The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-01-18


L, because | mean to stav in Rriar.
Still get all want. Everything is
y tempting and desirable here"
a there was that in his tone which
n de Cissie's cheeks glow with an en-.
Anting color
fercy Clinton paid a remarkable num-
Der OF visits to the Melvilles after that
and nowhere could he have found a
more cordial welcome. He had ALWAYS
something fresh and amusing to report
ABOUT his unavailng efforts to penctrate
the hermlts retreat, and as day after day
went by, and he drew no nearer to tbe
accomplishment of his design, both the
rector and his niece-the former openlv.
the latter Sscretly-began to entertain the
nope that he would be Obliged to stay
with them throughout the summer.
lie brings breath of London into the
place." said the rector, who was n cock
ney at heart, "and the longer old VIII
Hams delays the interview the better I
shall be pleased"
One beautiful morning in August how
ever, the captain came into the garden
ana sat down beside Cissie. lie seemed
strangely excited, and the girls heart
gave throb of apprehension as she look
ed at him.
You have seen old Williams?" she
said, as carelessly as she could, though
she fervently hoped his answer would he
No"
Il have" he replied, with nervous lit
tie laugh. BY climbing the wall and
dropping into the garden | managed Ia
catch him unawares, and when he saw
there was no possible escape for him he
held out his hand and said he was de.
lighted to see me. Did you ever know
such barefaced hypocrisy? After Id
spent the best part of the summer in
hunting him too,'
think 1t was very nice of the old
man." said Cissie, wishing he would tell
his news without beating about the bush.
Was he so scrupulously polite all the
time?"
almost too much So" responded Percy
gloomily. If he had stormcd about
the place and torn his hair | think |
could have bargained with him better,
but he was so suave that my own cour-
tesies sounded blunt and stiff. In short,
he refused to let me have the manor"
what a shamew cried Cissie, with a
Hash of girlish petulance, which gave an
added loneliness to her oval face. There
ought to be law made to protect suciI
beautiful old houses from the eccentrici.
ties of landlords. 1t is falling to pieces
with neglect and yet he will not let you
have it. How miserably mean"
1he man was rcjoiced to hear her
speaking so vehemently and straightway
took his courage in both hands.
There is just one hope for me, Miss
Melville" said he, leaning forward in his
chair and lowering his voice a little, but
l fear 1t is rather forhrn one. Old
Williams objects to me because | am a
bachelor. If | will agree to marry and
promise TO give no noisy parties, he will
sell me the house"
Some of the color left Cissic's cheeks.
apd all unconsojously she grppcd the lace
that nuttered above her palpitRting hos.
ON.
ut should not be hard to fulfill con
dition like that" she said trying to
smooth 4 tclltale eatca out of her voice.
Noisy parties are not fashionable in
BriTdale, and men can always get mar
ried."
80 they can" he responded earnestly,
but not always to the women they most
desire. ! am ambitious, Miss Melville,
and want 10 mtry the sweetest. lowell
est and kndest little girl in all'tIe world.
If she will not have me, shall remain a
bachelor for the rest of my life"
And the manor will be doomed" said
Cissc in hurried undertone.
Exactly he replied, httinc his hand
fall plcadingly on hers, unless you will
it otherwise, Miss Melville"
There was no installing his tender
meaning now. Though his words were
hoarsc and broken, CisSie could feel his
fingers trembling as they touched hers,
and the color returned to her face in a
joyous stream.
ut is Il beautiful house, Cissic," he
went on, ready at the lightest sign te
clasp her in his arms. Don't let it 20 to
rack and ruin when one little word will
save it. Speak, darling"
She looked up at him with a happy,
dimpling smile.
IF the manor depends on me, Percy, il
will not be desolate long" she murmured.
81 love the dear old place. and | love its
future owner too"' - Chicago Times.
Herald.