The stayer. (Canyon City, Tex.) 1896-1903, 1901-11-21

lation, and ever after met his calm cour-
tesy with an equally reserved defer
ence. The abnormal situation. which
at first was maintained only by an eff
fort on the part of the young girl, lost
with time much of its strangeness, and
ultimately crystallized Under the po-
tent force of habit. so that it was &C.
cepted by the two as the natural out
come of their relationship.
In the first pang of her bereavement
and disappointment Agnes had turned
for consolation to her books; and, be-
ing left free to dispose OF her life as
she saw fit. she had planned n course
of study. which had in due time re-
ceived it's conservation at one OF the
leading colleges for women.
Upon her return from college she
had, as far as she was permitted, taken
charge o. her fathers household, and
had pro- ided with charming dignity
and grace over the social functions for
which DIR. Murdock's house now be-
came famous. Up to the time OF his
daughters advent the chemists rela-
lions with the world had been chiefly
through the clubs and scientific bodies
to which he belonged. He was well re-
ceived in the homes of the members of
New York society; but in the absence
of woman'to do the honors of his own
home he was unable to return the hos
pitality which he enjoyed. Now. how
ever. everything was changed. Agnes
was glad tn find an outlet for her en-
orgies in the task Of receiving her IA
theirs guests, and, being girl of re-
markable intelligence and tact, she sue
ceedd in creating salon, in the best
sense of the word. Many of the shin
ing lights of the world of art, litera-
ture, science and fashion were among
the regular devotees at the shrine OF
this superb young goddess.
Among the younger men more than
one gay moth, dazzled by the light OF
the girls beautiful eyes, had been
tempted to hover near the flame, only
to scorch his wings. Miss Murdoch
had already refused several OF the
best matches" of the city during her
two seasons, much to the relief Of
those young men who had not yet sum-
Inoned up courage enough to try their
fate, and much to the disgust of few
nmiable young women and several de-
signing mammas. The latter could not
help but dcprecate the wicked selfish
ness of young girl who Hypothetical
and thus rendered temporarily un-
available much potential matrimonial
stock, which, in the nature OF things,
would ultimately be thrown back on
the market upon the selection by the
fair one of that single bond to whose
exclusive possession she was limited
by the laws of church and state.
The fact of the matter was, that
Agnes Murdock's ideal of life was high.
She was determined, If she ever en-
barked upon matrimonial venture,
to do so only with a reasonably good
prospect of finding in the welded state
n satisfactory outlet for the depths OF
affection which had remained so long
unapplied in her tender maiden heart.
No one among the young men who
had sought her hand had seemed
worthy of the great love she was ready
to bestow. She was, therefore, still
awaiting her fate.
You wished to see me, sir?" the
young girl gently insinuated.
Yes" said Murdoch, with great de-
II wished to speak to you
about"
He watched her face intently, as II to
read the effect which his words would
produce. The light in his eyes was
almost tender; but Agnes was not
skilled in reading their scarcely per-