The Iola register., 1889-02-22

| tersubiection, Miss Grace Penroy; but i
| won't require great length Of time t
change your opinions somewhat. It's tina
greasy mechanic for one thing; but dom
| mean that he shall stand in the way long
Unjust needs speak with Martha Penroy,
| suppose. l didn't imagine it would b.
| necessary, but It 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 moro or less distinguished
Captain with smile of welcome.
Mrs. Penroy was a faded woman Of forty
Meek as a child, with but little seeming en-
ergy left over after the conclusion of hel
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.
al 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, that
was more noticeable on close scrutiny.
81 am here to talk business. Mrs Penroy,'
declared the Captain, after short moment
of silence.
"Yes, sir" admitted the widow, meek!y.
ain the first place must say that con-
slider the education of Grace sadly neglect
ed"
II am sorry, SIR"
"Are you' didn't suppose you would
he," he asserted, a sneer curling his lip. 81
think you are in fault. The girl insulted
me to my face not ten minutes since. What
do you think of thatF'
81 am sorry, sir"
"And is that all you have to offerr he
demanded, exhibiting anger.
"What more can say" questioned the
weak woman, helplessly.
"You might have taught her better, l
should suppose Don't you realize that I
could blast all your hopes at one fell
swoop. may do it, too, if you don't do
better in the future l 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 old
Vandible knew the truth As for the in
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.
81 am afraid it isn't
"You will find that it isn't" he pre-
ceeded. lit is through my GOODNESS and
tact that you and Grace occupy this mag
nificent home"
~ Iadmit it. Ifeel grateful for your good
offices, Captain"
ado youi" still sneering. ''It is Won
der. Grace l find less well disposed than
toward me. l have lately made
the discovery that young fellow, a 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 affaIrsr'
Nothing"
Nothing! Good Heavens! woman, do
you know what you say!"
swell, 1 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 aud 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.
Mrs. Peuroy, know what can be done,
what tciu be done. l know where the real
heiress to Morgan Vandible's fortune is,
and l will turn there for the profit l ex-
pected to reap from you and this terribly
particular daughter Of yours"
He glared at her furiously for moment,
then turned on his heel as if to depart.
Clinton
She called his name huskily. He paused
and faced her with frown. "Are yoa
coming to your senses at last. womangn
Captain Starbright, you did not mean
what you said just now. The heircss can
not possibly be alive"
II did mean it, Mrs. Penroy, -" he declared,
where is She. Who is she!'
He burst into harsh, unmusical laugh.
Il am no: quite fool, Mrs. Penroy," he
said, deity. "Do you imagine that would
trust you further than I 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 endeavored to do so, Captain
:. In faint sort of way, admit; but
different line must be pursued hereafter.
must forbid the visits of Austin Went
word
He might not cease. even them
well, will assist You a little, and be-
tween US both / think we can put flea in
he young fellows ear that II drive him
away effectualy."
81 will listen to your plan"
The Captain resumed his seat.
"You have access to your daughters
room.' he questioned. in confidential
,one.
Certainly she answered
Her letters-you have seen them
They are in her private drawer, which
s always locked, believe"
Nevertheless, you can get at them for q
short timer
II might
Certainly you can. / must see some
hat have come from this mechanic"
There may be none"
Don't you believe that The stage
passes every day, and am confident that
trace receives letters. l think we can
manage to break up this little love match,
you viii do as 1 wish. There is no harm
n trying, at any rate
"No, truly
'.You will help mea'
.'To the best of my weak ability an
wered the widow.
THAT is all / ask"