Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-01

 seemed almost tocarry menace. The tolonels perception was Keen. and he fell to wondering and drawing hasty de- auctions.
 "You are always welcome at Carn- tain's things. What will you drink, sir?"
 Wrinkle waved the servant away, and stood watching him till he had gone, then he leaned on the back of a chair.
 ''I called to see you in regard 10 your daughter" he said, still coldly. "I hope you will pardon the informality of my visit, colonel"
 'I must admit that I suspected that you might wish to speak of her-of EveIyn," answered the old man, now treasured as to Wrinkles intentions.
 Capt. Wrinkle started. IL had flashed upon him that he was being misunder- stood, and yet there was a dogged something in his eyes which seemed to say that a little thing like temporary rstanding-even in so delicate a matter-would amount to nothing IS an offset against the humiliation Evelyn's conduct had brought him. Nasty reflection on this line made him Unusually blunt of speech.
 ''Yes, want to talk to you about her, but not in the way you perhaps an- lcipate, Col. Hasbrooke," said the cap- tain, almost patronizingly. II felt it my duty as a personal friend of yours to come directly to you"
 ''It must be proposal, after all, thought the old gentleman, whose face was divesting itself of it's look of per plexity, ''the fellow is badly rattled." aIe waved his hand towards the cap tain's chair ard sat down himself. Wrinkle took his seat and crossed his tightly clad legs, his spurs jingling as he moved.
 "That's right, Capt. Winkle," went on the older man, that's always best; l like the old way-a father has the big gest interest in a daughter after all has been said'
 Wrinkles attention seemed not to fasten to this last remark.
 May I ask if Miss Evelyn is at home?" he asked, introductively.
 Hasbrooke could not restrain a smile. He told himself that he had never dreamt that Winkle would be knocked off his feet by such formality, and yet it showed that the fellow was hard hit, and that was what he ought to be.
 T don't l1now,' replied he, "but," he added, "of course she is; she is never out so late as this alone, and she went for a drive shortly after dinner. Shall I send up your card?" The colonel reached out for the old-fashioned tas- seled bell-puu.
 q should like to know if she is at home, for sure,' said Winkle; tiff she is, there can be no immediate dan ger--though I feel certain-''
 Danger" calculated the colonel, "what the devil do you mean, sir?''
 Colonel, you may regard me as med ding where have no right, but fatter myself that you cannot fail to appre- ciate thing done purely in your inter- est, and under a sense of duty. The truth is, saw Miss Evelyn in the cart with Ronald Fanshaw driving rapidly away from the scene of the shooting. They were going towards the railroad station. l have hesitated for three hours over what ought to do, and at last-'
 The colonel stepped towards him, and raised his two hands as if 10 clutch the speakers throat, but he restrained his fury and stood staring in Wrinkles face.
 'What damnable nonsense is this ?" he thundered.
 II have known for some time, colo- nel," answered Wrinkle, calmly, "that she was falling in love with this fellow; but I could not feel that had the right to speak,
 Hasbrooke was as pale as death, and he shook from head to foot as a man with palsy. He put his hands behind him and held them tightly one in the other.
 You have made a serious, culpable mistake, sir,' he said. 'I don't believe my daughter has even a speaking ac- quaintance with Fanshaw-if she has that-and as to your extravagant state- ment that you saw her." T am your friend, Col. Hasbrooke," protested the younger man, quickly, and l do not want to leave your house until am assured that your daughter is safe under your roof. Every minute we are talking here may be valuable to you. Let me beg of you to ascertain if i she is at home.''
 "You shall have your wish, sir" The old mans step across the room to the bell-puil was majestic. As he drew the s1lken cord toward him he smiled. You shall certainly have your proof" l he said, and then"-the old soldier | looked significantly at the door and 1 bowed. James entered softly and stood wait | ing. Ask Evelyn-say to her." corrected the colonel, "that should like te see @A@mr..zzMA&n 2