The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1893-07-26
1852 BY AlfKllloss uewssaPtR c


what the man could mean by this ques-
tioning 1t appeared to me that he was
not prompted solely by any idle curiosi-
ty, but that, on the contrary, he had Il
purpose in view. He saw my surprise
but did not remark it, simply repeating
his question as though had not under
stood him.
"He impressed me very favorably,'
replied, las he must everyone who
knows him. He is so great and noble,
and so generous"
Mr.. Bernard frowncd and looked dis
pleased, and for little while drummed
the table with his fingers, watching me
from under his eyebrows.
$50 you formed great liking for
that young farmer, eh?" he asked, with
something like sncer.
"Yes, did, answered, unhesitating-
ly. 81 formed great liking for all
three members of the family. could
not do otherwise if l was at all CRATE
full"
''The young countryman, presu me,
was very attentive to you?"
"Iie was very considerable of me-"
Exactly. Quite gallant, too, sus-
pect."
"He was gentlemanly."
"Just So" and again my visitor
frowned and looked displeased. II
dare say you thought him very gentle
manly. Those country gallants are SO
apt to impress one that way"
Mr.. Bernard laughed when he said
that, and l1new from his manner that
he had intended to be sarcastic. | was
stung by his meaning, and for an in
slant a glow of resentment flushed my
face. | felt acutely that he was invad-
ing sacred grounds, and that his re-
marks and questions were leading to
information that he had no right to
possess ! understood perfectly well,
too, that he was prepossessed against
Charles Cornell, though why he was
could not guess. He had never seen
the Cornells, and he knew nothing
about them save what he had learned
from me; and it seemed that the more
highly spoke of them the less he was
inclined to like them. This was cs-
pecially true regarding Charles.
81 wonder now" Mr.. Bernard said,
after pause, seeing that | was not
going to reply to his last remark, 81
wonder now if this Cornell didn't feel
impressed rather deeply with your
charms"
l blushed scarlet and my cheeks
burned, but said nothing. He gazed
at me inquiringly for a moment, then
asked:
"Doa't you think he was?"
81 am not in Mr.. Cornelrs conf
derce," | replied with spirit land
therefore am not able to speak for
him."
Then he has not been making soft
speeches to your he questioned.
mo, sir; he has not"
swell, now, you need not get angry,
Miss Owens. | do not intend to appear
impertinent. lam interested in you, as
i have said time and again, and think
it my duty to advise with you. l do
not say that you feel an attachment for
this farmer, but l say if you do you
must drop it, would not have you
become entangled with q man of that
kind. You are capable Of making a
grand conquest, and when you marry
you can have for your husband man
who stands far above him, You must
not for moment entertain thought
of throwing yourself away on a COM
/mon farmer. Your looks and your good
sense will advance you far above that,
and in time wealth and position, with
all the comforts and pleasures that they
give, will be laid at your feet. You can
become the wife of rich man and en-
Joy the iuxuries of wealth, and l want
You to do it,"
was amazed beyond description by
those words, and yet more by the man
ner of their delivery. There was kline
of frenzied earnestness in his tones that
thought denoted more than any ordi
nary friendly interest. l was not only
amazed, but ! was alarmed, and a dreaC
apprehension stole into my heart, filling
it with an unaccountable fear. l coult
not speak and l could hardly think
Mr.. Bernard saw that | was alarmed
and FASTENED to reassure me, saying
quietly:
Remember, Miss Owens, that speal
as friend, relative, and, in sense
as guardian. In nothing, however
shall | seek to compel your acquies
cence in my views. l shall only try tc
influence you. l do not know whom
you may marry, but I would not have
you throw yourself away. Mr.. Cornell
may be very well in his way, but 20,
owe it to yourself to aspire higher"
was somewhat collected now, ant
steadying myself with an effort said
81 have had no thought of marrying
Mr.. Cornell, and, as far as know, h,
has had no thought of marrying me.
think you need not be alarmed on tina
,score."
is that really true?" he asked, eye
ing me inquiringly.
at is" replied.
He, evidently believed me, for his fac'
cleared up and he appeared greatly re
lievcd. He said nothing further regard
ing Charles Cornell, but for time en-
gagged in commonplace conversation
touching my work at the Office aud 9th
er trifiing matters. Then suddenly b.
leaned forward and abruptly asked:
do you know, Miss Owens, why
take such interest in you?"
I was startled and alarmed again
hut MANAGED to say: