The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-07-12
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men started on their way toward the
home Of John Lewis. Az they walked
the squire enlightened them upon the
affair which had neoessitated the pres
ence Of a detective.
"This business" be began, sis par
ticularly unpleasant because the best
people in the town are mixed up in 1t.
John Lewis came to Lee 10 years ago,
bringing with him a little girl, then
about years Of age. Virginia she is
named, though her intimates call her
Vireie. We knew nothing Of Lewis, but
he appeared to have money, for he
bought Riverside farm, on which he
has lived ever since. He made friends
rapidly as the townspeople came to
know him, and he was reokoned an &C.
QUESTION. The girl was not his own
child, be explained, but an adopted one,
the daughter Of his sister, who had died.
He mentioned having son"-the squire
here addressed Lewis-''but we never
saw you. How was that"
"When my father came to Lee," re-
piled Lewis, she left me at a military
academy in New York. but ohafed un-
der the restraint, and one day very
foolishly ran away and shipped for a
voyage to China"
"Ahi That explains matters. About
five years after Lewis settled here the
Maryels came. At first it was only for
the summer months, but finally they
bought a place and since then have
been permanent residents. Naturally
young Walter Marvel-an only SON
met Virgie, and from boyhood be has
been attached to her. But while she
has not rejected his attentions she has
never acted 30 that any one, even her
most intimate friends, could be sure
that che loved him. There are two 9th
ers connected with what am about to
tell you-Alioe Marvel. Walters sister,
and Harry Lucas, Walters friend, cur
rently supposed to be in love with AL
ice, though there are some who claim
that were it not for the friendship be-
tween him and Walter, Lucas would
court Miss Lewis himself. That is prob
ably only gossip. However, these four
young people are fast friends.
"They are constantly together and
are partners in many enterprises Of
social or charitable nature. Another
fact which has not unimportant bear
ing upon the subsequent events is that
all four Of these young people are expert
shots with pistol. Some two Or three
years ago circus appeared in this
neighborhood, the star attraction Of
which was young girl who was won
derfully clever with pistol. Virgie de-
clared that she, too, could learn to
shoot, and the result was that pistols
were bought, and, may say, a sort Of
shooting club was formed, though only
these four were members.
Recently Virgie attained her major
ity and arranged to celebrate it with a
festival for all Of her friends. As it
was during the nutting season the guests
were invited to come for tho day, the
many nut trees near the river banks
promising occupation to those who cared
for that sort Of amusement, while ten
mis- nets and croquet were set upon tho
lawn. In addition it was announced
that there would be shooting match
in which all could take part
"All went merrily during the morn
ing, and sumptuous dinner, served
upon tables in the open air, had been
enjoyed by all, after which the party dis
persed about the farm in small groups.
I was sitting on bench chatting with
Lewis wheu Virgie and Walter Marvel
approached. The latter asked permits
sion to speak to Lewis privately, and I
therefore walked little way from them
with Virgie. At the time had no idea
of Marvel's object in seeking the inter-
view with Lewis and was startled few
later to hear them talking in
angry tones; but that you may better
the affair will relate just
what occurred, as it was told to me aft
erward by Lewis himself.
ut appears that the shooting match
that day had a greater prize at stake
than the trophy which had been offered.
Marvel had asked Virgio to be his wife
and begged permission to speak to her
adopted father. With smile and wom-
anlike, desiring to keep him in suspense
rs long as possible, her reply had been,
Beat me at the target, and you may
speak to father This he had accom-
plished, though by only single point,
and it was to ask for the hand Of Virgie
that he had impatiently sought the pri-
vate conversation with Lewis. Lewis
confessed to me that he had not sus-
pected that there was any attachment
between them, and he was therefore
by Marvel request. He asked
whether Virgie had given her consent,
and, receiving tho affirmative reply,
after moments hesitation he in
formed Marvel that he would not sane
lion his suit. Marvel of course urged his
cause, and Lewis made some angry re-
marks, which at last were loud enough
TO attract my attention. Virgie and l
hen went quickly toward the two
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when the finale came there was quite
,rowd Of people about us. As we ap-
preached Marvel said hotly:
"Virgie, Mr.. Lewis refuses his con-
sent and will not give his reasons.
"'Why do you object, uncle?' asked 1
virgie. She strongly emphasized the
word uncle title by which she had
never addressed him before. This Incl
lent will give you an insight into that
girls character-cool, self possessed and |
vithal wilIful and determined, though
~ willful do not mean that she is UNI
'estrained by reason, but rather that
,nce having formed project she will
larry it into effect at any cost. For
moment Lewis seemed staggered by her
words, but he quickly recovered himself
md replied:
Because I will not allow my
lsnphter tn marry into a family of iail.