The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-11-23


turned aside, to wait for some one who
was still inside, Jane saw that it was the
commissioners daughter.
sharp pang smote her as she saw all
the reports she had heard of her rival
confirmed.
Diana Knollys on her side felt reas-
sured. The girl whose influence she had
lnsunctively feared was fair beyond all
doubt, but so pale and expressionless.
and apparently quite incapable of max
ing the most of the charms that she pos
sessed. But the glimpses that Colonel
Prlnscp had caught of the small sweet
face which used to be so bright with
glowing health, and was now So pitfably
white, had confirmed him in his already
half-fOrmed purpose. He would see Jane
and plead with her again, not from the
cold standing of disintcrested friendship.
but as Il lover who would fain win her
favor for himself
lie waited till the afternoon, and having
seen from his veranda Mr. and Mrs. Knox
drive past to the second service, he took
UP ms hat and walked quickly in the
direction of their bungalow.
1t was very hot that day, and all the
windows and the doors were open. while
through the tiuttering curtains he could
see Jane asleep on q sofa at the further
end of the room. After a mOmpntarv
hesitation, he entered and stood beside
her
The intensity of his gaze seemed to dis
turb her uneasy slumbcrs. She opened
her eyes, and seeing him so suddenly. for
got the barrier between them, starting I'D
with little cry, n sweet smile lighting up
her face. lie might have taken her in q
close embrace and kissed her into further
| forgetfulness, only that he would not take
advantage of the momentary confusion
! OF thought. He would n t surprise her
into Il surrender: she should come to him
deliberately, after due consideration. or
/ not at all
My poor little lovc!" broke from him
softly.
As he spoke. remembrance came upon
her like blow. She could only cover her
face with her hands and cry silently, and
he stood still waiting patiently till she
should recover, not daring to ATTEMPT any
consolation lest he should say too much
Presently she looked up and tried brave
~ TO smile.
81 did not know that could have been
50 stupid, but you startled me. | had
/ fallen aslecp-with the heat-and-"
Il ought not to have come as | did"
finished Colonel Prinsep. gravcIy. Il
came through the window ike a thief"
Then he. too, stopped short. rccoIlectinr
what it was he would like to steal. NOT the
quartermasters "ducats,' but his "dauch
ter
You want to see my father" asked
Jane, rising.
Il want TO see yOursef-only."
h., ,fY,,r
startled glance into his face; then sunI,
! back again on to the sofa
Me-" she echoed. family
Jenny, every man has one try for his
life and there is more than mere life at
stake with me now. If [ lose Won. there
IS nothing in existence that can console
me. Can you wonder that come to MEAD
my cause"
He knelt down beside her. but carefully
refrained from touching even the hem of
her white gown. He only looked earnest
~ into her face, and repeated what he had
told her.
Il love you. Jenny! Is there no hope"
With tremulous voice she replied: Il
am promised to another"
If you loved me- YOU would not hest
tate in your choice
She looked at him pasSionateIy. as
though about to speak then checked her
self, and after a moment, during which
he was waiting for her to reply. she went
and stood beside the open window.
You have done enough to vindicate
your woman's honor-show n little wo-
manly weakness now" he WHISPERED.
after awhile Il think you love me,
Jenny. For my sake make a sacrifice of
pride"
Il will write and tell him ALL" she ey
claimed, impulsively. Il will write now"
Moving hurredIy across the room, she
linclt down beside the writing-dcsk and
took out some materials. Colonel Prin-
sep, remaining where he was, listened in
tenly to her pen as it passed rapidly
over the paper, knowing that every word
she wrote was bringing her nearer to him
Already he felt the certainty of triumph
yet would not forcstall the sweets of his
success. Even when she closed the let
ter and placed it in his hand, he only
thanked her with his eyes
Shall | give it to him myself" he
asked her, touching the letter
Il don't think that viii he necessary
Give it 10 my father to send. That is he
coming back noW''-as a sound of wheels
was heard outside Il would give it to
him myself. but-but | would rather not
speak Of this to any one until it is set
tled."
Finding the hall empty he went out in
the veranda. and there encountered Mrs
Knox, slowly pulling off her gloves as
she came in. At sight of him she started
and seemed surprised
How do you do. Coloncl Prnsep? You
wish to see my husbandE" she interro-
gated. coming unconsciously 10 the same
conclusion that Jane had come to half an
hour before. And this time the Colonel
did not dissent.
Can you tell me where he is" he
counter-questioned.
Il dare say he has gone TO the mess:
but he did not tell me So. We always
dine later than usual on Sunday even
ings as he is SO uncertain. Sometimes
he takes long walks. and is not back be
fore nine O'Clock"
For n moment the Colonel hesitated. To
follow the quartermasyer would be
fruitlcSs errand. not knowing in what
direction he had gone; and it would be
needless trial 10 himself, As well as en-
barrasSing to Jane. were he to wait here
for his return The sooner the note was
sent the better. and Mrs. Knox could for
ward it as well as her husband He gave
it into her hand.
1t was to give him this note But if
YOU see that it reaches, ii viii DO as WELL
She glanced at the superscription. but
as she saw that it was addressed to Ser
geant Lynn, her careless expression WAS
changed for one OF vivid interest.
From Jane: oh, Colonel Prinscp
have You persuaded her to break off that
terrible engagement she cried. eagerly.
Not exactly that, but l hope it will
come to the same thing She has written
to beg him to release her. II he does
and scarcely think he could rcfuse--you
must be prepared TO reconsider the sub
Ject of son-in-law. Mrs. Knox"
She stared at him, scarcely understand
ing. That some happy change Of pro
gram was impending she realized. but
not what the extent Of that change would
be.
You won't object TO me-" he asked
her. smiling.