The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-11-12
CHAPTER Ix-Continued.


II Lea Hedges should accept him, the
captain had a hurriedly matured plan.
which in due season would take him
away from his companions and permit
him to be near his idol at all times.
He was fortunate in finding Lea
alone, and che, having Just returned
from o horseback ride, was looking
more beautiful than ever. II that were
possible.
Captain Fox, like all men of strong
impulses and great executive ability,
came directly to the point, yet he ap-
preached the subject of his love In such
o way as not to shock her by the sud-
denness Of his declaration.
Under such circumstances, since the
very first hour when English civilization
required that the young lady's affec-
tons were as essential as the consent
of the parents, 1t had been the nearly
invariable habit of the fair one to con-
fess surprise, and to VOW that the honor
done was wholly unexpected. This is
always the case where the young lady
has made up her mind to say mo-" and
she usually says 1t in q way to plaster
the wound she Is making.
No woman can look with other than
sympathy on the eligible man whose offer
OF marriage she refuses.
But Lea Hedges, while not rude in
her refusal, was certainly brusque.
Il must believe what you say, Cap
tain Fox, and / presume l should feel
honored by your offer. certainly should
be unworthy the esteem of any true man
II trifled with his feelings. While
treating you with the courtesy due an
officer in the service OF our gracious
lady the Queen, have done nothing
that you could construe into any en-
couragement of the suit which I must
decline"
But why-why do you refuse me?" he
asked, the sanguine hue Of his checks
turning to purple.
IF you cannot guess I cannot ex-
plain" she replied. with dignity that
chilled him.
1T means that you love some one
else."
"why should it2 But that you may
be undeceived on that point, let me as
sure you that you are the first man that
ever spoke to me Of love and marriage.
You should remember that have
known you but short time, and that,
no matter how favorable the impression
Eou may have made among us 80 far is,
% common prudence would forbid my
pledging what have not-love-to o
man whom did not know two weeks
ago."
you are right, Miss Hedges. and
am to blame, said the captain, his old
manner coming back. But you must
excuse me in the light Of these facts. A
letter. just received by post from the
Governor OF New York, orders me to
that city. 1t is possible may be sent
to fight pirate, one Captain Kidd, who
is now reported destroying our COM
merce In the West Indies. / sail to-
morrow night or early next morning,
and wanted to take With me one men,
DRY to sustain me amid the perils and
dreariness of my cruise--a tie that
would draw me back here"
where you and your officers" replied
Lea, will always find hearty welcome
awaiting YOU"
Thanks for your words; they do not
leave me hopeless, said the captain, his
eyes taking on their old expression OF
reckless vivacity.
He adroitly changed the topic, and
after talking for nearly an hour. without
once going back to the subject with
which he first started, he loft, promising
to see her again before he took his de-
parture.
Although Lea Hodges bore herself 30
calmly and bravely in the presence Of
her sailor sutton, she did not retain her
fine self-possession and excellent spir-
Its after he left her.
She went to her own room, and after
changing her riding dress she threw
herself on the bed, and, burying her
face In her hands. so remained till hor
mother came to call her to supper.
Like the dutiful daughter she was,
Lea made up her mind to tell her par
ents OF Capt. Fox's offer that night;
and she might have done it at the sup
per table had not Valentine Dayton and
Ellen Condit been there.
She did tell them that Captain Fox
had received an order by courier, from
tho Governor Of the province, command
ing him to take his ship to New York.
And then Lieut.. Dayton told her that
Ralph Denham had received an order
from the same authority to report In
person, and that he would start to-
morrow or next day.
But he does not take the ship"
asked Lea, eagerly.
NO, he leaves US oil here, replied
Valentine.
But Ralph will return again?" said
Lea, the expression on her beautiful
face telling her anxiety in the answer.
Il suppose so," said Valentine, who
was much devoted to his friend and
commander, afor without Capt. Denham
the Sea Hawk is very ordinary ship,
indeed.
and with him?" queried Ellen, who
was very fond OF her adopted brother.
And with him she is the best ship OF
her tonnage afioat.
In the midst of the conversation, and
much to the delight Of the Doctor and
Mrs. Hedges, 10th of whom loved Ralph
Denham as dearly as they did their
nephew, Valentine Dayton, the gentle-
man under discussion was announces
and entered the room
Ralph confirmed the report Of his de-
parture, said he hoped to be back very
soon, and then asked Lea IL she would
take walk with him along the shore.
1t was not unusual for the Captain u
esk the same question, to which she in-
variably gave an affirmative reply; but
as he asked it now there was that In his
manner which she had never noticed be-
fore. And, though Ralph Denham was
SO entirely different man from Cap
tain Fox, there was something about
him at the moment that reminded her Of
the latter when he was about to make
his startling, unexpected proposal
She put on her hat and light cloak.