Waterbury Democrat., 1902-08-27

NY
TIA! | cried. This is the doing of
Sir Charles Anthony
Truly I think so, said she, ssand
think also that I shall have no peace
from him till some brave man removes
him from this world And with this
she looked at me with broad signifi-
canoe in her gaze.
Gas for the rest she went on, ST
am Eleanor Fairfax, now grown to
woman's full estate, as you may see.
That / am here, have to thank Sir
Francis Beauclerc."
stood silent in surprise, hardly able
was the girl with whom ] had been
brought up in Devonshire.
s'Not Sir but plain Francis Beau
clerc," said, at length.
"Tut!" she answered, as one who
brings good news, you are behind the
times. Your worthy and loving BROTH
er is dead these seven days, and even
now a messenger searches for you to
wish you joy
would have poured upon her
flood of questions, but here her eye
fell upon broad red smudge upon my
coat. In vain did I make light of the
cut upon my shoulder, though in faith
twas shrewd wound and letting out
more blood than I liked; she would
have my coat off instanter. and then
with my dagger she cut open my shirt
and very delicately bound up the
wound with kerchief and scarf, be-
moaning herself the while that she
was the cause of it, and pouring out
thanks for her rescue, and praise of
my sword play till felt myself flush
ing like schoolboy. Indeed, so ten
der was the touch of her slim, soft i'm
gers, SO sweet the perfume of her,
and SO enhancing the sound of her
slow, clear voice that would willingly
have had a dozen wounds for her to
dress.
And then was enacted anew the
story which no mans lips are weary
uttering, and of which no woman's ear
shall tire. We sat down upon the
steps that led to the door to wait for
the morning light and sooth to tell |
made hot love and she, at first protest.
ing and shy of listening, came by de-
grees to hearken, and presently, as it
grew chill, II put my coat upon her
shoulders. and with my arm about her
drew her close, the while / whispered
in her ear.
And then, all of sudden, our love
dreams were shattered in an instant.
For there was a crash as the street
door was battered down, and in
| poured press of men with torches,
/ Sir Anthony at their head, crying:
Rescue for Mistress Eleanor Fairfax!
I Death to her abductor!" And even as
they came on the door above us
| opened and down the steps came
! armed house servants. also with
torches and lanterns. And then when
all paused an instant to see what was
coming next, the girl at my side broke
out into hysterical laughter.
"To think" she cried. that I have
fed for refuge to mine own house and
4 knew it not Il For it was even so, and
| the house servants clustered about
her with hearty welcome and con-
graduation, while Sir Charles and his
men stood astonished and hesitating.
Then~came mygturn
/ "Sir Charles Anthony" said, fling
i ing my, glove in his face. II denounce
| you as the abductor of this maid, my
childhood's playmate and the lady Of
my love. On guard"
i Before the words were out of my
mouth he lunged straight at my heart
and had I not been as quick, he had
| caught me unaware. Butt was as
quick as he, and in another instant oul
blades were clashing in the deadly
music of steel upon steel. Nor was
the issue long in doubt. With her eye:
upon me I was as one inspired, and il
moment more my point drank deep
ly at his heart, and he fell face dow1
on the stone tagging with clatter.
And then, before them all, Mistres!
Eleanor Fairfax put her white arms
about my neck and lifted her lips fol
her first kiss.