The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-12-04
CHAPTER ".

Young Patrick Blake, known to his in
innate acquaintance as ''the squireen, -
had neither house nor lands, though he
belonged by right of birth to an old coun-
ty family. In spite of his poV erty, he
had great expectations, for his uncle, Sir
William Craig, of Craig Castle, had no
issue and young Patrick was the next
OF kin. The property, however, was not
entailed, and it was entirely in Sir Will
Hams discretion how it should be dis
posed Of
During his uncles lifetime Patrick
paid assiduous court to the old man, and
received in return modest allowance,
which he dissipated freely among his
companions. From childhood upward he
had been a black sheep, caring little for
decent society and spending his time in
the company of his interiors; but he WAS
a daring rider, good shot. ana he could
tie fly or play salmon with any man
in Mayo. His escapades, which would
have shocked most people, only amused
Sir William
'tPat is wild young devil, he would
say to mis- wife, 'but so was / myself at
his age. Some day he'll marry and sober
down"
Before the young man could do either,
the old gentleman died, leaving every
thing he possessed to his wife, except
miserable hundred year, which was as
signed to his beloved nephew" Patrick
Blake.
1GQnQ HaUI1Ck CURSED anu ragged LOT
time, but he had sense enough left to
transfer his court to the widow, whom he
invariably described as ''the old Vvom-
an He went with her to church (she
was a Protestant), carried her prayer
book, and posed as young saint, only
escaping from time to time to more con-
genial society, in which he could drink
and swear comfortably, and curse his bad
luck.
Things were going on very well from
his point of view-that is, the old lacy
was in very delicate health and likely to
follow her lord and master after having
made a will in her nephew's faVor-When
d serious scandal, in which a young peas
ant girl was concerned, opened Lady
Oraig's eyes to the true character of her
scapegrace nephew She held her tongue,
altered her Will, and died peaceably, leav-
ing the castle and the estates to a niece of
her own, Miss Catherine Power.
When the will was read, young Patrick
used Language whic is not generally
popular in polite circles, cursed the "old
woman and expressed a hope that she
was enjoying a warmer climate, and ri
ding off to John Carey's inn, remained
for whole fortnight there in state of
savage drunkenness.
In the meantime Miss Power arrived
and took up her residence at the Castle,
she was hardly twenty-four hours there
when the story of the dispossessed heir
was related TO her. 1t aroused all her
womanIy pity, and her immediate
thought was, chow can make amends?'
She waited for a little time, thinking
that her cousin might call. He made no
sign.
She ordered her horse and rode over to
the inn where he had taken up his quart
ers, thinking perhaps to get a glimpse of
him. He heard of her coming and kept
out OF the way.
Then she sent him "petit mott
which was carried by her groom.
My dear cousin-I should very much
like 10 shake hands with you, if you have
no objection. VIII you come and take
lunch with me some day soon?
Yours very truly,
CATHERINE 2 OVER
The young man tore I'D the letter.
The next day he was in Castlebar,
where he bad long talk with Peter Lin
ME. That worthy gave him very sensible
advice, pointing out to him that IN all
possibility he was missing great chance.
Why shouldn't he capture the heiress
and her money by honorable marriage,
and so make odd things even?
She's a handsome woman" said the
lawyer, land all the men are after her.
g axe up to her like a gentleman, and
Il lay odds on she'll have you
The result of this advice was that
Blake dressed himself in his best stuck
a flower in his coat. mounted his horse,
and rode off to Castle Craig Thus
fellow, handsome enough to catch any
woman's eye.
He was shown up into the drawing
room. where he waited. SEQ wiling and
trembling, for he was not much used to
fine society. A few minutes later, a
beautiful young woman, with a smile
like HAY morning, entered and made him
welcome, greeting him like an old friend
Being in her heart very sorry for him.
she was full of sympathy and effusion,
and he went away strongly convinced that
she would be an easy conquest
For a little time after that, Blake was
q constant visitor at the Castle, and be-
ing of good family he had no difficulty in
getting invitations to other county houses
where Catherine was d frequent guest
He neglected his wild companions, paid
strict attention to his wardrobe, and alto
gether seemed a reformed character. His
cousin gave him every encouragement.
He rode with her, danced with her, and
was constantly near her.
She is yours for the asking, said Pc
ter Iinnie, when the squireen reported
progress.
Blake himself was not so sure. He had
many rivals, some young like himself,
others of maturer age and an0pler for
tune, and Catherine was civil to them
all. The man he thought most dangerous
was Philip Langford, who was certainly
a great favorite with his cousin.
He had almost forgotten the money
prize, in the personal fascination of the
heiress. Der bold, frank manners, just
touched with feminine tenderness, made
havoc with his impetuous heart. He was
tormented with jealousy, whenever
another man approached her, and Cathe-
rine being woman, loved to fan the
fame.
At last, one day, when they were riding
side by side through the woods, he spoke
out.
'I've been thinking, Kate he began.
Indeed, cousin, said Catherine smi-
ling, Isn't that something unusual?'
"l've been thinking that this sort of
nonsense can't go on forever. You
weltzed with that fellow Langford five
times last night, and only gave me two
square dances -
mr.. Langford wAltzes beautifully, 1"
exclaimed Catherine.
g. him!" muttered Blake, flushing
crimson, and scowling.