The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-07-15
4 iu5t as ysulctthirn. Tley brought

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BY o more circuitous route"
HAnt ishe much hurtPr Frank asked,
greatly relieved, by the information. II
did not strike him then as remarkable
that his hosts people" should have
been so fortunately successful in spot
ting the whereabouts Of the unfortun-
ate young man, though afterwards
events made the mystery clearer.
"You certainly saved his life,n the old
man declared. gravely. Sand now,
without more talking, let me go and
make preparations to relieve your dis
comfort"
Frank soon found himself in delight
full quarters--a CHEEKY, airy bedroom,
with roaring fire on its hearth and a
suit of his hosts clothes and, linen lying
handy on the snowy coverlet OF a big,
old-fashioned four-post bed To strip
to wash, to dress, was but the work of
a few minutes to the young soldier; but,
quick as he was, he was barely ready
when q servant announced that supper
was served and Mr.. Lascelles was
awaiting his company.
"Mr. who?" Frank demanded Of the
retreating domestic.
'Mass'r Lascelles, boss. An the
ladies don gone down in the dinin' room
already"
Lascelles! Could fate have thrown
him once more in contact with the
charming heroine of his adventure at
st. Louis? Why not? She said she
lived in Kentucky; then, what more
probable than that this mansion were
her home, and his host the husband Of
the courtly old lady, who had nursed
Charlie Fulton so tendcrly? With these
reflections, he descended the staircase,
and following the sound of voices, en-
tered the dining-room.
Yes, there she was, flashing in the
superb beauty that had set his heart
ahame so many months ago-she and
another girl about her own age arm in
arm, while the old man stood slightly
frowning at the unavoidable delay.
Mary Lascelles recognized him in an
instant. Without the slightest sign Of
embarrassment, she stepped forward
with outstretched hand (very tiny and
delicate it was, too, Frank notice6 to
welcome him.
"Why, Mr.. Besant," she said, sweetly.
"This is indeed an unexpected pleas
ure."
Then turning to the old gentleman
she added, with demure assurance: 81
had the qualification Of making Mr..
Besant's acquaintance during my stay
in st. Louis last fall, grandfather"
Mr.. Lascelles did not speak, but q
scarcely perccptible movement of his
eyebrows expressed his surprise.
"And now," continued the charming
girl to Frank, 'let me introduce you to
my cousin, Mabel Carter. There, you
know us all now, so let us get to sup
per-"
Conversation at the table flowed
freely, but Besant could not but observe
that when brief allusion was made to
the fall of Fort Donelson-not by Frank,
you may be sure-her proud nostrils
seemed to dilate and decidedly danger
GUS expression glittered in Miss Las
celles' splendid dark eyes. Would that
glance ever soften, he thought, II
Charlie Fulton whispered in those ex-
quisite ears tale Of sweet devotion?
There must be some dove-like softness
In nature like hers, Frank unused,
notwithstanding that quivering lip and
proud disdain.
But Franks nerves were not of steel
nor his youthful vigor unoonqueraDle by
fatigue and suffering, SO as soon as the
repast was ended he begged to be per-
mitted to retire, as his journey must be
resumed at early dawn.
Utterly wornout, he sank on his bed,
without removing more Of his clothes
than his borrowed coat, and fell into q
profound slumber.
For hours he slept.
Was II dream that Mary Lascclles,
with her rustling dress Of scarlet
trimmed with snowy miniver, was
standing over him?
| He started fitfully, and woke.
No. It was no dream. In reality she
stood beside him, holding a lamp in her
hand which threw It's rays across the
spacious room.
'You must CO." she said, speaking in
anxious haste. go at once, without
one word OF explanation. Your uniform
and arms are here. Dress as quickly as
you can, for moments are precious. You
will find me in the garden below await
ing you"
And before he could speak one word
OF reply, the fair vision had glided from
the room.
Had these been less stirring times, he
might have thought the whole scene
the phantasy Of n over-tired brain, but
a soldiers life had rendered him quick
TO cast OF the lcthargy of sleep, and in
an instant he had his faculties about
him.
~ an here, came the silvery tones Of
q womans voice, as he stepped from the
broad porch TO the garden walk.
"This is a sudden alarm, Miss Las
cellcs," he said, as he joined her under
the gloomy shadow of big magnolia.
"But none the less neccssitous," she
replied; task me not how know II,
Frank Bcscnt, but already your enc
mics and my friends-alas, the cruel
bitterness ofit-arc closing around you"
"But, surely, when he remembers the
humane errand came on your grand
fathers protection would be afforded
me-"
"Ycs, and he thinks It would be all
sufficient, but know better"
"You are very, very good TO me-" the
young man sighed, softly.
"Ah, you have found that out. IL Is