The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-02-24


DR.. Northcote, too, make welcome az
my dear fathers lifetime friend"
She extended her hand in gracious
welcome to the two men. Toward Whit.
ney she glanced in perplexity and bow
cd coldly. She could not extend wei.
come to the man who had ruined her
lover
Whitney himself precipitated the
finale to scene that was trying the
nerves of the strongest man among them.
Perhaps, Dr. Northoote, as the life
time friend of Miss-of this young lady
OR of her--of the late Colonel Merri-
man Bascom, you can best make clear
to her tho object of this visit. I am
sure she will grant you a private in
terview."
Northcote blanched to the lips, but
resolutely stepped forward to comply.
Jessica was looking at him with dis
tressed bewilderment in her beautiful
Dyes.
us anything new about my father?"
at is nothing new about our dear
friend. My child, must see you alone.
Will you come with me into the colo
nel's study?'
Belknap stepped to her side.
"One moment, DR.. Northcote, if you
please. ask to be present at this inter
view. Miss Bascom has just become my
affianced wife, and if there is anything
agitating in store for her I claim the
right to share it with be,. Permit me
first, however, aword with this gentle
man."
He turned face livid with rage aud
hate upon Dennis Whitney.
"Your presence here is still unac-
counted for, sir. If you have any bust
ness with me connected with our not
able transaction, I will meet you at
Belhaven. If, as Colonel Bascom' for
mer overseer, you have any claims upon
his estate, they can be settled without
your personal intrusion upon his family.
J. am not overstcpping my privileges as
Miss Bascom's prospective husband in
requesting your instant departure.
1t had always been characteristic of
Whitney-and the trait had been cult
waited during his career as a professional
gambler-that The wrath of foe filled
him with an intense satisfaction result
ing in profound outward calmness.
But for the reddening of the scar over
his brow now no one would have sus-
pected the fury that was consuming
him.
He smiled insolently into Belknap's
face and deliberately lighted cigar be-
fore answering him. The old evangelist
glanced anxiously over his shoulder and
thanked God silently that Northcote had
withdrawn Jessica. Belknap stood be.
fore his foe, trembling with rage and
with physical weakness. Drawing in
his breath several times to make sure
that his cigar was in good working or.
der Whitney finally made answer:
my score with you, young man, or,
more accurately, with your father, was
settled effeCtually some time ago. As
for any claims may hive upon the
late Colonel Bascom's family, refer
you to the Rev. Mr.. Hayden, to whom
permit me 10 present you. |
Indicating the gentle pilgrim by
graceful wave of his hand, he turned
and walked slowly to the other end Of
the long gallery.
CHAPTER XIX.
Wondering, but silent, Jcssica led tho
way to the colonel's study. 1t was a
room seldom used now. She came there
herself every Sunday morning to wind
up the old eight Gay clock which had
bsen ticking time into eternity for more
than half g century.
AS she opened the door the odor of
rose leaves and spices oommiugled was
waited toward them. Upon the colonel's
writing table-which used to be the de-
spair of the order loving Oscar-stood
4 great blue jar of foreign aspect, with
sprays Of white hawthorn flowers
;prawling all over its surface.
Walking over to the table, ,Jessica
Tipped one hand into the blue jar, STIR
ing its aromatic contents into moro ac-
i've pungency. Dr. Northcote stood on
he other side Of the table, drawing off
lis gloves in nervous, jerky fashion.
The looked at him with humid eyes.
Father loved his roses so dearly.
We keep this jar full of petals from his
avorite bushes" Then she laughed
1ost unexpectedly.
There was strange flippancy about
his untimely merriment which seemed
D jar on her own nerves. She offered
n apology, which was scarcely less flip
ant than the laugh.
EXCUSE me, doctor, but you look ex.
city as if you were getting ready to
'p off leg or an arm. I cannot con-
eive Of anything you may have to tell
le that would warrant such tremendous
ravity. I suppose, though, we are all
eyed up to tragic pitch, and all our
olehills are mountains.
As he made no response to this she ,
cyan to fear she had angered him seri-
lsly. ,
Pray excuse my silly laugh. It was ,
mere hysterical outburst. l have had ,
UGH to try my nerves lately. Whatev-
youA SAtauuJ VI ueU iH6 " Hle6U IL CUR ! I
ously. I imagine you have come to !
ke my aunt away again. You may ,
I'VE the legal right, but I should be i
rry to see you exercise ii" ,
Only too glad Of respite, Northcote
swered inconsequently: {
"Tell me about her. It was only !
rough the reverend old man who s
ught nights shelter from me that l
ard Of her being alive and with you. q
you know. I have been with the reg O
tent as surgeon, coming home only re- v
ntly for a short furlough. Mrs. North. v
to has been with her family in Flori-
, and SO wo have heard but little Of d
'plegate happenings. ! should like to "
We more circumstantial account Of |,
ur aunt's welfare" "
He seated himself in the colonels re- n
living chair, but Jessica remained ii
nding, restlessly occupied with the v
10 jar. d
Il take it for granted" she said, n,
hat my gentle pilgrim has told you
} first part Of the story-of how I Il
md old Savanna hiding her nursing b,
il there were no friends left in the ri
rid to my poor auntp' a,
YES yes; have heard that part. It NJ