Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-11

ably a diamond She had been well
cultured and every word and action
showed q purity that fitted her name.
On the other hand, Philip was a.
much q mystery to the young girl.
He was a gentleman beyond doubt.
But what was he doing there. a man
of culture, refinement and aesthetic
tastes, in that farm house? He had
said nothing of the Boudinots, which
would have explained it With little
affectation of cynicism. which did not
ill become him. the man was as
clear as water. frank as air. But
why did he loiter there with no ap-
parent purpose? The girl did not first
deem that she was the attraction. but
it came to her after five weeks, and
she grew shy, and her shyness for the
last week of her stay infected Philip
who became shy too, and lost all ease.
At length she announced to Mrs.
Cooper that she had to return home,
and that her father, who was in Phila-
delphia visiting friends there. would
come for her on the following day. and
his friend with him. Philip heard this
with depression that told him he had
met his fate and that it lay in the
power of this girl to make him happy
or miserable for life.
All the night that followed, Philip
lay and tossed restlessly. He could
not sleep. He felt that his father
would be as good as his word. but he
would win wife then or never. Near
morning he arose. dressed, and sat at
the window until the sun showed itself.
Then he slipped out of the house and
toward glen few yards of.
to remain out until he heard
the breakfast bell 1t had been
favorite haunt of the two. and yet for
the last few days both had avoided it,
He made his way to a messy rock
which formed sort of rustic seat, and
there he saw-Gwenny.
miss Gwen llianr' he exclaimed.
She rose with a rather embarrassed
air. II rested badly last night, Mr..
Bee, and I came out at daybreak. l
have been here ever since. The morn
ing air seems to refresh me.''
II have the same experience. he
said, II have rested badly, or rather
have not rested at all. l."
She looked up inquiringly, and at
she read in his eyes,
dropped her own, while flush over
spread his face and neck.
"Gwenny!" he said, desperately. and
took her hand. The fingers trembled
in his. but were not withdrawn.
"Gwenny. darling" he said, ''are we
to part to-day? Do you know that 1
love you dearly?"
do you-Philip?" she murmured;
but she did not look up.
"Gwenny," he said, II have been
sailing under false colors, but inno-
Gently enough. 1 have way among
my gentlemen friends of using my in
itials, and so am called among them
P. B., or Mr.. B. When your aunt
asked me my name, said Mr.. B. and
did not care to undeceive her; but /
desire no concealment from you, un-
less you do not care for me. Then we
will part as we met; but shall be a
changed man."
He waited for reply. There was
slight Tightening of her fingers on his
as she half whispered:
You must know that care for you,
Philip"
Now. darling" said the exultant
Philip, ''you must let me speak to
your father to-day"
II fear you may find him rather OBJ
stinate.' she said. HE sets an undue
store by his daughter"
II can satisfy him of my position in
society and that am able TO maintain
you. have means of my own, and
have-wen may say had, great ex-
pectations; but my father, who is sew
eral times millionaire. has taken
into his head to fit me with a wife. I
prefer to choose for myself. If you
will be content to share what /
have, Philip Briggs does not cares for
more"
''Briggs-Philipr cried Gwenny,
releas ing himself from his grasp and
looking at him wonderingly. '.Is
your fathers name John?'
YES"
'.And he lived in Philadelphiae'
Yes
Gwenny burst into a peal of silvery
laughter.
DO not feel vexed, Philip" she said
at length. II am only laughing at
the similarity of our positions. My
father chose a husband for me in the
same way. and it was to escape dis
cussiOn of the matter that / took these
few weeks rustication. Mrs. Cooper
is my old nurse, and have called her
'aunty' from the time could toddle
around. She was married from our
house. He husband had very little
money. and father bought them this
farm and stocked it. But; oh! think.
Philip. dear, how your father and mine
will chuckle! You are Philip Briggs,
and II am Gwenllian Spriggs!"-
Boston Advertiser.
Tie Secret Of His influence.