Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-03

must be prepared for an impudent
claim, and we must be ready with n
prompt denial. Let us court public
ity."
This was clearly the best advice pos
eblc. We were left unmolested all
the afternoon, though the captain made
me stay as kind of garrison in case
of any attempt at abduction being
made. 49,
In the evening Molly in her chair and
dressed in her flncry was carried to the
gardens. while the captain. the vicar
and myself formed bodyguard.
We arrived after the dancing had be-
gun. Lady Anastasia was looking on,
hut her court of ladies and young men
for some reason seemed to have melt
ed away. She stood almost alone, save
for the support of the old beau Sir Har.
~. The colonel was also with her, and
the Rev. Benjamin Purden stood be-
hind her.
The music was in the gallery at the
end Of tho long room. The dancing was
carried on in the middle. Lady .Anas-
tCt AT " uS St.ii'iliE VIZ VIC 1T Va Ni'
gallery. most of the company on the
left. Molly, with the captain and fol-
lowed by the vicar and myself, turned
to the left.
On her entrance all eyes were fixed
upon the newly made countess. She
had come without her lord! Was this
part of the secret-a secret known to
all the world-or was his lordship. be-
fore the whole company. about to lead
his bride to the first place. as became
her newly acquired rank? Some OF The
ladies regarded her with looks Of ha-
trCd, the SUCCESSORS of the looks Of
sccrn with which they had first wei
coined her. Most of them, however,
were kindly. \ tale of love always
meets With q friendly reception. Not
woman in the place but would lave
taken hor place with JOY unmcasurcd.
As 70 other woman could. they were
ready 20 accept their fate and to make
friends with tie successful and the
fortunate winner Of 50 great a prize.
1t was n great prize, indeed, II they
only knew.
The mnuots were over and the coun.
try dance was about to begin when
Lord FylinGda!o arrived, followed, as
usual by his secretary. He stood at
tAc deer; he looked around. Then,
with the celia pride which mover failed
him. he stepped across the room and
bowed low to Molly "Madam." he
said, with your permission. we will
dance this country dance together be-
fore take you away with me"
My lord" replied Molly aloud so
that the whole company heard and
trcmblcd. 81 SHALL not dance with you
this evening nor on any other even
ing
"Shc Will never again dance with
you, my lord. Nor Will she hold any
discourse with you. No-D i'll she will
ingy admit You to her presence" II
was tho vicar who spoke, because thc
man and til" occasion proved too muci
for the good old captain, who coulc
only roll thundcrously between his
teeth things more fitted for the qrcll
Ing Of Il mutiny than for dealing Will
such "A man rs his lordship
pray, sir" said Lord Fylingdalc
stepping back, "whnt is the meaning
of this: Pray madam"-hc turned It
Molly-"what is the meaning of thi,
sudden chanscE Captain Crowlc, hay,
or nave not the right to claim my
wife,"
The vicar stepped forward and con
frontcd him. His tail, thin figure, hi,
long casSock. his thin and aSrrlic face
conrastcd with the ovrrhauGhtin"s,
of his adversary.
My lord" he asked, Glow long ha'
this lady been your wife"
1--WE were married." he said, eat
O'Clock his morning by the Roy. Mr.
benjamin Purdcn, who is here to hca,
witness to the fact. The wedding wa,
private at my request, because, rs yol
mny perhaps believe. was not AuX
ious to join in the wedding feast witt
a company Of Doors, pumpkins an,
sailors"
Ladies' and gentlemen" the vical
raised his voice and by a gesture 81
fenced the orchestra Il have to In!
before yea conspiracy which hr
lirvc is unparalleled in any history
You are aw"rc that Lord Tyliugdalc
who stands before Yen. cam" t. tn,
spa "A few weeks ago for purposes bcS
known to himself. You will also doubt
less remember that certain person.
who arrived before him were loud il
his praises, lie was said 10y them t,
be II model of all the virtues. | viii
not repeat the things that were said"
al! This" said Lord Fylingdalc, IL
beside the mark. | come to claim m,
wife,
Among those who accepted thrs,
statements for gospel was captain
CrOWlc, the guardian of the young lad,
beside me. 1t was to him n great hon
or 10 I've admitted to converse with :,
distinguished a nobleman and to h,
permitted 10 consult with him ms to tn,
affairs Of his ward. He even informc,
his lordship Of the extent Of the lady
fortune, which is far greater than wa
generally understood. Thercupon hi
lordship began to pay attention of ;
marked character. You have all. | be
licvc, remarked these attentions. Thci
came the attempted abduction and th
lady's rescue by Lord FylingdalC, Aft
cr this he formally offered his hant
and his rank TO the lady. The homo
oil Ia ~,