Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-02-27
" "Janice Meredith. >,

heIeuiIn, Haul Leicester + ORD 5 novel
ofthe American Revolution. Copyright,
1899, by Paul Leicester Ford. BY per
mission of the publishers)
The ball had been in full progress for
an hour when masker, who from his en-
trance had stood leaning against the wall,
suddenly left his isolated position and
walked up to one of the ladies.
Conceal your face and figure as you
will, Miss Meredith, you cannot conceal
your grace. Wilt honour me with this
quadrille?"
LA, Sir Frederick! That you should
know me, and never dream it was
you !" exclaimed the girl. as she gave her
hand and let him lead her to where the
figures were being formed. There have
been many guesses among the caps as to
the identity of him who has held himself
so aloof, but not one suggested you.
The disguise makes you look good three
inches taller"
AS they took position feminine dom
ino came boldly across the room to them
Is this the way you keep your word,
Sir William2'' she demanded in a low
voice, made harsh and grating by the fury
it expressed.
You mistake me, madam" answered
the dancer, though would such a rapid
promotion were a possibility"
The interloper made startled step
backward. 81 have watched you for a
quarter hour" she exclaimed as she
turned away, " and would have sworn to
your figure.
Tis wonderful remarked Janice
how deceiving domino can be-"
The dance ended, her partner said:
q Miss Meredith, I have something to say
to you of deepest consequence. Will you
not come away from this crowd?"
''Ah, Sir Frederick, pleaded the girl,
do not recur to it again. Though you
importune me for a day, / could but make
the same reply"
=" Sir Frederick passes his word that he
will not tease you on that subject to-
night; but speak must concerning this
match with Lord Cloves
"Tis in vain, sir, replied Janice; " for
every moment convinces me the more that
must wed him. and 50 you will but make
my duty the harder"
u beg YOU give me word apart, for
have message to you from Colonel
Brereton."
Janice'shand dropped from the officers
arm. What is it?" she asked.
IL. l,,-,, a.,
man. Il pray you to let me order your
equipage and take you away. Another
dance will be beginning on the moment,
and some one will claim you"
The girl raised her hand and once more
placed it on her partners arm taking the
motion as a consent to his wishes, the
officer led her to the doorway.
Call Miss Meredith's chair" he or
dered of the guard grouped about the
outer door, and in moment was able to
hand her into the vehicle
Where to2" he asked. 81 mean
Home !" he cried, in far louder voice,
as if todrown the slip, at the same mo-
ment jumping IN and taking his seat
beside her.
AS he did so the girl shrank away from
him toward her corner of the gig. WHO
are you7' She cried in frightened voice.
''Who should be but John Brereton?' p
Are you mad, cried the girl, to thus
venture within the lines?"
The news which brought me was
enough to make me so, answered Jack.
GsNr,,,, ,o-,,o+ l-,,o,,, 81, ~. 49,,
that You so much as think of marrying
that scum. For years he has been moth
ing but spy and mackerel, willing to do
the dirtiest work, and the scorn of every
decent man in London, as here Are
you. are your father and mother, are your
friends, all Bedlam-crazed that you even
consider it?"
"'Tis as horrible TO me as it is to you
moaned Janice; "but it seems the only
thing possible Oh, Colonel Brereton, if
you but knew our straits-dependent for
all we have, and with a future still more
desperate, te,-you would not blame me for
anything am doing" The girl broke
into sobs as she ended, and turning from
him leaned her head against the leathern
curtain, where she wept. regardless of
the fact that the aide possessed himself of
her hand. and tried to comfort her, until
the chaise drew up at its destination.
Lifting rather than helping her from the
carriage, Jack supported the maiden up
the steps and into the hallway; but nc
sooner were they there than she freed
herself from his supporting arm and ex.
claimed. You must not stay here, Any
instant you might be discovered .
Then take me to a room where we car
be safe for a moment, I shall not leave
you till have said my say"
"Ah, pleasel" begged the girl. Some
one is like to enter even now"
Jacks only reply was to turn to the frs
door and throw it open. Finding that al
was dark within, he caught Miss Mere
dith's fingers, and drew her in after him
saying, as he did so, Here we are safe
and yoa can tell me truly of your Difficult
ties"
| With her hand held in both ofthe aides
Janice began disconnected outpourinS
of the tale of her difficulties iuterr1ixed b.
an an occasional sob. caused quite as mucl
by the officers exclamations of sympath.
as by the misery of her position. Befor,
half of It had been spoken one of tn