The Press., 1892-07-28

They'd better come with me, sir, turn ing to MT. Somers, ''and get their clothes dry" Then as the girl involun- tarily glanced toward the window. .'the rain is pouring down. It ain't fit for Il dog to be out in such q storm" .sYou are right. Hannah, said John Somers decidedly. Perhaps you can find some dry clothing in the house for the lady and little girl, and he crossed the room and opened the door as the girl raised herself. and leaning on Han nah's arm and followed closely by the child allowed herself 10 be led into Han nah's domains. ..When you have made l them comfortable. bring coffee to us here, and perhaps they will come ana take some with us" said MT. Somers. | ssYou are very kind" said the girl. and he closed the door and came back to his chair.
 l ssThis seems destined to be an event full day." said the old lawyer. w hat do you propose to do with your guestsY'
 If this storm does not wear itself out soon they must try to put up with the accommodations that we can offer them. l Uncle Martin must have had some hab- itable rooms. I am glad the accident was no worse-it is bad storm to be caught out in. 1 wonder who they are suppose they will enlighten us."
 Soon the door opened and both men glanced toward it. The young girl, leading the child by the hand, advanced into the room with dignity and fine carriage of her slender figure that i'm pressed both men. Hannah had been won upon by the stranger, and had hunted out some long unused garments for her. A long, black dress fitted itself fairly well to her figure, and over the [shapely shoulders Hannah had pinned a little crape shawl, crossed in front after a fashion of her youth. The girl had soft, brown eyes, and light hair twisted high on her head. As she entered the men rose, and MT. Somers drew another chair in front of the fireplace.
 'I hope Hannah has made you as com fortable as possible, and that you will not be the worse for your accident and the drenching." MT. Soners said. ''She was very kind," answered the girl, her hand on the back of the chair. sI came to explain who we are, and to ask if we may impose further on your kindness.
 twill you not sit down and let us con- sider what can be done?' said John Som- CTS, and as she seated herself ill the straight backed leather chair, the child on hassock at her feet, the gloomy old room wore a more cheerful air. The evil and trouble that had come wildly out of the past that stormy evening, as the darkness fell and the lawyer related the wicked deeds of the men who had lived bad lives and died awful deaths in that same house, faded away, as if across the dark past fell a ray of light. holding out hope of brighter future.
 My name is Douglas" she said. She fancied the little lawyer gave start. but MT. Somers, whom she addressed, showed no change of expression, only his deep set eyes watched her intently. s'I am visiting my friend Mrs. Carleton; perhaps you know the property that they have lately bought not far from here."
 Fl wonder if it can be Jack Carleton. who was at college with me?' and he smiled as he spoke.
 s'Mr. Carleton is often called Jack by his friends, she said.
 '.He was very popular at college; he greatly enjoyed joke, and his laugh was so irresistible that the dullest was forced to join in and forget his woes and be cheerful while in his company. What property did he buy? have not spent much time here the last few years.
 'tI do not know whether can describe | if r. roov ho ,,,i1o frov,o hora mot farther, 1 shouM think; one hundred acres, and a long, low house. partly stone."
 "Aunt Margery, the hired people call it Josey Jones' place." interposed Rosa gravely.
 'sOh, yes, knew that place we'll when was boy; it is not more than mile from here"
 The girl resumed her explanation, Rosa and I started for our drive with no thought of storm; it came up very suddenly, did it not?''
 "Yes, and you were not under shelter too soon," said MT. Nelson. ''There might have been trees blown across the road, and the thunder and lightning are enough to frighten any horse."
 "I am glad your mother is not at home worrying about us. Rosa." she said turning to the child.
 "Yes, it is well," answered Rosa, "and father will start out on Peterkin to try and find us as soon as he possibly can, know"
 "I would offer to send a man to tell MT. Carleton of your safety" said MT, | ,4< s1 heavy do not think it would be safe I am very glad you reached even the poor accommodations that this neglected old house affords. Are you sure you are not the worse for your fall?''
 "No," she said, though l must have been stunned, for l am not given te | fainting. There must have been strong provocation for my weak behavior And the old housekeeper"-with a smile and the shadow of grimace at the 1 thought kindly forced on us both 2 quantity of some decoction that will without fail prevent all i'll effects from our drenching.'
 l iI hope now your docility is to be re warded by something more appetizing, said MT. Somers, as Hannah entered and moved out from the wall at one end o1 the room mahogany table, the leaves of which she adjusted and presently placed on it's dark surface supper served in strange medley of dishes from heavy stoneware to dainty ole china.
 l As the last two candles in heavy sil yer candlesticks, tall and of graceful shape, were placed on the table, Rosa whose eyelids had looked heavy in the firelight, reused herself and watched Hannah with interest as she deposited on the table large silver coffee urn. I May I leave you, Miss, to pour the coffee? There's a skylight that always leaks when it rains and l haven't had time yet to put anything under it. I'd like to go to see to it. she said with al anxious face.
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