Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-12-01
CHATTER /


,.,--, sloring roofs and lean chimnoys
i4q he'd blackly against the sky would
have scared a holder spirit than mine.
All day / had walked under blue sky,
; .vern green hedgerows, with light
t..-t and whistling lip. Confronted in
H.. twilight by so sinister scene, fel.
,r.lmi-h. Ragged clouds dropped their
-~.ur.s over su!lcn western red, around
,r-.af the salt marshes, evil in their
Oscillation. and |. with chilled blood,
stared at the lonely mansion dominating
III. outlook. Here, thought l, an adven-
.rr, awaits me. The hour, the house,
cine srrnc hint at romance, and that of
Nh. s,raIc2st.
SD much were my spirits dashed by
fl.sn 1miHoas environments that it was
I'm ny mind to walk the farther 20
miles and shelter for the night at
Westminster. Yet some fate compelled
ry unwilling feet toward that inhospi-
-.ri. door. and almost before / knew
rv own mind was knocking loudly.
T ar.nod while my hand was still raised
,r tine fua, rap. and handsome yyom-
aa ursertCl herself to my astonished
.r.-. What beauty did among the tombs
I lurw not. yet there she smiled.
rrulh handsome, she was not q lady
and lacked the undcfinablc stamp of
birth 1t the same time she Was above
t,. clmIuouality. Not lady, not q
.~vaut. bat something between the two.
T.r appearance confirmed the promise
% romance.
Il have walked from Eastbury, said
T. cap i'm hand, and wish to put up
by. f.r the night
"1farshminstcr is only 10 miles
awag,' answered she, in nowise dis
posed -1 admit me.
And fIr that reason ] want bed
h.-a Twenty ard more miles walking
under q hot sun has wearicd me consid-
ur.a' W
i an sorry we cannot accommodate
~.g, -ir.
This Is an inn," said. CHANGING ut
Oh. sign
The Fen inn, sir" she replied, still
mil'u- and full of guests for the time
t.t.-
Tall OF guests in this locality! You
mat then entertain waterfowl, for
lar, soon no human being for the las,
- miles.
made no direct answer, but shook
A-rL.ld and prepared to close the door.
Fi.ul l1y the discourtcsy and still more
rs tl. mystery Of this reception, ! was
a..Gt 90 insist upon admission when
Uv ..t.D-ion was attracted to face al
+i,ss,
u o college friend and waved my sticl
III 81 citing
"H.Il1 Briarfieldr' ] shouted lust.
iv Come and help me to night:
lodgings"
The girl was surprised by my remark
and, a- | thought, changed color. She
stepped aside 70 let Briarfield pass auC
DzaHi-sd further astonishent at the ur
tar0r Of our greeting.
What wind blows you here, Den
hm:' asked BriarGeld, shaking M,
hand
] an ON q walking tour" I an
rr-.d ''ard hoped to have reached
Westminster tonight. but as it is II
miles away and / feel weary wish &
-,,p h.re. This young lady, however
says the inn is full of guests and''--
Full of guostsl" interrupted Brian
'.id looking at the girl. Nonsense
Rose. i am the only guest heren'
We expect others, sir, )" said Ros
obs,inately.
You can't expect sufficient mum
lor 90 fill the house." he retorted
surely Mr.. Denham can have bed?'
II shall ask my father, sir''
Whom she disappeared, Briarfiol
'Hra i % me with smile and ashC,.
strange question.
Vow, I'll he bound" said he, "tha
y.u don't know my first namer'
Felix"
"Nu' You are wrong. ] am not tn
rich l,liS, but the poor Francis"
You see the result of being one {
wins, said | iinpationtly. IF at co
Dig. | could not distinguish betwce
'H. how can you expect me to do S
H": ] haven't seen either yoG or yor
yu.a.r for at least two years. Where
I.ars"
NJ Westminster. "
And what ste Won doing hcre?"
All. that 5 long story! If YOU
Pleas" To walk in, sir, :" interrupt
h'." ~ this moment. My father d.
s' j1 speak with you "
have. thcn. tosubmit myself to IL
approval uf the landlord, said j m
lE.uy. u entered the house, followC
.E rmcis BriarGcld.
tn" ludlord, lean, saturiiire ms
..''" ih" common height, salUted Il
Ni'" g. spEr smile. In appearance ~
t.a.1nQr no was quite III keeping vii
,lt' .r-rry inn. About him lurl.od
iuu'1nic flavor not i'll s:itod to h
'1anar attire and unctuous speech. +
va" less like an innbceper than q srny
valet ! mis;rusted the man at fir
sight.
J can give you supper and be
10 said lac, bending his body and RI
''n. his hands, "ncithcr, regret TO s.
OF thn first quality
Never mind" answered, unstIa
Ping NY kuapsacl;. II am too tired III
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