Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1899-04-27

make an apology tor my presence wnen rna
lady hall rose from the partly reclining posi-
ton she had assumed and with a gentle
wave Of her hand said;
You are Capt Lounsbury? Come near
er, please. Sit here against the light, that
/ may have look at you. at the same time
indicating a chair near the great window
which was swung open and led 70 small
balcony without.
Her voice was sweet, but even in these
few words ! noticed the affectation Of in
Election 50 common with ladies of fashion,
and her original position, which she imme
diately reeained after thus addressing me,
was a pose pure and simple, doubtless
taken for the purpose OF exposing her tine
arm and the graceful curves OF her small
though equally fine figure.
Madam, | replied, advancing pace or
two II have not the honor OF knowing you
as well a. you seem to know me BY what
name
AIRS. Florence Badeiy, she interrupted,
with smile which discovered her small,
white teeth, and accentuated the rather
infantiIe prettness Of her face. Il have
taken the liberty OF asking to see you ere
you met Sir Henry. \ woman is better
Judge Of IAN .a'A enc Of his own sex.
~ ! ti41 present case to what end,
4A
chair to which she had motioned me.
For an answer She slowly raised ispair of
dou5le-bowed gold eyeglasses, deliberately
and silently scanning me from head to foot.
Wen she broke forth irrelevantly. 4
protest, Capt Lounsbury, \ on are almost
a gentleman, Were your face but less red
and your figure less gigantic, IN proper
costume you would not be amiss. Your leg
Is none too delicate, but you have fine
teeth and eyes, and your hair also is ex
cellent | am quite provoked. Sir Henry
has deceived me, though it is now perhaps
just as well that you are not ill-fayored.
Are you So hard-hearted, Capt. Lounsbury!
You scarce look kidnaper.
Her reference to kidnapping brought me
sharply back to the role OF Lounsbury,
whose papers had shown kidnapping to have
been one Of his accomplishments. Under
the sharp eye of this lady, whom | now
knew to be Clinton reported light-o'-love,
it would not do for me to make slip.
That in some manner she had to do with
my coming secret instructions | instantly
surmised but the conjecture on my part
could clear the mystery OF the nature OF this
interest Deeming it policy to refrain from
discussing the matter / simply said:
Madam, my leg is not exactly that Of
dancing master, nor has my figure the grace
OF courtier, but they are the gifts OF
God. and have seen service in this bron
against the king. As for the small compli-
ments, | am your debtor.
Now, really, Capt. LounsbuIy, you have
quite a neat gift at retort also. But she
cot no further, as at that instant door
concealed by heavy hangings was suddenly
thrown open, letting in a burst OF noisy
laughter from what might have been dozen
: III. how lad
with the cinking of glasses and gathering
of coin. The door then shut, and was evil
IDENTIFY securely fastened, as | heard the
turn of a key and the shooting OF bolt;
the curtains We're pushed aside, and there
entered man, who by his uniform alone
| knew TO be the commander in chief OF the
British forces in America.
Sir Henry gave me but passing glance
as | rose to my feet He stepped forward,
and taking the hand of the lady, who
barely shifted her position to greet him,
bowed low over it, repeatedly kissing the
finger tips
The broad light from the window fell full
upon him, showing him to be man OF but
medium height, though stout and pale OF
face. His eyes were dark, his nose long
and slightly dished at the bridge. The
mouth was sensual, and bespoke his char
acter at a glance, though his face was by no
means coarse or weak. His brow was not
broad. but it was smooth and open, and his
brown hair, greatly pulled about his ears,
was tied into a queue behind and profusely
powdered
But he was not a striking figure despite the
gorgeous uniform OF scarlet and gold
adorned with the waistcoat ribbon and brill
liant star of his knightlv order. Something
there was about him which impressed me
with the httleness OF his nature, and there
was a Turk in his side glances wholly in
compatible with an honest, fearless spirit.
Undoubtedly he was man proud OF his
rank and power-a man much given to self
communion and silence. His official stand
ing was indicated by the single heavy epau-
let adjoining his right shoulder. His sword,
with its belt wrapped about it, he carried in
his hand.
Il declare, madam" he said, as he