Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-01-29

CHAPTER XXV1I.-(COntinu
They were not in the veranda when he
went out, and he strolled further away to
where he knew some seats had been
placed. Even then he did not see themi
It was James voice which betrayed their
presence at the other side of tent, neal
which he was standing.
How can you say such cruel things
and SO untrue!' she was saying, in eH
cited Indignation.
Il fancy the cruelty lies in the truth
Sf the accusation" answered Jack Blount,
cuttingly: and the listener could no
longer doubt that Diana Knollys had
been correct in her estimate of the man
and his power of being disagreeable.
''They said you were flirt. Only few
months ago you Tilted Colonel Prinsep-
the fellows told me that at mess to-nigh
-and-now-
He stopped suddenly as Colonel PrinseD
himself stood before them.
Perhaps l am the best person to refutd
that calumny." he said, quietly, but with
. repressed passion in his tones, that
Jane. knowing him SO we'll, easily de-
tected. That Miss Knox gave me up
was my own fault; have never had the
slightest reason TO reproach her.
''Of course if you say So" began Me
Blount, ungraciously.
Il do say so, and must beg that here
at least you will not refer again to the
subject on which you have received such
inaccurate information"
With q malicious scowl darkenins
Blounts face he turned upon his heel and
left.
The witchery of the time and place had
cast its powerful spell over stephen Prin-
sep. Gradually as she spoke he forgot
everything except that she had been his
love. The moonbeams fell upon her un.
covered head and upon her lovely up
turned face as she pleaded her extenua-
don.
"Is it your fault you are SO fair? Even
beauty.' he exclaimed, passionately. and
would have said more only that she
shrunk from him trembling.
As she turned away. bashful, yet 80
glad, so rapturously glad to know he
loved her still, she encountered the stony
Gnze of Jacob Lynn. He was hidden be-
hind some trees close by, and must have
heard what they had said. A sudden
fear assailed her lest, in his jealously, he
should come forward and do some des-
perate deed that would ruin him forever.
Even If the Colonel knew of his presence
there it might be serious for him.
Colonel Prinsep then led her back to
the ballroom In grave silence. angry with
himself that he had kept true to what
with her had evidently been only an
svanescent feeling, yet unable to steel
his heart against her.
Barry Larron sauntered up to them as
they stood together in the ballroom.
''They are waiting for you, Colonel, to
lead the way in to supper. Miss Knox,
think you promised to go with me-"
Startled at his voice Jane withdrew her
face from the grateful coolness Of the
flowers and wondered why, as she did SO,
he looked at her SO strangely.
Colonel Prinsep bowed and left her.
Then Major Larron spoke his thoughts.
"You cannot think how it has pleased
ne that you have deigned to wear my
dowers," he said.
"Your flowers! Was it you who sent
themY'
"Who else? hope you did not choose
them under false impression"
'T-oh, MOI l never thought"
Disregarding her confusion, as he had
disregarded the quick movement which
she had made TO cast the flowers from
her when he claimed to be the sender,
Barry Larron had remained silent. When
he spoke again it was as though impelled
By q feeling stronger than his judgment.
miss Knox, wish l were your brother.
or some one that you could trust to ad-
wise you well.
"Do you think that am in need Of ad'
vicer
.T do. Will you promise not to be Of
tended If 1 speakT"
"Yes, l will promise, though I cannot
xueas what it can be that you are going
70 say"
tod nd
thev stood alone in the center Of II, Jane
With her hand lifted proudly, as though
Aefying him to say anything that could
Affect her, and holding her bouquet as far
away from her as possible. The flower.
that had delighted her had become hate
ful in her eyes now that she knew the
DIVER, and had actually caressed them In
his sight
Major Larron looked down at her sadly.
"T wonder whether 1t is worth while to
sisk the loss of your friendship for the
eeke of the problematical good that I
1uirht do If spoke: 1 wonder If 1t II even
worth while to do disinterested act OF
kindness?'
..TeIl me, and let me decide"
sT win, since you wish IL. Do you
smev what has been the general talk
.ince Won entered the room? You do not
-of course not. You are too young and
srernerienced to believe In malice OF
idle tongues, and l dare say you fancy
n n a profound secret only known to
1our heart that you love the Colonel and
Vish to win him back.
She turned deathly pale. and was too
taken By surprise to attempt contradic'
Con. Looking up she saw his face avert
-. and was touched by his delicacy
knovins nothing of the swift glance BY
vhich he had assured himself that his
shaft had gone home.
"Do not be angry with me that l re-
.sat what every one else has said.
fAousht It right that you should know
and % be able to put an end to the gos
~. which in your purity Of mind 20.
conld not foresee. You are SO proud,
know how it would gall you were 1t to b
ia that Colonel Prinsep married yor
from pity"
.Do you think I would marry any ont
On sucn termsT she cried, indignAntH
mo, do not: but then every one nai
not studied your character % caretun1
- 1. I know that you are too noble
allow any mercenary or interested mo
DIVES to influence your actions, ana
know, also, that you could with WON
vim back Colonel Prinsep to the aIiesi
ance he fattered himself that ne na,
thrown off. Don't be offended tnat
neak 20. Consider the circunstancea
Grom IN optaideTs point OF T14w, se9J Js'