Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-11-16

pectant eyes, Dillon resumed once more:
Il thought it right to tell you this, and
rs am just going to start for Australia
IN a curious lay-to let you know that
alls square, needn't tell you, as / an
a man Of honor, that you may make your
minds easy, the family secret is safe with
me-"
With a nod, Dillon left the room, and by
an instructive action, Standish threw UT
the window as If to breathe purer air.
CHAPTER XVII.
The day drags on, though storms keer
ont the sum-" and spring was now fan
enough advanced to make Standish think
it was time that Henrietta Oakeley tool
Dorothy to Switzerland or North Italy.
SAe had been full of the scheme at first.
but for the last week or two seemed dis
roscd to postpone their departure till
Standish determined to 60 and settle the
date at which they should start for Brus-
sells, q town Dorothy wished to visit.
1t was a fine, bright Saturday, In mid
April, when Standish drove up to the
well-known house In Princes Place.
Miss Oakley was not at home" said
the mournful Collins. ''but Miss Wynn
is in the drawing room.
The room looked delightfully."- home-like
the bright sunshine tempered by outside
blinds, the atmosphere redolent of vio-
cts. Dorothy was at the piano when
Standish came in, and rose with a Quie;
smile to shake hands with him. She look.
d less delicately pale than formerly
there was a pale, shell-like, pinky tinge
IN her cheeks, but her great dark gra y
yes were more pathetic than ever.
Il am glad to see you at the piano once
more, Dorothy" said Standish. you nre
a good girl to try and get over your NOR
bid feelings"
"Yes, l must conquer my dread of hear
ing music" she said with a sigh, though
I don't like to think it is morbid. But if
I do not resist. it will take too strong a
hold on me. 1t will not do to be mrlan-
choly with those poor dear children"
mo, certainly not. You are looking
better, my dear war6," still holding her
hand.
Il am gaining strength" she returned,
gently withdrawing it.
Standish leaned on the end Of the sofa,
and looked at her with tender regret for
the young days which sorrow had so deep
y shaded.
1T is time yoa were away in some sun
~ new place. Where is Henrietta?
IN, determined to put matters en- train
to-day, and we can do nothing decided
without her"
Il am afraid you will not see Henrietta
o-day nor tomorrow either; she has just
gone to stay with Lady Kilruddery a,
Twickenham. till Monday"
Lady Kilruddery? 1 did not know she
was n friend of Henrietta's!''
"She is going to be more than friend. y
said Dorothy, with a CLEAN Of her former
fun in her eyes. ''She told me a wonder
rul tale this morning. She has accepted
Major ST. John"
This is indeed piece of news! I hone
she will be happy. She is a good soul
though little fighty." said Standish
I'VE must arrange something for you,
he said, in an odd, absent man
ner. II shall not go for a month or six
weeks" He paused: Dorothy rose up
a nd went to the window. as If to escape
his eyes.
Though you will not confide in me.
Dorothy" he resumed in a low, earnes:
tone, do you care to hear a confession Of
well, l fear l must call it weakness
from me?"
"Of course do" she said, while nm aw-
eul thought flashed across her. "1s he 60
ing to say he is in love with HenriettaT
She believed he was.
"To you 1 dare say it will seem folly In
II man who has left youth behind him.
continued Standish, grasping the top Of
chair near him with a nervous grip, but
l have fallen, no, rather grown, into love,
deeper and more intense. perhaps, than
many a younger fellow could feel. with n
girl almost young enough to be my daugh-
ter. l see her sweet, sad eyes brighten
when 1 come near, but dare hope it Is
anything beyond the almost flial afec-
tion which might be her natural feelins
for me, that speaks in them? Shall ask
her to be my wife? Is it not possible that I
for kindness, gratitude, PHYS sake, she
might say Yes, when nature might dictate
No? Can I trust her to be true to herself
as well as to meT'
LET me confess, too, before answer,
returned Dorothy, clasping and twisting
her fingers nervously, while her heart best
so fast 1t stirred the folds Of her black
dress. II, too, have been foolish, for J
have let myself fall in love with a MAJ
older, wiser, better-oh, thousand tdmet
better-than myself, and have been verJ
unhappy because was ashamed Of lovina
one who could only think Of me as half
formed Incomplete IDestuee. 70 --eQm