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


have scared q bolder spirit than mine
Au day ! had walked under blue sky,
between green hedgerows, with light
heart and whistling lip Confronted in
the twilight by so sinister scene, ! felt
iualmish. Ragged clouds dropped their
fringes over sullen western red, around
spread the salt marshes, evil in their
desolation, and |, with chilled blood,
stared at the lonely mansion dominating
the outlook. Here, thought |, an adven-
ture awaits me. The hour, the house,
the scene, hint at romance, and that of
the strangest.
So much were my spirits dashed by
these ominous environments that it was
in my mind to walk the farther 10
miles and shelter for the night at
Marshminster Yet some fate compelled
my unwilling feet toward that inhospi.
table door, and almost before | knew
my own mind l was knocking loudly.
1t opened while my hand was still raised
for the final rap, and handsome wom-
an presented herself to my astonishod
eyes. What beauty did among the tombs
l know not, yet there she smiled.
Though handsome, she was not lady
and lacked the undefinable stamp Of
birth At the same'time she was above
the commonality. Not lady, not a
servant, but something between the two.
Her appearance confirmed the promise
Of romance.
81 have walked from Eastbury, said
l. cap in hand, "and wish to put up
here for the night"
Westminster is only 10 miles
away" answered she, in nowise dis
posed to admit me-
"And for that reason want bed
here Twenty and more miles walking
under hot sun has wearied me consid-
erably."
81 am sorry we cannot accommodate
you, sir. B"
"This is an inn" said, glancing at
the sign.
''The Fen inn, SIR" she replied, still
smiling, land full Of guests for the time
being"
Full of guests in this locality! You
must then entertain waterfowl, for l
have seen no human being for the last
- miles
She made no direct answer, but shook
her head and prepared to close the door.
Piqued by the discourtesy and still more
by the mystery of this reception, | was
about to insist upon admission when
my attention was attracted to face at
the near window. recognized it as that
of a college friend and waved my stick
in greeting
Hello, Briarfeld" shouted lust
lily. Come and help me to nights
lodgings.
The girl was surprised by my remark,
and, as l thought, changed color She
stepped aside to let Briartield pass and
exhibited further astonishent at the ur-
banity Of our greeting.
What wind blows you here, Dem
ham?" asked Briarfeld, shaking my
hand
81 am on walking tour" l an
swered land hoped to have reached
Westminster tonight, but as it is 10
miles away and | feel weary wish to
sleep here. This young lady, however,
says the inn is full Of guests and''--
Full of guests" interrupted Briar-
field, looking at the girl Nonsense,
Rose. l am the only guest here"
1--WE expect others, sir, J." said Rose
obstinately.
"You can't expect a sufficient num-
Der to fill the. house." he retorted.
"Surely Mr.. Denham can have bed?"
II shall ask my father, sirl''
When she disappeared, Briarfeld
turned to me with smile and asked a
strange question.
Now, I'll be bound, said he, "that
you don't know my first name"
Felix"
"Nol You are wrong. am not the
rich Felix, but the poor Francis. "
"You see the result Of being one of
twins, said I impatiently. ''If at col
lege l could not distinguish between
you, how can you expect me to do so
now? | haven't seen either you or your
brother for at least two years. Where is
Felix"
"At Marshminster
"And what are you doing here?"
"Ah, that's a long storyl If you"--
PLEASE to walk in, sir, interrupted
Rose at this moment my father de-
sires to speak with you. "
II have, then, to submit myself to the
approval of the landlord" said l and
forthwith entered the house, followed
by Francis Briarfeld.
The landlord, lean, saturnine man
above the common height, saluted me
with sour smile. In appearance and
demeanor he was quite in keeping with
that dreary inn. About him lurked a
Puritanic flavor not i'll suited to his
somber attire and unctuous speech. He
was less like an innkeeper than SNUG
valet, | mistrusted the man at first
sight.
II can give you supper and bed,
sir, " said he, bending his body and rub
bing his hands, neither, l regret to say,
of the first quality"
Never mind, | answered, unstrap-
ping my knapsack. II am too tired and
hungry to be particular.
1--WE have only lately taken up this
house, sir, he continued, still bowling,
''and things are trife disordered !"
glanced around Despite the cheer
full blaze of fire, the room had mil.
dewed look, as though long uninhabited
Traces Of hasty cleansing were visible il
all corners, and in the dim light filtered
through dusty panes the apartment ha(
singularly uninviting aspect Agar
that premonition Of misfortune came
over me-
Il wonder you took up the house a
all, said "You won't make you
fortune In this locality.
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