The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-12-06

he,' he asserted, a sheer 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 thatH'
| 81 am sorry, SIR"
"And is that all you have to offer?" he
demanded, exhibiting anger.
| "What more can say?" questioned the
weak woman, helplessly.
| ~ II 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. I 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 t. 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.
81 am afraid it isn't"
"You will find that it isn't" he pro-
ceeded cit is through my GOODNESS and
tact that you and Grace occupy this mag
| nifcent home"
81 admit it. I feel grateful for your good
| Offices, Captain"
"Do youa" still sneering. "It is won
der. Grace I find less well disposed than
formerly toward me. I have lately made
the discovery that young fellow, low
| mechanic, from Stonefeld, 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 affalrss'
"Nothing."
"Nothing! Good Heavensl woman, do
you know what you says"
"Well, 1 am helpless; I can not prevent
the girls having beaux, " declared the widow
| in a 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
lady, his white hands clenched, his eyes
| ylittering. Then he paused in front Of her
18th set, wicked look on his face.
"Mrs. Penroy, know what can be done,
what auil be done. I know where the real
heiress to Morgan Vandible's fortune is,
and will turn there for the profit 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 at last. woman?"
"Captain Starbright, you did not mean
what you said just now! The heiress can
not possibly be alive"
81 did mean it, Mrs. Penroy," he declared,
smphatically.
'Where is shea Who is sheep
He burst into harsh, unmusical laugh.
II am not quite fool, Mrs. Penroy," he
said. deftlv. "Do you imagine that would
6rusJ you Iuruuer JnaI L navc' NoUII 1
know myself. It is not too late yet for you
10 hold all you have gained but it must be
through different influence than you have
lately exerted. Iwant you to help me with
the hand of your daughter"
81 have endeavored to do so, Captain"
sin faint sort of way, I admit; but
different line must be pursued hereafter.
You must forbid the visits of Austin Went
word"
"He might not cease, even then"
"Well, will assist you little, and be-
tween us both think we can put flea In
the Young fellows ear that III drive him
away effectually."
81 will listen to your plan"
The Captain resumed his seat.
"You have access to your daughters
room" he questioned, in a confidential
zone.
"Certainly," she answered
"Her letters-yO have seen them!"
"They are in her private drawer, which
IS always locked, beheven
"Nevertheless, you can get at them for
short timeY'
81 might"
"Certainly you can. I 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. 1 think we can
manage to break up this little love match,
It you will do as 1 wish. There is no harm
IN trying, at any rate"
"No, truly"
"You will help me?"
"To the best of my weak ability" ON
swered the widow.
"That is all 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
trace; it must be the last one if possible.
Shall need one of hers, too, or specimen
Of her chirography, wish to make copy.
Sect"
81 think do.n
"Another question. What do you know
OF Grace's cousin, who is to visit Lone Hol-
:owa"
livery little" returned Mrs. Penroy.
"She is an orphan and is coming to make it
her home here"
"Who invited herr"
"The old gentleman"
"Your fathers"
"Yes. Of course seconded the motion. It
was really Grace who instituted proceed
ngs that have resulted in her coming My
father dotes on Grace, and he will do any
thing that she asks of him.
ut seems sc, the old fool,' retorted Mr..
Starbright, vexedly. II thought had the
old man ready to accept and further my
suit with his granddaughter, but to-day he
told me that he should not interfere with
the girl in any particular. felt angry
enough to rap him one"
81 beg of you to be careful, Captain All
depends on him, you know. He is very
changeable. Tomorrow he may be ready
to urge Grace to an acceptance of your suit
There's no telling twenty-four hours in adj
vance what father will do or say. AS he
grows older he is more given to such
freaksn
cit seems So"
There was trouble deep down in the
heart of CaDtaiu (yI;ptoy, Cforhr;r,+ 49,