Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1902-11-12

head high.
She answered this with a low laugh
and question that made my cheeks
burn.
what has made you suddenly de-
sire to turn soldierT
The girl seemed to read my past life
like an open book, but one fact she had
not read, nor did | intend she should
Still there was no reason why might
not tell her part of the truth
"My father" | said, "has rather
quick temper. People say that have
inherited somewhat Of it. We disagreed
on a small matter"
Your speech is brief and to the
point" said my companion. "And now,
principally believe because you have
not asked me, will tell you why am
riding alone to Adgate. My father has
rather a quick temper. People say
that | have inherited somewhat Of 1t.
We disagreed on small matter"
And then In a fash | saw it ALL why
she was on the road. Truly there never
was such trick of fate as that we
should meet OH this night.
at seems that few mad words have
cost us both our homes" | said.
my quarrel was more than a few
mad words" she cried angrily. HE
would have married me to q churl-a
clerk, Il scribbler!"
| bit my lip at that and said nothing.
| knew well enough to whom he would
have married her
"a CLERK" she continued, with no
more spirit than a leveret, one who
loves book better than sword 'Tis
said he does needlework like the maids
Of the house, and l can well believe
It."
1t Is easy for idle tongues to invent
lies when a man does not follow the
fashion Of his age. | had killed too
little and read too much.
Hast ever heard of Sir Francis Bay
ard?' she asked, suddenly changing
her tone
YES" | answered "often"
81 am his daughter" she said brief |
ly.
l already knew that well enough, |
but she seemed to expect some sur
prise, so drew in my breath quickly
and gave n low exclamation. 1t suf- !
feed, and she continued:
Il am his daughter, and we have
quarreled because | would not marry
a churl" She seemed to have a spe
cial relish for that title
81 have left his house, and go back |
shall not l have an uncle in Aldgate,
but in truth he can do little for me-
My father will scour the country, and
this uncle is no man to hold out against
Sir Francis Bayard. l doubt much"
and this she said in low voice, which
seemed to invite contradiction, IF
there be any man in all the country
round who for my sake would brave
my father"
No gentleman could listen unmOyed
10 such a challenge from such a WON
IN.
Il have little beside my sword to Of
Ter you," said, "but, believe me, that
shall ever be at your service"
| know not Just when the change
,ame, but at that moment meant ev-
Try word | said.
at is a brave sword" said Mistress
3ayard and then, after moment, con-
inued, 81 have brought with me jew {
is of considerable value, enough to {
aise a company of men to take with +.
'ou to the low countries" She paused,
Waiting for me to speak.
l knew not whether to be angry or
o laugh at her Mistress Mary Bay '
I'd rather than marry Henry Sheldon t
vas ready to throw herself into the :
rms of a nameless adventurer; but, i
hen, was the nameless adventurer. v
"YOu have not asked my name," i >
aid.
81 have heard your voice, | have y
aught few glimpses of your face, y
nd have seen you fight; but, in truth, u
would know your name" c
The moon had come out bright and p
ull by now. / threw Edward across q
er path and, dofling my hat, said: "
Mistress Bayard, am Henry Shell O.
on" .,
She half rose in her stirrups, and the
DIOR rushed into her face, but her eyes '
id not fall before mine. We were long q
D, looking into each others eyes. ~"
Il ieL 20 ~ !
ne said finally. II
AT least the disinclination was mu-
lal." l.
81 knew Of you only through hear 81
~. Why have you always kept away l.
ON meW
"No man values what lie does not a'
now" ~
But you must have seen me some h'
mes" &c
EYES," | said; 81 have seen you. l nj
lew you were beautiful, but knew hi
your character only through what | W.
card. | was afraid we should not J.;
I'd much In common"
"And this short ride has made you w
Iange your estimate Of meW CIV
This short ride has changed dis te
edient prodigal into n most obedient
II, and were | not pledged to give to
III safe conduct to Aldgate | should on
EN- now turn back and marry as my of
Their wished" an
Ear be II from me-" she said in the 40
ne of father confessOr, ito distract ~
is good youth from so worthy res VI
ltion. Ever obey thy father and all S''
II be well with thee" pc
know not which parent was the no
IRE astonished at the sudden change B..
his hayward offspring, but we told
enc no word Of our affair until after ~;