Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1896-07-29


interest. And even now he was little
ashamed OF what he believed was his
sensitiveness to mere conventional
criticism, which, with the instinct of
proud man. he had despised.
He was not far wrong in his sardonic
intuition of the effect of his prohibi.
ton upon Miss Faulkner's feelings
Certainly that young lady. when not
engaged i'm her mysterious occupation
Oh arranging her unele's effects, occa-
slonaily was seen in the garden, and
In the woods beyond. Although her
presence was the signal for the lob
hque" of any lounging shoulder
strap or the vacant front" of n posted
sentry, she seemed to regard their oc-
casional proximity with less active dis.
favor. Once when she had mo anted the
wall to gather magnolia blossom, the
chair by which she had assembled rolled
over, leaving her on the wall. At a
signal from the guard room two san
pers and miners appeared, carrying n
scaling ladder, which they placed ST.
lently against the wall, and rs silently
Withdrew. On another occasion the
same spirited young lady, whom Brant
was satisfied would have probably inn
periled her life under fire, in devotion
To her cause. was brought ignominious-
~ TO bay in the field by thatmost appali-
ing of domestic animals-the wander
ing and untrammeled COW. Brant
could not help smiling us he heard the
quick, harsh call to turn out guard"
saw the men marched solidly with
fixed bayoncts To the vicinity OF the af-
frighted animal, who fed, leaving the
fair stranger to walk shame-facedly to
the house. He was surprised. however,
that she should have halted before his
door, and with tremulous indignation
said:
Il thank you, sir, for your chivalrous-
ness in turning defenseless woman
into ridicule."
II regret, Miss Faulkner" began
Brant, gravely, that you should believe
that / am able TO control the advances
of farmyard cattle as ensily as" but
he stopped as he saw that the angry
fash of her blue eyes, rs she darted
from him, were set in tears. A little
remorseful on the following day, he
added word to his ordinary cap lift
ing when he passed her, but she re-
tanned reproachful silence. Later in
the day he received from her servant n
respectful request for an interview, and
was relieved to find that she entered his
presence with no trace of her former
aggression-but rather with the resig-
nation of deeply injured. yet not en-
tirely unforgiving woman.
II thought" she began, coldly, "that
/ ought to inform you that L would
probably be able TO conclude my bust
ness here by the day after tomorrow.
and that you would then be relieved OF
my presence. / am aware, indeed" she
added, bitterly, u gould scarcely help
pereeiying, that it has been an exceed
ingly irksome one"
Il trust" began Brant, coldly, that
no gentleman of my command has"
mol" she interrupted him quickly,
with return of her former manner,
and n passionate sweep of her hand,
do you suppose for a moment that |
am spealdng-that / am even thinking
of them! What are they to me?"
THANK you. ] am glad TO know that
they are nothing, and that may now
trust that you have consulted my
wishes and have reserved your ami
mostly for me-" returned Brant, quiet
~. IF that is so, see no reason for
your hurrying your departure In the
least"
She rose instantly. 81 have" she
said, slowly, controlling herself with a
slight effort, found some one who will
take my duty off my hands. She is a
servant of one of your neighbors who
rs an old friend of my uncle's--t the
woman is familiar with the house and
our private property. L will give her
full instructions TO act for me-and
even an authorization in writing IL you
prefer it. She is already in the habit
of coming here-but her visits will give
you very little trouble. And as she is
slave-or, as you call IL, believe--a
chattel, she will be already quite nccus-
toned to the treatment which her class
are in the habit of receiving from
northern hands," Without waiting to
perceive the effect of her Parthian shot.
she swept proudly out of the room.
Il wonder what she means ?" unused
Brant, as her quick step died away in
the passage. One thing is certain, "A
woman like that is altogether too inn
pulsive for spy"
Later, in the twilight, he saw her
walking in the garden. There was fig-
urc at her side. a little curious, he ex-
amined it more closely from his win
dow. 1t was already familiar 10 him
tho erect shapely form of his neigh
bor's servant. a thoughtful look passed
over his face as he muttered: $50 this
is to be her deputy"
fro BE Continued
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