St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-07-09

Of the house, and 1 can well believe
It,"
It is easy for idle tongues to invent
lies when a man does not follow the
fashion of his age. l had killed too
little and read too much.
"Hast ever heard of Sir Francis Bay
ardY' she asked, suddenly changing
her tone.
eyes" 1 answered, "often."
81 am his daughter" she said brief
ly.
I already knew that well enough,
but she seemed to expect some sur
prise, so l drew in my breath quickly
and gave a low exclamation. 1t suf-
feed and she continued:
81 am his daughter, and we have
ouarreled because l would not marry
q churl." She seemed to have a spe-
cial relish for that title.
81 have left his house, and go back L
shall not. I have an uncle in Aldgate,
but in truth he can do little for me.
NV 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 unmoved
to such a challenge from such wom-
| an.
81 have little beside my sword to Of
fer you," 1 said, "but, believe me, that
shall ever be at your service"
I know not just when the change
came. but at that moment I meant ev-
cry word l said.
"It is a brave sword" said Mistress
Bayard and then, after moment, con-
tinued. 81 have brought with me jew
els of considerable value, enough to
raise a company of men to take with
you to the low countries" She paused,
waiting for me to speak.
I knew not whether to be angry or
to laugh at her. Mistress Mary Bay
ard rather than marry Henry Sheldon
was ready to throw herself into the
arms of a nameless adventurer; but,
then, l was the nameless adventurer.
"You have not asked my name" /
said.
II have heard your voice, l have
caught a few glimpses of your face
and have seen you fight; but, in truth
/ would know your name"
The moon had come out bright AND
full by now. l threw Edward across
her path and, dofing my hat, said
mistress Bayard, am Henry Shell
dom"
She half rose in her stirrups, and the
color rushed into her face, but her eyes
did not fail before mine. We were Ions
so, looking into each others eyes.
$50 you did not wish to marry meT
she said finally.
Eat least the disinclination was mu
tual."
81 knew of you only through hear
say. Why have you always kept ava
from me?"
mo man values what he does NO
know"
; "But YOU must have seen me some
times"
Eyes" I said; IT have seen you.
knew you were beautiful, but l kneN
of your character only through what
heard. l was afraid we should nc
; find much in common"
"And this short ride has made 20
change your estimate of mel?
t This short ride has changed di
:, obedient prodigal into a most obed1e1
Il son, and were l not pledged to CIV
YOU safe conduct to Aldgate I shoul
. even now turn back and marry as N
father wished"
u Ear be it from me-" she said in tt
tone of a father confessor, "to distra
10 this good youth from so worthy a re
4 olution. Ever obey thy father, ana
" will be we'll with thee"
Is I know not which parent was Il
more astonished at the sudden chan'
{: in his hayward offspring, but we to
them no word of our affair until aft
V the wedding.