Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-05-22

breath away was something far more
than the interior of a luxurious and
beautifully appointed room. Nothing
that had been said or limited prepared
him in the faintest degree for the appa-
rition facing him, seated at the piano, of
performer utterly unlike the "cow
puncher" whom he had met in the morn
ing. The 'fellow" now bending over the
key board was young, exquisitely fair
there in the full glare of the parlor
lights, she lifted up a pair of soft,
shaded, lustrous eyes and saw him.
The music stopped with sudden shock.
Tannhauser was undone. The firm,
white, shapely hands fell nerveless in
her lap; a pallor as of faintness shot
over the wild eyed face, only to be in
stantly succeeded by flush that surged
up to her very brows. Startled she
might have been for an instant; scared
not a bit of it'll One instant only of
hesitation, then she rose and swept gal
lantly forward to meet him.
Instinctively Perry's hand went up to
the visor of his forage cap and barred the
bright, curling crop of hair. SPECIFICS
with amaze, he could only bow before
her and wait her question; but it was a
moment before she could speak. Brave
as she was, the sudden apparition of a
stranger staring in upon her solitude
from an open easement was shock that
served to paralyze the vocal cords. He
could see that she was making gallant
effort to control the tremor that had
seized upon her and to inquire the pur-
pose of his coming. He could see, too,
that the sight of the uniform had reas-
sured her, and that there was neither in
dignation nor displeasure in her beauti-
full eyes. Reserve, of course, he expected.
"Did you wish to see any one?" was
finally the form her question took; and
Perry had time to comment to himself,
English, by Jovel" before he answered.
Il did, but let me first ask your par
don for this intrusion. | had no idea
there was a woman at Dunraven. My
knocking at the front brought no answer,
and hearing the piano, followed the
veranda- Believe me, am as surprised
as you could possibly have BEEN"
Perry's voice was something greatly in
his favor 1t was modulated and gentle
when in conversation, and with even a
caressing tone about it when he spoke to
women Evidently the sound was not
unwelcome to this one. She stood erect
her fingers interlacing as she clasped her
hands in front of her and looked him
well over with her brave eyes. The color
ebbed and flowed through the creamy
whiteness Of her face. but the roses were
winning every moment-the red roses of
the house of Lancaster
"And-you wished to see-whomT
she presently asked with courtesy in
every word
why. hardly know answered
Perry, with Il smile that showed his
white teeth cleaning through the curl
ing blonde nlustac!Ie "A sergeant of
my troop has been missing since morn
ing His horse came back TO the fort
Just as we were on parade at SUNSET.
bleeding and without his rider We
have searching parties out all over the
prairie. and was ordered to come here
TO the ranch to make inquiries
She heSitated u moment thinking
My father is at home, but | fear he is
not well enough to see you Mr. Even
is with him, and he might know Will
you-would you step in one moment, and
| will 20 and ask
ITO be continued.l