Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1889-04-04


~ from the room. In another and larger
apartment he found the mother of Grace,
who received the more or less distinguished
Captain with smile of welcome.
Mrs. Penroy was a 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.
Il am here to talk business, Mrs. Penroy,"
declared the Captain, after short moment
of silence.
"Yes, sir,'' admitted the widow, meek!y.
IL the first place 1 must say that con-
slider the education of Grace sadly neglect
ed"
Il am sorry, sir.''
care you? didn't suppose you would
think you are in fault The girl insulted
me to my face not ten minutes since. What
do you think of that.''
I" am sorry, sir"
"And is that all you have to offer." he
demanded. exhibiting anger.
"What more can l say!" questioned the
weak woman, helplessly.
"You might have taught her better,
should suppose. Don't you realize that l
could blast all your hopes at one fell
swoop. l may do it, too, if you don't do
better in the future. I think you under
stand me.'
''There can be no question but what
Grace will inherit her grandfather's prop
crty-"
"No doubt if her grandfather has any
thing to give he interrupted, with mean
ing emphasis. ''You know, Mrs. Penroy,
as well as l that Grace nor you would re-
main one minute under this roof if old
Vandible knew the truth. AS for the in
heritance, that would go any where but to
Grace Penroy.''
The woman stopped hlm with gesture.
"Mercy, Captain, please don't call up
any thing SO dreadful"
"But wish You to understand that it is
not all plain sailing yet" pursued the
Captain.
Il am afraid it isn't
"You will find that it isn't" he pro-
ceeded. "lt is through my GOODNESS and
tact that you and Grace occupy this mag
nificent home"
Il admit it. feel grateful for your good
offices, Captain"
ado you:'' still sneering. at is Won
der. Grace l find less well disposed than
formerly toward me. l have lately made
the discovery that young fellow, a low
mechanic, from Stonetield, calls here fire.
quently; in fact that he and Grace have
been seen riding out in company. Now
what have you to say to this outrageous
state of affalrs:"
Nothing"
''Nothingl Good Heavens! woman, do
you know what you say?"
sWell, am helpless; can not prevent
the girls having beaux." declared the widow
in tone of helpless imbecility.
Then / know what can be done.n
The Captain came to his feet and strobe
twice across the rich carpet in front of the
lady, his white hands clenched, his eyes
glittering. Then he paused in front of her
with set, wicked look on his face.
s'Mrs. Penroy, know what can be done,
what aciU be done. l know where the real
heiress to Morgan Vandible's fortune is,
and will turn there for the profit 1 ex-
pected to reap from you and this terribly
particular daughter of yours"
He glared at her furiously for a moment,
then turned on his heel as if to depart.
"Clinton!'
She called his name huskily. He paused
and faced her with frown. care you
coming to your senses ct last, woman"
Captain Starbright, you did not mean
what you said just now. The heiress can
not OOSSibly be aliye.h
II did mean it, Mrs. Penroy," he declared,
emphaticaly.
s'Where is she! WHO is shea"
He burst into a harsh, unmusical laugh.
Il am not quite fool, Mrs. Penroy," he
said, deity. "Do you imagine that would
trust you further than l have! Not if l
know myself. 1t is not too late yet for you
to hold all you have gained; but it must be
through different influence than you have
lately exerted. want you to help me with
the hand of your daughter
81 have endcavored to do so, Captain
In a faint sort of way, l admit; but 4
different line ntast be pursued hereafter.
You must forbid the visits of Austin Went
word
He might not cease, even then"
well, will assist you a little, and be-
tween us both 1 think we can put a flea in
the young fellows ear that II drive him
away effectually."
II will listen to your plan"
The Captain resumed his seat.
"You have access to your daughters
room!' he questioned, in q confidential
tone.
Certainly" she answered.
'sHcr letters-you have seen them!"
''They are in her private drawer, which
is always locked, believe
Nevertheless, you can get at them for
short timer
II might
"Certainly you can. l must see some
that have come from this mechanic"
There may be none"
Don't you believe that. The stage
passes every day, and am confident that
Grace receives letters. l think we can
manage to break up this little love match,
if you will do as wish. There is no harm
in trying, at any rate"
'No, truly"
"You will help mes''
ITO the best of my weak ability an
swered the widow.
'That is all l ask
Once more he came to his feet and passed
to the door. He paused and again turned
back.
81 will call again Tomorrow he said, re-
Stunning his seat. "By that time you may be
able to abstract letter from the desk of
Grace; it must be the last one if possible.
Shall need one of hers, too, or specimen
of her chirography, / wish to make q copy.
Sees"
81 think do"
Another question. What do you know
of Grace's cousin, who is to visit Lone Hol-
low!''
every little" returned Mrs. Penroy.
"Shc is an orphan and is coming to mako it