Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-03-25

he'd stayed only q short time on each
, occasion. and he always came with q
declared object; yet some subtle change
in his manner betrayed that he no longer
even wished to believe himself Indifferent
to Jane. And Jane, what were her feel
ings on the subject? She determined to
6nd out.
Jenny" she said that same evening,
rs they sat together after their quiet
dinner, 81 wonder why Colonel Prinscp
, has been here SO often lately?"
Jenny's head was bent low over her
work as she answered:
'You and he were always good
friends"
"And are still. But If his coming were
disagreeable to you-is 1t disagreeabls
to you, jenny
She raised her eyes. Mrs. Dene sat OPP
posite to her. her knitting needles fash
ing In and out of her fleecy work. the fire
light glancing upon her short curls and
dOwn-turned face. 1t struck Jane how
young and winning she looked. A sharp
fear assailed her that in this might be
the secret Of Stephen Prinsep's visits
lately. Her husband had been dead Q
year now.
Jane. like many others, had never
thought there had been any deep affec-
ton between Captain Dene and his wife;
therefore II was the more likely she would
marry again. and what SO probable as
that the old friendship that had always
been between her and the Colonel should
develop into something sweeter?
'Is it?" repeated Nora Dene, softly.
NO; why should it beY' was the reply
given In clear. metallic tones. 1--WE have
both forgotten everything
81, l-bt b fnr tohI hIn Co.. q
to meet"
A slight incredulous glance, but nothing
more. They should have their own way,
Mrs. Dene decided, and come together II
DO inclined, without any interference
from her.
The following morning Colonel Prinsep
went to the bungalo again. Jane was
outside, but fed indoors when she Saw
him In the distance. As he passed where
she had been, he glanced to see what she
had been doing. 4 large fower-pot Of
cuttings was standing there with several
smaller ones ranged beside it, and on the
ground lay a large silver ring that she
had taken of before she had begun her
work, and In her rapid flight had forgot
ten. 1t was the ring she always wore on
the third finger Of her left hand, and
which Colonel Prinsep had once thought
might be a sign of her betrothal to Jacob
Lynn. Now he lifted and examined it
curiously. 1t was evidently of Indian
workmanship, quantity embossed. and so
made that 1t seemed like three rings
Joined. As he fingered 1t, thu center sec
ton moved beneath his touch. 1t turned
completely, and he saw that below lay
perdu a wedding-ring. 1t could only be
the one that he had thrown down in
anger the day they were to have been
married.
Under his fair mustache his lips quiv-
cred in half-amused emotion, his eyes
grew wondrously soft in their express
sion; he felt tempted to forego his wait
ing game, and following Jane, confront
her with this proof of her love for him.
Yet he knew he should only be courting
another refusal. He waited moment to
harden himself little to the part he had
to play, and then slipping back the tiny,
shifting panel, took out the plain gold
hoop, and let the outside case, still open.
drop upon the ground. 1t rolled close to
a small stream that ran through the COM
pound, SO near that the inner ring might
well be supposed to have fallen into the
water instead of reposing safely MS it did
In Colonel Prinsep's waistcoat-pocket.
Then he went through the open door into
the drawing-room where he found Mrs.
Dene alone. He had come ostensibly to
tell the ladies of some regimental sports,
which were to take place that afternoon,
and ask permission to escort them there.
Mrs. Dene readily consented, ''if," she
supplemented, "Jane would 60"
'Then had better wait till she comes,"
observed Colonel Prinsep.
CTo be continued.)