The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1893-02-09

to her this afternoon"
gave u feeble gasp and rubbed my
uose.
"But," added the old gentleman,
with a sudden inspiration, 81 didn't
mention any names, thank goodness.
and l don't, see upon my word, why
the note shouldn't answer for you just
as we'll as for Bruce Hardenbrook, if
you only get there little ahead of
him.
Jumped up and made grasp for
my hat.
"Couldn't-couldn't you go with
me?"
eImpossible Il have two important
appointments but you won't need me
the note paves the way. Good
evening, Torquatus; | wish you all
possible success!"
AS | hailed the nearest omnibus and
leapcd in, the iron tongue of old
Trinity tolcd 6 in deep bass mono
syllablcs. Perhaps-pcrhaps l might
yet be in ime-pcrhaps Bruce
Hardenbrook might be such fool as
to be idling away the precious mo-
mcnts in that big, easy chair at the
club rooms. 1t was barely possible
and my heart gave bound at the
idea.
Fanny was at home, for as l rang
the bell | saw the flutter of her blue
muslin dress from the French WIN
dows that opened on the balcony-and
the next moment she admitted me hcr-'
self-a tall, beautiful girl, with light
brown hair brushed away from low
white forehead, and eyes like shady
wells Of light.
"Dear me, Mr.. Thisilodown, is it
really you?" sho exclaimed, coquet-
tishly, adjusting a rose i'll her hair.
"Excuse my opening the door; 'the
servants are gone to Michael Some
body's wake and Pm all alone"
Not entirely alone, for a mans
hat hung on tho hall stand-dark,
speechless witness! My heart stood
still. At the same moment | caught a
glimpse of my face IN the oval mir
ror above. 1t couldn't have been red
der or more shining if it had been oiled
mahogany. However, gave it dab
or two of my pocket handkerchief
and boldly entered the parlor.
Just as | expected, Bruce Harden
brook was there; but then judging by
his appearance, he had only just ar
rived. Now was my time; but how
was q fellow to make love with Bruce
Hardenbrook's cold, critical eyes full
on him, and the amused curve of his
lip, varying at every word l spope.
"l--I was thinking of asking you,
Fanny
eyes, Mr.. Thistledown."
But my courage failed me at this
eventful moment.
elf you're much troubled win
mosquitoes in tins neighborhood?"
"Not at all?
Bruce was laughing l knew he
he was, but | scorned to look at
him. | felt as I had been taking
bath in liquid fire; was to be trlfied
at thus !? Never!
"Fanny," resumed resolutely, 81
But she jumped up with an agonized
little scream.
"Hush wasn't that mans step in
the basement hall? am sure | heard
it, Kathleen has left the door un-
bol,ed, and the house is full OF rob-
bers and murdercrs! Oh, Mr.. Thistle
down, do-do run down and sec.
She shrank into orner Win 'he
pretticst cowardice had ever seem
Now Pm not, as a general thlhS'
particularly partial % the company Oh
burglars and house breakers but what
was a man to do thus charmlngly ap-
pealed to?
"Don't be afraid. Fanny" sad /,
snatching up the guitar case Vaiia"'F
and making for the lower part Oh 'hc
house with that weapon of aggression
Come on Hardcnbrook-wcll make
'cm stir around pretty lively, OF wen
know the reason why !"
Hardenbrook followed, rather con-
trary to my expectations. L hao hoii
feared his remaining behind 10 com
fort the frightened dove IN Inc o'''o