Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-02-07
CHAPTER ".
CAPTAIN srARBRIGur's RAGE.

Oaplaln Starorlght stood in the center of the room the very picture of chagrin and rage His rebuff had been both unex- pected and deeply cutting. He was not in the habit of being thus treated by one of the weaker sex
 "So!' he muttered at length, with em- phasis. Well, did think had you in bet tersubiection, Miss Grace Penroy; but it won't require great length of timc to change your opinions somewhat. It's that greasy mechanic for one thing; but I don't mean that he shall stand in the way long. must needs speak with Martha Penroy, I suppose. l didn't imagine it would be necessary, but 1t seems to be highly so, after all"
 Then Captain Starbright walked stalking Iy from the room. In another and larger apartment he found the mother of Grace who received the more or less distinguished Captain with smile of welcome.
 Mrs. sPenroy was a faded woman of forty. Meek as a child, with but little seeming en- ergy left over after ilfe conclusion of her married life. She could not even be called an interesting widow. Nevertheless Cap tain Starbrlght imagined she mi. ,ht prove interesting before the drama he had inau> gurated was at an end.
 q l am glad to see you, Captain; sit down and tell me all the news"
 The faded widow pointed to a chair which tho Captain took. He had left his hat in the hall, and the upper part of his forehead showed extreme narrowness under his black hair.
 There was something sinister after all in the countenance of Clinton Starbright, that was more noticeable on close scrutiny.
 '1 am here to talk business, Mrs. Penroy,'' declared the Captain, after short moment of silence.
 'Yes, sir," admitted the widow, mcckly
 "In the first place I must say that con rsider the education of Grace sadly neglect ed.'
 II am sorry, sir.'
 "Are yous didn't suppose you would lie" he asserted, a sheer curling his lip. II think you are in fault. The girl insultcd me to my face not ten minutes since. What do you think of thatl' "I am sorry, sir.''
 "And is that all you have to offcr!" he demanded, exhibiting anger.
 "What moro can sayr" questioned the weak woman, helplcssly.
 "Yeu 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. 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" ho interrupted, with mean. | ing emphasis. '"You know, Mrs. Pcnroy, | as well as 1 that Grace nor you would re- main one mlnute under this roof if old Vandible knew the truth. As for the in heritance, that would go any where but to Grace Penroy." The woman stopped hlm with gesture.
 Mercy, Captain, please don't call ul 1 any thing so dreadful"
 But wish you to understand that it Is not all plain sailing yet" pursued the Captain.
 "I am afraid it isn't'' "You will find that it isn't" he pro- ceeded. "1t is through my coolness and i tact that you and Grace occupy this mag nificent home"
 II admit it. feel grateful for your good offices, Captain "Do you9' still sneering. "1t is a won der. Grace I find less well disposed than formerly toward me. have lately made the discovery that a young fellow, low mechanic, from Stonefield, calls here ire l 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 affalrsl' l "Nothing"
 "Nothingl Good Heavens! woman, dc l
 "Well, am helpless; can not prevent the girls having beaux," declared the widow in a tone of helpless imbecility. l Then know what can be donc."
 The Captain came to hls feet and strodo twice across the rich carpet in front of the lady, his white hands clenched, his eyes glttering. Then he paused in front of her | with set, wicked look on his face.
 "Mrs. Penroy, I know what can be done, xx,1,, Rl,.,, 1 l heiress to Morgan Vandible'S fortune is, and will turn there for the profit I 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 husl1ily. He paused and faced her with frown. Are 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"
 q did mean it, Mrs Penroy," he declared, emphatically.
 "Where is shea Who is shes'
 He burst into harsh, unmuscal laugh.
 "I am not quite fool, Mrs. Penroy," he said, deftly. "Do you imagine that would trust you further than I have! Not if I know myself. It is not too late yet for yo | to hold all you have gained; but it must through different influence than you have lately exerted. want you to help me with the hand of your daughter"
 ssI have endeavored to do so, Captain.'
 "In faint sort of way, I admit; but a 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 a little, and be- tween us both I think we can put flea in the young fellows ear that I'll drive hiIa away effectually."
 1T will listen to your plan"
 The Captain resuu ed his seat.
 "You have access to your daughters s eoom?" he questioned, in confidential tone.
 "Certainly," she answered
 "Her letters-you have seen themr'
 "They are in her private drawer, which Is always locked, I believe"
 a