Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1896-10-01

i
his efforts for my entertainment.
"Do you wonder how l knew you,
Miss Rose ?" he asked.
Very much, I replied-not, how
ever, without qnalms of conscience, as
l had really not given it thought.
81 recognized you by your dress,
he triumphantly responded.
looked down at my bright merino,
the subject at home of so much dis
putting, and felt an inward terror.
Was the man a medium, clairvOy-
ant? Had he in spirit heard my con-
versation with George?
"My dress?" I gasped.
Eyes, your dress. My aunt in
formed me that your travelling suit
was brown
ooh" 1 family CALCULATED, inward
ly thinking how very strange in NAM
ma to write to Mrs. Wharton concern
ing the dress, and feeling considerably
vexed about it-so much so that the
gentleman, Judging from my flushed
cheeks that the subject was unpleasant,
pursued it no further to my great re-
lief.
Presently the carriage stopped be-
fore large and handsome dwelling,
and although I knew that Mrs. Whar-
ton was in possession Of very comfort
able income, I was not prepared for
the elegance l encountered.
Nv poor brown merino looked sadly
out of place beside the rich crimson
furniture and splendid mirrors, and
had not Mrs. Wharton's nephew made
strenuous efforts for my entertain
ment, I should have subsided into that
most forlorn and dreary feeling
homesickness.
MY aunt begged that we should
dine at the usual hour" said the
gentleman, after had divested myself
of my wraps, "as she was afraid she
would not be able to return before
eight or nine o'clock; the friend she
has gone to see is very ill--in fact,
dying-and Aunt Lizzie will probably
stay until all is over.
"Aunt Lizzie?" l thought; "has she
discarded the name of Rose ?"
l remembered, however, that her
initials were R. Z. w.
The dinner was charming; my appe-
tite was good. never had dyspepsia
in nv life, and l ate the luxurlant
food, so daintily prepared, with an en-
ioyment that must have been quite
amusing to my companion.
About an hour after we had sat down,
while we were leisurely partaking of
our dessert, and discussing the rights
of women, the butler handed note
to my vis-a-vis. After asking me to
excuse him, he opened and read it.
The look of surprise and consterna-
ton in his face was simply appalling.
Has anything happened to your
aunt? l timidly inquired, feeling un-
comfortable under the scrutinizing
gaze of his dark gray eyes.
mo, no-that is, nothing of I'M
portance-but I do not think she will
be back tonight. But, Miss Rose
your name is Miss Rose, is it not?
I put down the orange | was peel
ing, and looked the amazement felt.
my name is Miss Rose Terry, /
replied, with as much dignity as
could assume.
"Yes--certainly-I beg your pardon
but Miss Rose-Miss Terry, | mean
you will make yourself comfortable
for the night-until my aunt returns
| should say"
His confusion seemed very strange
after his late graceful self-possession
but, attributing it all to the contents
of the note-alas, l did not then
dream of the information it conveyed
i endeavored to make the best of it
and told him not to be uneasy, as
had no doubt but that Mrs. Wharton
would return early in the morning.
Books and music formed the prlncl'
pal subjects of conversation during
the few hours I passed with Mrs
Wharton's nephew, and so pleasant
and agreeable did he prove that be
gan to like him very much, and quite
forgot my embarrassment at remain
Ing so long alone with stranger.
At breakfast, next morning, w
chatted away quite like old friends
but when the meal was over my com
panion asked me to walk into tn,
library for a few moments.
complied with his request, mad'
rather gravely, feeling a sensation pas
through me that something was goinl
to happen.
Please be seated, Miss Terry" h,