The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1889-02-28

phasis. "Weli, did think had you in bet
subsection, Miss Grace Penroy; but 4
won't require great length of time Il
change your opinions somewhat. It's tina
greasy mechanic for one thing; but dom
mean that he shall stand in the way long
must needs speak with Martha Penroy,
suppose. ! didn't imagine it would b.
necessary, but 1t seems 10 be highly so
/ after all.n
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. Penroywas faded woman of forty
Meek as child, with but little seeming en-
ergy left over after the conclusion of hei
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 ut an end.
~ 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.
the countenance OF Clinton Starbright, tina,
was more noticeable on close scrutiny.
II nm here TO talk business, Mrs. Penroy,' y
declared the Captain, after short moment
of silence.
eyes, sir" admitted the widow, meekly.
"In the first place must say that con-
slider the education of Grace sadly neglect
ed"
Il am sorry, SIR
"Arc youi didn't suppose you would
lie,n he asserted, a sneer curling his lip. II
think you are in fault. The girl insulted
me to my face not ten minutes since What
do you think Of thatp'
al am sorry, SIR"
"And is that all you have to offerr he
demanded, exhibiting anger.
"What more can sayp' questioned the
weak woman, helplessly.
You might have taught her better,
should suppose. Don't you realize that
could blast all your hopes at one fell
swoop. may do it, too, if you don't do
better in the future 1 think you Under
stand me.n
"There can be no question but what
Grace will inherit her grandfather's prop
erty-n
"No doubt if her grandfather has any
thing to give" ne 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 old
Vandible knew the truth. As for the in
heritance, that would go any where but TO
Grace Penroy"
The woman stopped him 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.
~ am afraid it isn't"
"You will find that it isn't" he pre-
ceeded. sit is through my GOODNESS and
tact that you and Grace occupy this mag
nificent home''
~ admit it. 1 feel grateful for your good
offices, Captain"
ado your still sneering. at is q won
der. Grace l find less well disposed than
formerly toward me. / have lately made
the discovery that young fellow, low
from Stonefieid, 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 affairsln
Nothing"
"Nothingl Good Heavensl woman, do
you know what you sayl"
"Well, am helpless; / can not prevent
the girl S having beaux, " declared the widow
in tone of helpless imbecility.
"Then know what can be done"
The Captain came TO his feet and strobe
twice across the rich carpet in front Of the
ady, his white hands clenched, his eyes
Offering. Then he paused in front of her
with set, wicked look on his face.
"Mrs. Penroy, know what can be done,
what toM be done. / know where the real |
ieiress to Morgan Vandible's fortune is,
ind will turn there for the profit 1 ex-
,ected TO reap from you and this terribly |
particular daughter of yours"
He glared at her furiously for moment, |
hen turned on his heel as If TO depart.
"Clintonln
She called his name huskily He paused
ind faced her with a frown. "Are you
coming to your senses at last, womang'
captain Starbright, you did not mean
What you said just nowl The heiress can
lot possibly be alive"
II did mean it, Mrs. Penroy," he declared,
where is shel Who is shel't
He burst into harsh, Hnmusical laugh.
~ am not quite fool, Mrs. Penroy," he
aid, deity. 'sDo you imagine that / would
rust you further than have! Not il
NOW myself 1t is not too late yet for you
o hold all you have gained; but it must be
through different influence than you have
ately exerted. Iwant you to help me with
he hand Of your daughter"
81 have endeavored to do so, Captain
I" In faint sort Of way, i admit; but
lifferent line must be pursued hereafter.
You must forbid the visits of Austin Went
yord.n
" He might not cease, even then"
"Well, will assist you little, and be-
ween US both think we can put flea in
he young fellows ear that III drive Inn
way effectually."
81 will listen to your plan"
The Captain resumed his seat.
"You have access to your daughters
oomln he questioned, in a confidential
one.
Certainly" she answered.
I" Her letters-you have seen them!"
"They are in her private drawer, which
} always locked, / believe"
Nevertheless, you can get at them for a
hort timea"
I" / might"
Certainly you can. must see some
hat have come from this mechanic
There may be none"
"Don't you believe that. The stage
asses every day, and am confident that
race receives letters. I think we can
manage to break up this little love match,
you will do as l wish There is no harm
/ trying, at any rate"
"No, truly"
You will help mer
ITO the best of my weak ability" an
wered the widow.
"That is all ask"
Once more he came to his feet and passed I
, the door. He paused and again turned
ack.
al will call again tomorrow" he said, re
uming his seat. "By that time you may be
BILE TO abstract letter from the desk of
race; it must be the last one il possible.