Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1895-12-18
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CHAPTER Xix.

i've color fitted across her face as she
neard a gay jingling of spurs and the
of swords on the stone floor,
and by sudden silence, after a short
CONFUSION, knew that the regiment had
come In and fallen into their places close
behind where she was sitting. But RhS
never looked up. though once she felt
that some one was gazing at her by the
strange consciousness that came over her.
She heard some of the voices raised for
the responses. and in the hymns; but the
voice that she listened for so hungrily
she could not distinguish.
Ihe knoxes sat near the door, and con-
'equently were among the first to leave
church after the service was ended. Only
one lady was before them, and a. she
turned aside, to wait for some one who
was still inside, Jane saw that II was the
commissioners daughter.
A sharp pang smote her as she saw all
the reports she had heard of her rival
confirmed,
Diana knollys on her side felt rens-
dured. The GIRL whose influence she had
/ nstinctively feared was fair beyond all
'ioubt, but SO pile and expressionless,
md apparently quite incapable of max
ing the most OF the charms that she pos
sNSSSo- Dut the tDdt
Prinsep had caught of the small. sweet
face which used to be SO bright with
glowing health, and was now so pitiably
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 disinterested friendship.
but as lover who would fain win her
favor for himself
He waited till the afternoon. and having
seen from his veranda Mr. and Mrs. Knox
drive past to the second service, he took
up his 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 futtering curtains he could
lee Jane asleep on a sofa at the further
md of the room. After a momentary
hesitation, he entered and stood beside
her.
The intensity of his gaze seemed to dis
turb her uneasy slumbers. She opened
her eyes, and seeing him 80 suddenly, for
got the barrier between them, starting up
with little cry, a sweet smile lighting up
her face. He might have taken her In a
close embrace and kissed her into further
forgetfulness, only that he would not take
advantage of the momentary confusion
of thought. He would mt surprise her
into surrender; she should come to him
deliberately, after due consideration. or
not at all.
My poor little Iove!' 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
lest he should say too much,
Presently she looked up and tried brave
ly to smile.
II did not know that could have been
so stupid, but you startled me. l had
fallen asleep-with the heat-and-"
Il ought not to have come as I did"
finished Colonel Prinsep, graveIy. IT
came through the window like a thief"
Then he, too, stopped short, recollectins
what 1t was he would like to steal, not the
quartermaster's ''ducats," but his 'daueh.
ter"
you want to see my father?' asked
Jane, rising.
II want to see yourself-only."
At the meaning tone, she gave ono
startled glance into his face; then sunk
back again on to the sofa.
"Me?" she echoed, family.
fife. and there is more than mere life at
stake with me now. If lose you, there
is nothing in existence that can console
me. Can you wonder that come to plead
my cause?"
He knelt down beside her, but carefully
refrained from touching even the hem of
her white gown. He only looked earnest
ly into her face, and repeated what he had
told her.
Il love you, Jenny! Is there no hope?"
With tremulous voice she replied: 81
am promised to another"
IF you loved me. you would not hesi.
tate in your choice"
She looked at him passionately, az
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 a little wo-
manly weakness now," he whispered,
after awhile. II think you love me,
Jenny. For my sake make a sacrifice Of
pride"
Il will write and tell him ALL" she ex-
claimed, impulsively. Il will write now"
Moving hurriedly across the room, she
knelt down beside the writing-desk and
took out some materials. Colonel Prin-
sep, remaining where he was, listened in
tently 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 forestall 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?" hs
asked her, touching the letter.
"T don't think that viii be necessary.
Give it to 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 IL set
tied"
Finding the hall empty he went out m
the veranda. and there encountered Mrs.
Knox, slowly pulling of her gloves as
she came in. At sight of him she started
and seemed surprised.
How do you do, Colonel Prinsep? You
wish to see my husband" she interro-
gated, coming unconsciously to the same
conclusion that Jane had como to half an
hour before. And this time the Colone
did not dissent.
Can you tell me where he isr hs
counter-Questioned.
81 dare say he has gone to the mess;
but he did not tell me 80. We always
dine later than usual on Sunday even
ings as he is 80 uncertain. Sometimes
he takes long walks, and Ii not back be-
fora nina o'clork" {"