The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1893-05-23

of his claim.
Now he had attained his object, he
intended to destroy the papers lest his
deceived bride should discover his
trickery.
And for years she had believed her
self to be in the power of such a crafty
~pretender, such a shameless trickster!
And how preposterous it al was how
vastly ri1iculous. and, alas, how nearly
a tragedy!
She put the papers into a little,
snugly wrapped package, which she
tucked away in her bodice under the
wide lace rufling of her pretty, black
velvet, Cairo jacket.
She had not removed her hat and
cape. And in ten minutes after she
had entered the darcy library she had
managed to make her way unnoticed
from the house.
Once on the street, she walkedswiftly
until she was beyond the sight of any
person who might wish to recall her.
And had she been treading air she
could MOI have moved with steps more
buoyant, nor with heart more light.
oh, what fun Id have with that
wretch, she thought, only I am too
angry, only ! am too much ashamed Of
having been deceived SO easily by such
an absurd trick, and only I cannot for
get how poor Burt suffered"
After going a few blocks down the
avenue, she secured a boy
by whom she sent a peremptory and
mysterious command to Burt.
He o0eyed it with such alacrity that
he overlook her at her own door.
what is It, Bessie?' he asked ex-
citedIy. Don't keep me in suspense,
darling, I can't bear much more with
safety to that villain. The world is
getting too small for us both"
Bessie speedily revealed what she
discovered, and what she was per
suaded was the truth.
The gloom darkened again in the
young fellows honest eyes and upon
his manly face,
Finding these satisfied obligations
doesn't prove that darcy has no real
claim against your house, " be said in
a voice Of keen disappointment.
All the same I mean to defy him"
declared Bessie. Unless he produces
the positive proof I shall demand, shall
decline to sell myself"
At that instant there was an impa-
tient ringing of the door bell, hurried
steps IN the hall, and then darcy him
self pushed past the eervant and again
crossed the threshold of Bessie's pretty
drawing 0om
He knew that Bessie had been in the
house and that she had brought the
papers away with her. And he had
followed her with the notion that any
sort Of fairy tale would overcome her
suspicious, allowing that she was clever
enough to suspect anything.
He seemed rather nonpluseed at the
presence of young Jeffry, but he at
once concluded to ignore the intruder.
y regret exceedingly that I was not
at homo at home to receive you," he
said to Bessie, ''but I trust you will
overlook my misfortune, and permit
me to escort you back directly.n
The visit is unnecessary" Bessie re-
piled cheerfully. Il shall hardly be
likely to ever enter your house again,
and how you furnish it doesn't concern
me IN the least"
"What2" darcy almost shouted, his
black eyes emitting red sparks Of fury.
Beseie was on her feet. looking at
him straight and steadily.
when you produce your proof Of
our Indebtedness to you, tn II I shall
be ready to do as I prolnised-neve he
fore" said Bessie, looking triumphant
ly at her bewildered young lover.
For d'Arcy's guilt was betrayed IN
mistakably in every feature.
He ravcd for a moment, threatening,
Boosting, and arguing by turns, and he
finally wheeled ~savagely upon Burt
Jeffry.
It's you who has put her up to this
infamous proceeding 1t is you-you
=" he began.
Burt had taken a single step for
ward. He was quiot-too quiet for
d'Arcy's safety. And the latter per
ceived the fact.
He hesitated, scowleG, then wheeled
again. And the next instant he strobe
pompously out Of the room, banging
the door behind him.
The young lovers looked at each
other. Both smiled, but there was a
great deal Of very serious feeling be
hind that amused smile.
"Who would think anything so alb