The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-13

known that Brsckenby Hall had at last
found a tenant IL was a picturesque old
place. and had belonged TO an old titled
family. which had sunk deeper and deeper
into the slough Of debt till at length the
owner OF the place had been obliged 10
sell il TO pay importunate creditors. Every
one wondered what kind OF man the incom-
ing tenant would be-would he live in the
style BETTING the old mansion. or would
he prove 70 be an impudent upstart with
vulgar pretensons and no ancestors
There was a feeling OF relief among GER
tain people when it was known that the
newcomer was known as Sidney Carruth-
ers, for this at least was name with
fairly aristocratic flavor about it,
In few weeks time curiosity was graf
flied by the arrival of Mr.. Carruthers. lie
proved to be a tall man Of about htty' OF
very slender build with perfectly "hlte
hair, and a solemn. somewhat saturnlhe
cast of face. lit by pair of remarkably
brilliant. deep-set eyes of greenish hazel
color With him came his niece and ward
Violet Carruthers, a girl Of about eighteen
a delicate-loOking blonde, with masses or
pale gold hair, and large dreamy piue
eyes. under arching brows. and beautifully
nodded almost transparent-looking tenn
pies.
1t was the unconscious influence OF those
large, mystic-Iookins eyes which finally
captivated the wandering attention or
Laurence Steer. 1t happened on a Sunday
i'm July. few weeks after the arrival of
Mr.. Carruthers and his niece, and the two
were seated together in the pew which
from time immemOrial had belonged TO the
family at the hall Steer saw the pair
there for the first time, having been In
London when they had arrived and having
only just returned. He looked casually at
the grave, impassive cOuntenance of Sid
ney Carruthers. and then turned his gaze
on the girl at his side. Laurence Steer was
nearly six feet tall. and of somewhat mas
sive build, but both strong and agile. ex-
ceiling in most sports and games. There
fore. he was just the man to whom the
charms OF a girl like Violet Carruthers
would prove irresistible He looked with
appreciation upon her slender FORM grace
full and 1.-the, at her small, daintily-poised
head with its wavy hair looking bright gold
in the sunlight. and noticed her small
demonstrating white hands, with taper
ing fingers. Then she suddenly raised her
eyes-those large. child-like eyes which yet
had something dreamy and spirituel In
their depths: and these added the last
fatal fascination. Laurence Steer, being
young and as yet having his heart in his
own possession. felt it thrill magically as
he encountered Violet Carruthers's glance
He sought anxiously during the ensuing
days for an introduction 10 Miss Car
ruthers. but failed TO accomplish his OBJ
ject IL soon became known, moreover,
that she did rot go much into society, and
that Mr.. Carruthers was something of a
recIuse. Laurence Steers father was a
solicitor, and he was one day sent for by
MIR. Carruthers. who wished to consult him
upon a matter of business.
What sort of-er-people are they, dad?'
asked Laurence. upon his fathers return
from his interview with Mr.. Carruthers.
He Is a clever man. said the solicitor
slowly. "a very clever man, should say
but there's something about his eyes
don't like-theres a snaky look about
them" Then he laughed. "'Pon my word,
Laurie" he said 81 believe I'm giving In
. to a ridiculous fancy quite out of keeping
with my reputation as sensible man of
law; and Mr.. Carruthers's niece seems
quite devoted to him."
"Oh. you saw her. did your
Yes" replied Mr.. Steer. land very
pretty young thing she is, too. but almost
too fragile and ethereal looking for this
world. I understand Mr.. Carruthers has
scientific tastes; he told me he preferred
solitude and his books and laboratory to
going into society or entertaining hosts Of
acquaintances."
And Miss Carruthers" said Laurence,
els she, too. fond Of solItude?"
81 don't know" replied his father, 'but
IL,
wrapped UP in her uncle"
This information was somewhat dscour-
aging: but at last the sought-for opportu-
nifty arrived. Laurence Steer met Violet
Ca.ruthers at tennis party, and was for
mally introduced 10 her.
The first words they exchanged were
merely conventional and ordinary Then,
when Laurence had ascertained Miss Car
ruthers did not care to play tennis. they
seated themselves under a shady elm tree,
and the conversation soon drifted into more
personal topics. Steer found his compan-
ion charming. There was a childlike
naivete about her. combined with depth
Of heart and cultivation of mind which
appealed 10 him irresistibly.
Shall see you at the Martindale's water
picnic?" asked the young man.
No. L am AFRAID not, answered Violet
Carruthers, a little regretfully it seemed
to Laurence.
Perhaps you have not yet made their
acquaintance?' he questioned
Yes. they have called upon u.s. replied
the girl, "and we are invited 10 the picnic:
but Mr.. Carruthers is expecting a great
professor coming 10 stay with him. and he
arrives on the day OF the picnic: so. of
course. uncle cannot so. and L must stay
10 receive his guest"
Steer mentally mathematical the great
professor What a PITY he said. ear
nestly. Il do not know. then. when I may
have the pleasure of seeing YOU again"
Violet Carruthers flushed a little under
his gaze Il don't know she said. shyly.
But surely you like going to picnics and
things of that sort don't you2" he asko d.
NO, don't care" began Miss Carruth-
ers: then, as if something in his eyes
wrung the words from her: II don't know
how II Is" she said. but just now | feel
as If would love 10 go to the picnic. and
20 the Lewisham's garden fete. and-and-
10 everything but generally I feel as if
1 want TO see no but Uncle Sidney
and don't care a bit for going about"
Surely it is only natural for YOU at
your age, TO Ike gayety." said the young
man. gently. Have you and your uncle
uved long to0efharp-s