tor subsection, Miss Grace Penroy; but it
won't require great length of time to
change your opinions somewhat. It's that
greasy mechanic for ore thing; but don't
mean that he shall stand in the way long.
must needs speak with Martha Penroy,
necessary, but 1T seems to be highly so,
after ALL"
Then Captain Starbright walked stalking
ly from the room. In another and larger
apartment he found the mother of Grace,
who received the more or less distinguished
Captain with o smile of welcome.
Mrs Penroy was faded woman of forty.
Meek as child, with but little seeming en-
ergy left over after the conclusion of her
married life. She could not even be called
an interesting widow. Nevertheless Cap
tain Starbright imagined she might prove
interesting before the drama he had inau
gurated was at an end.
81 am glad to see you. Captain; SIT down
and tell me all the news"
The faded widow pointed to chair which
the Captain took. He had left his hat in the
hall, and the upper part of his forehead
showed extreme narrOwness under his
black hair.
There was something sinister after all in
the countenance of Clinton Starbright, that
was more noticeable on close scrutiny.
IT am here to talk business, Mrs. Penroy,"
declared the Captain, after short moment
of silence.
ayes. SIR" admitted the widow, meekly.
81 In the first place must say that con-
slider the education Of Grace sadly neglect
ed"
II am sorry, sir.'
"Are you? I didn't suppose you would
ie," he asserted, a sheer curling his lip 81
think you are in fault. Tho girl insulted
do you think Of that!''
81 am sorry, SIR"
"And is that all you have to offera" he
demanded, exhibiting anger.
"What more can says" questioned the
weak woman, helplessiy.
"You might have taught her better,
should suppose. Don't you realize that
could blast all your hopes at one fell
swoop. I may do it, too, il you don't dc
better in the future. think you under
stand me-"
"There can be no question but what
Grace will inherit her grandfather's prop
erty-"
"No doubt if her grandfather has any
thing to give" he interrupted, with mean
ing emphasis. "You know, Mrs. Penroy
as well as that Grace nor you would re
main one minute under this roof if ole
Vandible knew the truth. AS for the in
heritance, that would go any where but t.
Grace Penroy" 80
I, 4.
Mercy, Captain, please don't call VI
any thing so dreadful" IL
sBut wish you to understand that it ii
not all plain sailing YETI pursued the
Captain.
81 am afraid it isn't"
"You will find that it isn't" he pro
| ceeded. sit is through my GOODNESS and
tact that you and Grace occupy this mag
| nificent home"
ST admit it. Ifeel grateful for your goot
offices, Captain"
der. Grace find less well disposed thar
formerly toward me. I have lately made
the discovery that young fellow, q Low
mechanic. from Stonefeld, calls here fire
| quently; in fact that he and Grace have
| been seen riding out in company Nov
| what have you to say to this outrageou!
state of afta,rsp'
"Nothing."
| "Nothingi Good Heavensl woman, d.
you know what you saya"
| "Well, / am helpless; can not proven
the girls having beaux. I" declared the widow
| in tone of helpless imbecility.
"Then know what can be done"
The Captain came to his feet and strod'
twice across the rich carpet in front OF thu
| lady, his white hands clenched, his eye
glittering. Then he paused in front of he
with set, wicked look on his face,
ssMrs. Penroy, know what can be done
what sciu be done. I know where the rea
heiress to Morgan Vandible's fortune is
and win turn there for the profit ex
pected to reap from you and this terribl!
particular daughter of yours"
| He glared at her furiously for q moment
then turned on his heel as if to depart
| "Clinton!''
| She called his name huskily. He pause'
and faced her with frown. "Are yo
coming to your senses at last. woman?"
| Captain Starbright, you did not mea'
what you said just now3 The heiress ca
i ut - H<a a1iv0L0