Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-03-04
CHAPTER XXZV.


Mr.. Graeme had always been a favor
te Of Mrs. Dene, SO 1t happened that,
coming often to the house, his former
friendly relations with Jane were insen-
sibly renewed. She forgo. that once she
had been 30 hurt at his having made her
the subject Of bet, and he that unex.
planned meeting at the gates Of Colonel
Prinsep's house. Mrs. Dene encouraged
his visits, not only for her own sake,
but because she thought that perhaps
something might come of this friendship
with Jane. The girl was looking so un.
happy now, 30 unlike what she had al.
ways been before: and, woman-like, Mrs
Dene had a vague idea that marrimony
was q remedy for all ills. Although she
had promised her support to Major Lar.
ron, she would have been infinitely bet
ter pleased to see her protege engaged
to Valentine Graeme.
81 wonder you never fell in love with
Jenny" Mrs. Dene said to Graeme, after
they had been sitting some time together.
"How do you know l never didY' he
retorted quickly. Il am not sure myself
I know I like her better than any girl
ever met"
Then why have you never tried to win
herr
"A foolish bet / made about her with
Larron. Then-it has been a whole chap
ter Of notwithstanding occurred
which put me off again"
what was 1t 2" asked Mrs. Dene.
Something which made her appear less
simple; not-not so perfect as had al
ways thought her."
"She IL as good as goldv calculated the
young widow, warmly.
II used to think 50; but then no one Is
faultless, and In this case she may not
have been SO much to blame as 1t ap-
peared. Only 1 was disappointed and
chilled. You see we like our wives to be
as Caesars wife was-above suspicion"
As she is-take my word for that, Val
entine. She IL In some secret trouble
now, and 1t may be something in connec-
ton with that which gave you cause to
doubt"
"I wish could tell you all and let you
Judge, but promised would not"
"And nothing you could say woulo
shake my faith. Hers Is one of the sweet.
est, and at the same time noblest. char.
acters have ever known. If you love
her, really love her. Valentine, don't let
any suspicion Of her come between you.
Take my advice, tell her about your bet
with Major Larron, and for the rest trust
implicitly that whatever she did was
done for the best"
"You are a very loyal friend"-smiling.
"And you are q very cold lover. l be-
lsvs you would a. soon marry Diana a.
/ Jane"
"why do you always bring Up Miss
Knollys' namey' exclaimed Val, pstulant-
y, rising from his seat to poke the irs
vigorously.
"And why do you always resent 1t 40,
If indeed she is no more to you than any
one else?" asked Mrs. Dene, maliciously.
"Make ur your mind which you prefer,
and"
She stopped short, and in her embar-
sassment knocked down Q small vase
| that stood ON . table at her elbow. Both
girls had come In from the veranda and
stood side by side. a. though purposely
afordins an opportunity for choice
Diana, her head a. usual held daintily
high, her lovely figure almost deAently
erect; and Jane, eyes cast down. blush.
Ing violently at the words they had both
overheard and suspected might have ref
srencs to themselves.
30 ha had Aado -hiA cAoiaA ts