The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-08-18

kitchen, and found myself alone with
Francis Briarfeld He was absently
looking out at the window and started
when | addressed him directly |
augured mystery therefrom.
"Yhats the meaning Of these mystic
RESP | asked abruptly The horror Of
the place was already influencing my
spirits.
What mysteries?" demanded Briar-
field in listless manner.
This inn has been uninhabited for
some considerable period. A suspicious
looking rascal and his pretty daughter
have taken up their abode here with no
possible chance Of getting customers |
stumble ON this castle grim in the twi-
light and find you here-you Of all men
whom believed to be in South Amer.
ica Don't you call these mysteries?
"If you put it that way, | admit the
mysteries, replied Francis, coming to-
ward the fire. II know little about the
inn, still less about the landlord and his
daughter AS to myself, am here by
appointment to meet my brother Felix
Came from London to STARRY and rode
from thence to this inn. "
why meet him in this murderous
looking house?
"He named the place Of meeting
himself" "
and you?"
Il only arrived this month in Eng
land from South America. wrote him
from London, asking to see him He
appointed this inn as neutral ground for
us to meet, so here am"
"Why neutral ground? Have you
quarreled?"
Bitterly"
"You did so at college," said I, look
ing steadily at him. Strange that such
i'll blood should exist between twin
brothers.
1.-THE inevitable woman, said Fran
els in a harsh tone, quite at variance
with his usual soft speech.
"Oh! And her name?"
"Olivia Bellinp
81 know her. Do you mean to say,
Briarfeld, that
"Hush!" he said, rapidly indicating
the door, and there stood the girl Rose
listening to our conversation. Her face
was pale, and it was evident that the
mention of the name had powerfully
affected her. Seeing our eyes were on
her, she apologized in low, nervous
voice.
Your pardon, gentlemen, she said,
placing tray on the table 81 did not
intend to interrupt your conversation.
Allow me to lay the table for supper. :"
First show me my room, said l,
picking up my knapsack. II am dusty
and wish to give myself brush up"
Rose nodded and preceded me out of
the apartment. glanced back and saw
that Francis had returned to his old post
by the window Evidently he was
watching for the arrival Of his brother.
"When does Mr.. Felix Briarfeld ar.
river" | asked Rose as we assembled the
II don't know the name, sir" she
said, with an obvious effort
"You don't know the name?" | re-
peated, seeing she was lying, yet Mr.
Francis Briarfeld is here to meet his
brother "
''It may be so, sir. But l know moth
ing about it. Mr.. Briarfield is stran-
ger to me, like yourself.
1T is to be hoped you received him
more willingly than you did me. "
My words fell on the empty air, for
after her last remark she hastily depart
ed. | mechanically attended to my
wants and wondered what could be the
meaning Of the girls attitude.
"She knows Miss Bellin and Felix
Briarfeld," l thought, perhaps not
personally, but at least their names,
She is also aware Of the intended visit
of Felix to this place | must find out
from Francis the reason Of that visit,
and it may throw some light on the de-
meanor Of Rose | am glad came here
tonight, for that landlord is scarcely a
person to be trusted. Certainly my pre-
sentiment Of romance is coming true. "
When descended to the dining room,
found supper laid and Francis impa.
tiently awaiting my arrival. A lamp
was lighted, and for the first time saw
his face plainly. The alteration In his
looks and demeanor since our college
days was astonishing. Felix had always
been the graver Of the twins, and il was
the distinguishing mark between tacm
Now the livelier spirits Of Francis had
Gained down to subdued gravity which
made the resemblance between them
still greater We seated ourselves at the
table in silence, and he colored as he
caught my earnest look
"You find me altered?" he asked,
with manifest discomposure
'Very much altele ed and more like
Felix than ever"
81 haven't seen him for over year,
said Briarfeld abruptly, $50 | don't
know il the resemblance is still strong.
"It is stronger, I answered emphat.
ically. II saw Felix two months ago,
and now look at you tonight | car
scarcely believe it is Francis and moi
Felix seated before me-"
"We are alike to outward view, Den
ham, but hope our natures are differ
ent.
"What DO you mean?"
"Felix, said he, with marked delib
Grafton, "is thief, a liar and a dishon
orable man.
"You speak strongly"
81 have reason to.
'"The before mentioned reason, Briar
field, said l, alluding to the feminine
element.
"Yes. By the way" he added fever
ishly, "you said Miss Bellin was known
to you.
In casual way only She is a soci
ETY. beauty, and have met her once o.
twice; also her very silly mother Tht
| lottor ie ou ,norL hla FOR fnllp 90 tb,