The news & observer., 1897-02-21


Philadelphia" sad the gallant Mr. peale
trying to apologize for his bluntness.
20. you need't say that, she said wear.
lily. II am the most miserable"
! Her eyes filled with tears. Poor Mr.
Peale fdgeted.
Il shall be glad, but | am feaful he
will say | ought not-charning as you
always are"
! She looked at him fixedly. And he in
some way could not resist that he saw
in the face. All, had he not studied its
every Line. Perhaps, since her painter
he was even weaker than the others. He
Thought that to-day She hooked old. AS
matter of fact, he knew she was 26
/ No Dne of the admired of that town ever
had more adorers. She was said to be
heartlesS, as men and their women
friends think this of women whom they
admire much, and who may be rather
disdainful. Suitors by the score had
charged and retreated; for more than
her personal attractyeness was that OF
her being a great heiress of Pennsyl-
wanna. But the personal quantity now
was 'blurring Mr.. Peale's Judgment.
II want just this favor of you," she
went on; Ito be here when he comes in.
He will not think that strange.
II don't know that he will"
At the moment Burton announced,
Gen. Washington"
The painter ran the situation over hur-
riedly; but another glance at his visitor
left him conquered; yet he expostulated
this far:
you know he comes here as a favor
-, 7 - Iox 10 Jho
Philadelphia tomorrow"
And this is a favor to me" she said,
turning the fire of her blue eyes on him.
Her reddish hair at one side had escaped
from its fastening, the low broad fore
head the thin flushed face, the small
mouth, the graceful figure in a fitting
gown, left him no alternative.
''Wel? Show his excellency-here at
once" he ended to Burton, and turned
to his palette not looking, again at her
until presently were heard footballs and
the beat of mis- excellency's spur.
''Well, Peale found time. You ought
to thank me-"
''That l do, indeed, your excellency,
you may believe
Sitting for a portrait has become al
most a second nature. | sit, and then to-
morrow / shall be back to duty, endless
duty"
And perplexity," said the painter.
At the moment the general saw the
young lady who was in shadow. He
stepped back embarrassed, and rather
angry. What did Peale mean by having
somebody around? Then he remembered
him manners, and bowed eourteously.
Il he
SAINT Ronald's daughter"
You remember me, your excelleney." !"
said the young lady, giving her hand. ut
is good of you.
''Ah, how could forget you," said he.
''It is against Mr. Peale's request that
| am here, sir" she sad, bending her
head.
Il dom blame Peale. am very glad,
assure you"
Il wanted TO see You so much" she
said. ''And there seemed to be no other
opportunity"
''Ah, yes,'' said he, suspecting.
is it true tlhat-that Capt. Jermyn
has been condemned voice caught
to die?"
He looked at her quickly.
You are friend of S:r Henry's cap
taing'
''He is-my betrothed," she SAID
"Ah, / didn't know tAat, said he. II
didn't know it,
1T is not known" said she hoarsely
You understand now why l wished to
see you?'
''Yes, yes" said he, losing his self
control. Il know, and / ann sorry--so
sorry, Miss Ronald, believe me. He is
charming young gentleman.
Yes" said she.
but the evidence is against him, Miss
Ronald. What was he doing disguised
in our lines with the plans of the fort in
his pocket. The court has decided, fnd
II can't give my influence against It,
How can I? Is he better than Capt.
Hale?''
Yes, he is" said she.
20, / know, Miss Ronald 1t Is hor-
ribly hard for You, and ann sorry But
must say what / said at the opening
of the war when my own good friend,
Col Webb, asked me 10 have him imme-
diately exchanged 1t would give me
pleasure TO render you any service in my
power, but it is impossible for me to
comply with your request, without in
curing the charge of Partially"
He wondered if she would sob. He
hated to think of her tears, and again
he muttered low at Pearle's tactlessness.
The artist stood fdgeting in the back
ground.
But she did not sob. She only turned
on him with dry, flashing eyes.
"Sir, you have spoken as | thought
you would. Captain Jermyn was but
doing the duty assigned him. If he and
his half-dozen men were in citizens cloth
es it was because he had that order from
his general. As for the plans of Fort
Clinton, these were given him by another
whose name he will not utter"
IF he wouldp
But he won't"
''No, wouldn't If / were in his place.
And yet" she went on, gathering an
ger Your Excellency will not turn ,
finger to save him, when you could
/ Her voice sank to helplessness, and she
caught herself in a sob. What gooC
/ does his life do you?"
'sThe example, said he. Don't yor
see | mustY'
What is fba nwauulp to mpY'