Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-09-21

Denton looked at him, breatheu Hll5
sigh of relief, and gravely listened 10
what he had to Fay.
aMr. Sweetland" contin~ ed the young
man, "has manifested a kindly feeling 1or
me. lie intends TO retire at the emu u
his present term, and is anxious that 1
should become his 'cceSsor. lie mas nov
concealed from me, however, the tact tna'
the support of your father is lndlspenSa-
bic to my success as a candidate
Il havo therefore come here, by his al
vice, in the hope Of obtaining this sup,
port; but the ideas and opinions expressed
by your father at dinner yesterday
appear to me so directly opposite TO my
pretensions, that L feel truly discouraged
TO be brief, Mrs. Denton, in my perpleXt-
tyI conceived the dea-indiscreei, doubt
less-to appeal to your kindness, and ASK
your advice-which | am determlnel 10
follow, whatever it may be-"
But, sir you embarrass me greatly
said the lady, whose pretty zee, at 1rSl
clouded, frightened up Immediately |itn
frank smile.
II have no srecial claim on your kind
ness-on the contrary, perhaps-but l. am
human being, and YOU are charitable
Well. in truth, Mrs. Denton, th M tteI
seriously concerns my fortune, my future,
and nv whole destiny This opportunity
which now presents itself for me to enter
nnblic life so Young, is exceptional. ]
would regret verj much to lose it; would
YOU therefore be so kind as 10 aid mef'
But how can T." replied Mrs. Denton.
q never interfere in politics, AMI that is
precisely what you ask me.
Nevertheless, prayyou not to oppose
me-"
why should 1 oppose you?'
Great heavens, madam! you have a
right to be severe My youth was little
dis1inated. Nv reputation. in some re-
spects is not overgood; 1 doubt not you
| have heard so, md l cannot but fear 1t
has inspired you with some dislike tol
me"
MIR. Leland, we live very retired here.
! We know nothing of what passes IN New
York. If we did, this would not prevent
NV assisting you, if / knew how, for
/ think that serious and elevate labors
could not fail happily to change your
ordinary h bits"
1T is truly delicious thing" thought
the young man, TO mystify so spiritual a
person.
Mrs. Denton. he continued, with his
quiet grace, Il join in your hopes, but
! rs YOU Geign to encourage my ambition,
| believe [ sha'l succeed in obtaining your
fathers supg ort. You know him well.
What shall I do to concilia,e him? What
course shall l adort? Because, / cannot
do without his assistance. Were l to re-
nonnce that, ] should be compelled 10
renounce my projects. 49,,
at is truly difficult, said Clara, with a
reflective air, very difficult
rs it not, madam
There was in the voice Of Leland such
confidence and submission that Clarl
Denton was quite touched, and even the
very devil himself would have been
charmed in the very depths of hell.
Let me reflect on this lille, she
said, and she placed her elbows on the
table. leaned her head on her hands, her
fingers. like fan, half shading her eyes,
while sparks Of fire from her rings gilt
tered in the sunshine, and her ivory nails
centl, su oked her smooth brow.
Warron Leland continued to regard hel
with the same submissive and candid air.
well. sir" she SAID 1T last, smiling
"I think you can do nothing better than
keep on.
Pardon ne; but how"
"By uerseverng in the same system yot
have already adopted with my father
Saw nothing TO him for the present. Be-
Mr.. SweetIand, also, to be silent. Wal
ouictly until intim cy, time, and yoW
own good qualities have sufficiently pre-
pared my father for your nomination. NJ!
role is very simple. ! cannot, at th'i
moment. aid you without hetiayinS you
NV assistance wou only lnjure YOU unit
a change in the aspect of affairs. 1o'
must cOnciliate him.
You overpower me, sad Leland; IL
taking YOU for my conhdante III my am
bitcus projects | committed n blHnde
and an impertinence which slight con
tempt from you has mildly punished
But speaking seriously, Mrs. Denton,
thank you with all my heart. l feared L
find in You a powerful eremy, and tn'
in YOU strong neutral, almost an ally.
"Oh, altogether an ally, however Sc
cret. responded Clara, laughing. l an
Glad to ho useful TO you; rs | like MI
Sweetland very much, | am happy to en-
ter into his views All! There arc NIL
dred and Edith, they are coming this way
/ think.
"Apropos, who is Miss Mildred Lester
There something peculiar about her
bat she is exceedingly beautiful, and sh
interests me very much.
"Ah. she interests YOU! Well | mus
, tell YOU her story-so far as it is know
to me; indeed, for reasons of my own,
, have had it in my mind to do SO for som
days"
Il shall be charmed to hear it.
you shall; but not to-day, see, they r
coming. Heavens. What's that"
1t Was a sudden rustling in the hedg
) close behind them that startled her.
a lstenerl A spy" exclaimed lie
land, springine forward and dividing tn
hedge with his hands.
The next instant he uttered an excla
nation of asloDishment
His rapid action had revealed tn
: crouching form of an old man, with
= gray beard, dark flashing eyes, and firm
white teeth.
~1he ag-picker!" he cried, end a sen
sation of dread took possession OF him.
: CHAPTER XXII.
CAUGHT IN HIS OWN SNARE.
What are you doing here?" demande
,, Leland, sharply, as soon as he recovere
himself little
IL I