Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-04-21
q, W. va, SATURDAY. APRIL u. 1884.

ness, Miss Dane. / had no expec-
tation of laying claim to your hospl-
tality."
Vincent had recovered from his
momentlry surprise at Miss Danes
beauty, and totally ignorant as he
was to the nature Of the situation in
which he found himself, was inclined
to stand upon his dignity.
Yes" she said, with little sigh,
e / had no alienation but to sum-
mon you as did. But we will not
talk business tonight. Tomorrow
will be soon enough"
BY this time the supper was serv.
ed. The fragrance of coffee with
mountain cream, the platter of fried
trout, the haunch of cold mutton
with salad of brook crosses, follow
ed by cakes and jellics, was sufficient
to soften Vincent's mood. His young
hostess watched him and waited up.
on him with interest mingled with
delicate air of amazement. Evil
IDENTIFY she was not accustomed to
young and hungry men.
Vincent's surprise was likewise
growing. Was this young princess
the only member of the family? 1t
began to seem so since no one else
appeared.
Miss Dane" he said, as they re-
sumed their seats before the fire,
find myself here by your command.
Now | must ask in what way I can
serve you 7"
"You wish to know the story to.
night ?"
do, if it is your pleasure"
We are distantly related, Mr..
Vincent. My grandfather was your
grandmother's cousin. / suspect
that he once hoped to be something
nearer. But no matter for that. He
adopted me when all the other Danes
were dead and gone. Five are bur-
led on the battlefields. Within the
past few years lie began to talk to me
of our northern relatives. Evident
ly he made inquiry concerning your
whereabouts, for a week before
his death he told me that when he
was gone to telegraph you, as did.
He said you were a lawyer and would
know how to manage the business,
and that you and l were the only
heirs of the Dane estates"
This young beauty" unused Vim.
cent, team tell very straightstory-
for woman"
May | ask, Miss Dane, if you
live on this lonely place alone?"
Alone-well, yes, since grandpa
is gone. Oh, / have a companion,
Miss Chatworth. She has gone to
Queenstown to fetch the mourning
which was ordered there. She will
return tomorrow. I"--Gwendoline
Danes face flushed slightly-"had no
idea that you we're young man."
she SAID, frankly.
Has your grandfather's will been
opened 2" asked Vincent.
"No. 1 preferred to wait till you
came"
You have shown me great deal
of consideration-as one who de-
prives you of part of your inherit
auce."
He rose as he said this, as sig.
nal that he was ready to bid Miss
Dane goodnight" She stood also.
For a second they looked each other
over. He was wondering at her per-
feet grace, the faultless curves re-
vealed by the clinging folds of the
short, shabby habit, the delicate per-
lection of throat and ears, the brill
liant assurance of the large eyes,
which looked unwaveringly into his
own.
81 need friends more than money!
she said, finally,
"And l." he returned lightly,
''may say need money more than
friends ! Your want is the easier
one to supply"
She drew a quick breath. "You
do need money ?" she asked intent
ly.
Gladly" he returned, smiling.
She put both hands out impulsiye-
ly as she had at their first meeting.
"And l am sure you need rest. To-
morrow we will talk"
The dogs had risen as she did, and
stood in various attitudes of atten-
ton. The deaf mute, who it seem
ed to Vincent lurked like an Afrite
invisible till he was wanted, appear.
ed with his flaring candle. The
young man took the fine, nervy hand
extended, and pressed it ever SO
tightly.
81 shall live for Tomorrow" he
said, with rather more gallantry than
he commonly INDUCED in.
Then, in his warm, quiet chamber
with south rain dashing at inter
walls against the window pane, he LAY
awake only long enough to wonder
what sort of an Arabian Night adj
venture was this which had befaller
him, and to draw a dreamy contras
between this young Virginian ant
the women of colder tints and Jesse
| curves and charter mannels-th