Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-04-17
CHAPTER XIV.
AUNT JAMES HOUSEHOLD.

CHAPTER XIV.
AUNT JAMES HOUSEHOLD.
1t becomes necessary at this point to
60 back briefly to the moment that Gwen
doline had been left standing at Aunt
Joan's gate, after the landau containing
Boncourt had been driven away.
1t had hardly disappeared in the grow
ing dusk before the young lady was re-
Joined by her father, and at the same time
the widow came out again to the gate, ac-
companied by her two sons.
Mr.. Alworth acquitted himself better
than his daughter had hoped for in maxi
ing his Acknowledgements for Aunt Joan's
hospitable kindness, and then Gwendo-
line asked him whom it was that he had
stopped to speak to on the road.
1T was Mr.. Croak-aye, Mr.. Croak him
self" said Mr.. Alworth, not without some
eagerness "Ah, Gwenny, he seems really
contrite for what has occurred-wants
his proposition to remain open-is willing
to forgive and forget, whenever you shall
see fit to reconsider"
Gwendoline burst into laugh, the
better to abstain from an angrier inter
ruption, and was thankful that the thick
ening twilight was doubtless concealing
the blush Of modification that she felt
mantling her cheeks.
@Never another word upon that subject,
you dear, good, tiresome papa, or you
and must quarrel furiously," she cried.
And how would such a state Of affairs
suit Aunt Joan, who is to be our land
lady hereafter, or either Peter and Paul
here. who are to be our fellow boardersp
Run into the cottage now, and will give
you q piece Of good news--a fragrant
piece of news, that shall give you all
the beautiful flowers you can pluck or
smell, for, perhaps, many days to come!"
Yes, come right in, for there is a
storm in the air, said Aunt Joan, open
ing the gate. aYou will find your
rooms ready for You. Paul and Peter
have slowed away ell your effects, and
Christie thoroughly aired the rooms yes
terday."
But there was another interruption, as
Gwendoline and the others were passing
into the gar den.
At that moment man hesitatingly ap-
preached, crossing the road from the
loose foot-stones Of the opposite cliff, in
which he might have been lurking unper-
ceived and on the watch for some little
time.
"Wsll you make allowances, sir, for {
| stranger--a stranger at least for many
years, though once familiar with thil
neighborhood has thought that b,
knew your face?" said the man, address
| ing himself to Mr.. Alworth with deeI
respect. do ] err, sir, in supposine
| that you are Mr.. Thomas Alworth
once of the firm Of Alworth, Marlowe q
| Coz"
The old gentleman looked at his in
terlocutor a little snspiciously, bu
could only make out in the twilight
an inoffensive- looking, rather seedil,
dressed man, who carried q stout walk
ing-stick.
aAh, yes, sir; you are correct in you
supposition. sir, /" he replied, with sor
4 of poor stiffness Of manner that he wa
fond Of assuming occasionally. Sine
You appear to know my name, sir, perhap
il YOU will favor me with yoursp'
4 @There would be no favor in divulgin
it at present, and it might be of little con
sequence to you, said the stranger, sadly
Il was rather mournfully attracted to 20
Just now, sir, by percelying the chang
that seems to have taken place in you
circumstances When was last in thes
parts, many years ago, I remember ths
YOU resided in yonder elegant villa, u
there in the cliffs, and now"
@Ha! and now there is change appal
ent, to be sure, but what is that to yor
sir?" snapped out Mr.. Alworth, peeyishl,
4 Father, am sure you mistake thi
persons motive in addressing you, sal
4 Gwendoline, quieting her fathers ba
humor by her customary gesture, as sh
/ 4 Isesx ln r,on
ner are not such as would imply wish
be disagreeable.
Indeed they are not, miss, and \
such desire could animate me, said th
man, with some emotion. II misfortur
has come upon your worthy father, WI
was ever deserving of esteem and proi
4 perity, none can deplore II more than
II do"
aMy father has been the reverse Of for
unate for many years, sir, said Gwend'
line, simply. He was compelled to rs
move from Jasmine Lodge when Wi
!, but an infant. Since then we have occ'
, pied garrett rooms in Mr.. Marlowe's unit
this evening, when we were dispossesss
\ Mr.. Marlowe having dismissed n
father from his employment two or thr'
/ days before and are now gladly avail
ing ourselves of the hospitable shelf
afforded us so opportunely by the nobl
i hearted proprietress Of this pretty co
tage.
/ claimed the stranger, stepping back
! pace ortwo, and evidently much agitate
I aMiss Alwcrth wa Mr.. Alworth yo
) wrongs shall be righted, your misfc
i tunes shall have an end, and that rig