Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-08-21

tho firm, shapely hand trace words l was positive were of poetic fire with much the same feelings of gladness that one sees a potion prepared which is to give great relief to suffering friend.
 1 had made up my mind, and accordingly I thought best not to mention my meeting Allan Pcrclval in the park to Peggy or An cn. They, to say the least, would be curi- ous, and perhaps might ask questions which l could not answer and do justice to the con- 1dence reposed in me.
 So, trusting that they had not seen Allan, thrust the letter to Miriam in my pocket and entered the house. They had not seen Allan, and 1 counted myself lucky in es- capirg all chance of being interrogated, for my visitor of the park had enjoined secrecy upon me in the matter of his identity and | his message to Miriam.
 Said he: "Keep this meeting here-that is, the identity of the individual you chanced to meet-a profound secret as far as thls side the water is concerned. 1ventured | here because 1t was my fathers home until driven from it,'' and his eyes took on an angry agonized geam which made me shudder in spite of myself. "Ah! here, too is Percival," thought, and the look in his eyes reminded me of Miriam.
 'l presume," he began, after pause, 'I ought never to have come here; it fills my soul with hate to look about me and member my fathers story, and also that of Cousin Miriam. But, after all, it is quite lucky for me, because I have met you, her friend, by coming"
 His face speedily regained its former pleasant expression and ycarning hope supplanted the dark look of revenge which had so awed me.
 "Yes," replied, ''it is g. stroke of Provi dence; you were to meet me and l am to carry your message to your cousin"
 "Do you believe in that theory!" he asked, an odd, puzzled look on his face.
 "Certainly do," I answered, "and you will too, by and by."
 II am almost converted to your doctrine now,' he laughed.
 Then, after wishing me ''bon voyage" and reterating his des ire that Miriam
 should get the letter from my hands only,
 he lifted his hat and bade me goodbye again
 and walked away toward what used to be
 the deer park, but now rather neglected
 close.
 One morning not long after this decidedly
 romantic interview in the old, deserted
 Heatherleigh grounds Hound myself ready
 to leave the Hall.
 Peggy, who had either grown tired of
 coaxing me to prolong my visit or presumed
 further pressing was useless, which, indeed, ] would have been, brought Miriam's portrait ] from the gallery, and, wrapping it care fully, with many 8 caress and grooming } word of endearment, gave itinto my care. I considered this quite a feat-to get pos. session of portrait from this old Hall, and
 showered my unfeigned thanks on Peggy's devoted head in consequence. "I will do all in my power to get her t< return, if only for a years visit," prom
 sed the two aged servants at my leave
 taking, and intend to keep my promise good Not for worlds would prove false to those old Irish dwellers at Heatherleigh by no ? trying to persuade Miriam to come back l If for nothing else than to see them.
 Hark! what Is thata Oh, it is the ting D ting a-lng of the bell for luncheon, ant Q Gladys expects my cousinly presence in tn @ pleasant little breakfast-room shortly. y Cousin Gladys luncheons are something : famous for suburban cottage, with thei U delicious cake and fruit arran cement, t . .. gether with their smattering of cold meats 's and hanked with spiced wines. . She is in high glee this week, for we ar ,h' to take little run up into the dear ol Cotswold hills, Gladys and I, and she
 chipper as bird in consequence
 I shall enjoy the trip, to be sure, but tn r. Secret of Allan's letter and the pleasan III knowledge of having met him eclipse a A. the happy anticipation might feel in a ru n
 lost in speculation as to what Miriam wi d do and say when give Allan's letter int her hands and tell her met him acciden e. ally-not providentially-at Heatherleigh. Iy With such weighty secrets in my posse at sion from both sides of the water, no wol
 der am beginning to feel myself persc m of uncommon importance. And the lett' If and portrait in my keeping, either of whit ,e Is worth a ransom to the owner, presum ,e make me feel more like an ambassador ths
 simply guest. It seems to me. that my COT d. ing to see Gladys has lost it's identity-b in come, as it were, secondary object or e
 cuse for the grander possibilities. It. Ahl here comes Gladys. I expected ed much. have kept her waiting too long f ot her busy, busting nature, and she has con
 to see if have gone to sleep in this co' m nook or turned deaf ear to her lunchet at bell.
 ds A week later finds me making ready f I'd the return voyage
 .I To be continue.. rS nited States Hotel.