Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-06-23

"The gentlemen Is hurt, grandfather"
both his host and nanny, who waited
at table, even embarrassingly attentive
to his ightest need. He made but poor
pretense of eating. Each mouthful in
deed came near to choking him, though
everything was dainty, favorous and ex-
quisitely served.
At the close Of the meal the two men
went ont together, pausing for minute
at the half open front door to watch the
dashing raindrops vex the limpid pool
spread over all the yard. One of the long
summer storms had broken since morn
ing. The sky was dun cup, without
fold or rift. The slightest hollows held
such rainy runnels as assured aU whit
knew the laysof the land that the creeki
must be at food. 1t was full of sharp
hills, from which the waters ran fast as
they fell. Already above the plas of the
rain came the r'and boom of torrents
in the lowlands. But young Far ntleroy
stepped without the hall door a ld said:
Major Overton, feel this Intrusion
Of mine to be so impertinent tina if your
woman will return me my own gar
mcnts l will make my way SO nowhere
else till the storm is over. "
The grinA ghost of smile played on
Major Overton's face.
THAT would be suicide, which is the
worst form of cowardice," he said.
Either side of us is stream that now
q man with two good arms could not
safely pass on horseback. On foot and
crippled you would surely drown.
Ridgeley's door can let no rnan go out
to his death. Stay and be sure of your
welcome until you can go i'll safety"
eff only you would let me- speak, " the
other began. A gesture stopped him.
Major Overton had raised his hand,
look of pain unutterable upon his face.
After minute he said slowly, as though
weighing each words
1T is not my wish to embarrass you
or add to your discomfort, but surely
you must understand that of all men
you are the last with whom can dis
cuss-anything.
why, because Of that old trouble?
Believe me, Major Overton, whatever
imputation there may have been in the
past, l do not believo'- Young Faunt-
leroy burst out before he could be ST.
fenced. His pause, when it came, was
due to amazcment. The old face fronting
him was rage incarnate, the old hands
clinched hard. BY a supreme effort Ma
ior OvertOn controlled himself and said,
half turning away:
Belief amounts to nothing, certainly
as against deeds. 1t is just possible that
YOU came in ignorance of some things
that have gone before. Pray pardon me
if ask to be spared further reference to
all painful subjects. Be simply the
stranger within my gate for the rest of
your stay. -
I'm one minute, sir. All ask is that
you will believe came simply with the
honest purpose of trying to better bad
matter, very sad one. l am not
sneak They told me to approach you
under feigned name, but / refused. l
did not give my full name at first be-
cause | feared to startle the young
LADY,
will you come to my Office for
smoker Major Overton said. as though
he had not heard, leading the way to a
small bare room just off the back piazza
As the two came into it they found
themselves face to face with Dare She
did not flush, look conscious or seek to
evade her grandfather disappearing
eye. Instead she gathered upa handful
of torn papsrs, and stepping to the door
stopped beside it to say:
Il knew you would want to smoke,
grandfather, so Lit the fire, if it is July,
and put pipes ready filled there over the
mantel"
VERY good. I am Obliged" Major
Overton said grimly, stepping SO as to
hide his granddaughter from his guest
Dare moved lightly aside, drew a chair
to the corner of the hearth and said to
Fauntleroy:
"Sit down, and I will give you light
for your pipe, as you have but one hand
now"
You spoil me-" he protested, sinking
into the seat and looking straight into
the girls eyes. Major Overton frowned
heavily, took the girl by the arm and
led her through the door, saying, "Stay
in your room, Dare, until send for
you"
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