Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1899-06-17

season, NiscOunt WynmOre, had been tax
en- In the net Of mere schoolgirl, who had
not even aimed at conquest, who had not
yet been introduced into society.
CHAPTER xl.
The day had come when Mr.. Richard
Charlford was to return. Everybody at
the Court was In state Of unusual ex-
citement-even Caroline seemed to be par
TALLY reused from her indifference. The
news Of the week had startled servants,
friends and neighbors--Mr. Charlford was
expected home Immediately. and his young
daughter Mabel was engaged to be mar.
ried to viscount Wynmorc.
There was no need to announce the en-.
gagcment, for 1t was done by rumor In an
incredibly short time, so that long before
Mabels father actually arrived everyone,
from highest to lowest, was whispering
that ut would be splendid match"
And yet Mabel had refusedto allow the
betrothal ring to be placed on her finger
until she had seen her father and received
an explanation Of the hidden mystery. But
he would soon be here now. The carriage.
with Uncle John, had driven to the station
to meet him. Dick had offered to 90, too.
but Uncle John had negatived It.
They went out. The carriage was quite
near now, and Mr.. Charlford could be dis
tinguished waving bis handkerchief In tok.
en- Of greeting.
II never remember him doing that be.
FORE" said Dick aside to Nab.
Nab clasped one of her fathers hands
and shivcred. How was It that she al
ways felt the same strange unnatural re-
pugnance to meet her father after any Of
bis absences?
Nor did Dick and Caroline attempt 10
disguise from themselves that they dread.
ed this homecoming Of their fathers. All
the same. they must greet him with some
show Of affection, and hide their repug.
nance ~ best they might.
The carriage drew up. Mr.. Charlford
jumped out, and at once went up to bis
youngest daughter. bent down and kissed
her forehead.
"Uncie Johns telegram brought me
great news" he said, smiling. my darl.
Ing Mabel. let me wish you oil manner Of
happiness! Lord Wynmore will see me
tomorrow, but Of course It IL virtually
settled now. You are q very fortunate
girl. my dear. and we shall all be very
proud Of you"
"Thank you, father" she replied, almost
inaudibly, though she tried to assume a
rcsolute air; but do not know yet IL l
may accept such happiness"
mot accept It" exclaimed her father,
with smile. 'Oh. you mean that you are
too young just at present! True-it will
be quite time enough to marry when you
are eighteen; and indeed should not lot
you think Of II before"
II did not mean that. father" she muir.
INJURED, depressing q shudder; but he had
turned aside to say "H0w do you dot" In
a more formal fashion to his son and to bis
eldest daughter; and soon, owing to Caro-.
lines talent for keeping up some sort of
conversation, which she could always do
on necessity, and also to Dicks forcing
himself to ask his father questions about
bis journey and about Frankfort, Mabel
had time partially to recover herself. Hap
PLY for her, the bell shortly afterward
rang for dinner. and she escaped to her
own room.
The tedious evening at length wore
away, and Nab found herself exchanging
riedly nerving herself. she added. tremu.
lously-
"Fathcr, you will let me speak to you
early tomorrow. won't yOu--Dick aud
meY
Certainly. my dear" he answered. q
little stiffiy-''certainly; but what has
Dick to do with itT
almost as much az l." she replied, with
difficulty restraining her tears.
"Well, ! do not understand 1t, confess,
my dear; but of course Dick may say any
thing he pleases and hear anything we
say. So goodnight. and pleasant dreams
Ut the Manor"
"Oh. father. do not talk of that YETI
she cried. as IL struck with some sudden
fear.
Mr.. John Charlford, seemingly engross
cd with a book at the other end OF the
room. pretended not to hear this, while
Caroline had retired few minutes before
II told you he would be completely al
tered toward you, Nab" whispered Dick
as he and she went upstairs together. He
IL almost civil to me-"
"Ah, Dick" faltered Nah. allowing her
tears to fall. II feel as II ! should never
marry Neville"
Don't say that" rejoined her brother
quickly; aud In the very haste Of his re-
ply she saw that he had fears which hs
could not lightly put aside.
1t was fair summer night, with sweet
odOrs In the air and delightful tempera
ture. Nab passed the hours, mostly wax
ing. by her window; the silence and thu
aspect OF the night soothed her.
But soon the morning glory irradiated
the earth; q new day had begun, aud with
It Mab's anxleties returned with force
which was overwhelming, for that day
would decide whether she dared wed Ne
villa mr. NOT.