The Irish standard., 1896-04-18

y aHaIrs might be known--neithGf had
ke over thought of keeping them se-
crets II seemed so purely q personal
and private r1isfortune-tflat he had
never dreamed of it having any public
interest. And even now he was little
ashamed of what he believed was his
sensitlveness TO mere conventional
criticism, which. with the instinct of 4
proud man, he had despised.
He was not far wrong in his sardonic
Intuition Of the effect Of lis prohibi-
ton upon Miss FaullSner's feelings.
Certainly that young lady. when not
engaged in her mysterious occupation
of arranging her uncle's effects, occa-
sionally was seen in the garden, and
in the woods beyond Although her
presence was the signal for the "ob-
lique" Of any Iounging shoulder
strap OF the vacant front" of q posted
sentry, she seemed to regard their oc-
casional proximity with less active dis
favor. Once when she had mounted tho
wall To gather a magnolia blossom, the
chair by which she had assembled rolled
over. leaving her on the wall. At a
signal from the guard room two SAP
Pers and miners appeared, carrying q
sealing ladder. which they placed ST.
lently against the wall, and as silently
withdrew. On another occasion the
same spirited young lady, whom Brant
was satisfied would have probably~im-
perIled her life under fire, in devotion
to her cause, was brought ignominious-
". to bay in the field by thatmost appall-
rf Anrraa mir tc- he RI
ing and untrammeled COW Brant
could not help smiling as he heard the
quick. harsh call to turn out guard"
saw the men marched solifly with
fixed bayonets 70 the vicinity of tie af-
frighted animal. who fed, leaving the
fair stranger TO walk shamefacedly to
the house. He was surprised, however.
that she should have halted before his
door, aud with tremuleus indignation
said:
Il thank you, sir, for your chivalrous-
ness in turning defenseless woman
into ridicule."
III regret, Miss Faulkner" began
Brant, gravely, that you should believe
that l am able to control the advances
of farmyard cattle as easily as but
he stopped as he saw that the angry
fash Of her blue eyes, as she darted
from him, were set in tears. A little
remorseful on the following day, he
added a 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 a
respectful request for an interview, and
4<.a 4 49, II .~-
presence with no trace of her former
aggression--but rather with the resig-
nation Of q deeply injured, yet not en-
tirely unforgiving woman.
''I thought she began, coldly, that
ought to inform you that I would
probably be able to conclude my busi-
ness here by the day after tomorrow,
and that you would then be relieved OF
my presence. am aware, indeed" she
added. bitterly, II could scarcely help
perceiving, that it has been an exceed
ingly irksome one
II trust" began Brant, cold,y, ''that
no gentleman of my command has
ssNo!" she interrupted him quickly.
with return of her former manner,
and a passionate sweep of her hand,
''do you suppose for moment that
am speaking that am even thinking
of them! What are they to me p
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 ani-
mostly for me- returned Brant. quiet
ly, "If that is so. / see no reason for
your hurrying your departure in the
least
She rose instantly. II have" she
said, slowly. controlling herself7with1aE
slight effort. found some one who will
take my duty off my hands. She is
servant of one of your neighbors--who
is an old friend of my uncle's-the
woman is familiar with the house and
our private property. 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
q slave--or. as you call it, believe--a
chattel. she will be already quite accus-
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
II wonder what she nleans?" unused
Brant. as her quick step died away in
the passage. One thing is certain. q
woman like that is altogether too inn
pulsive for a spy
Later, in the twilight, he saw her
walking in the garden. There was fig
ure at her side. "A little curious, he ex-
amined it more closely from his win
dow. 1t was already familiar to him.
the erect shapeiy form Of his neigh
bor's servant. A thoughtful look passed
over his face as he muttered: $50 this
Ii to be her deputy"
CHAPTER III.
Called to general council Of officers