The Lambertville record., 1902-07-09


mad wordsp' she cried angrily. HE
would have married me to churl-a
clerk, a scrlbblerw
bit my lip at that and said nothing
l knew well enough to whom he would
have married her.
"A clerk" she continued, with no
more spirit than leveret, one who
loves n book better than sword 'Tis
said he does needlework like the maids
OF the house. and l can we'll believe
IT."
1t Is easy for idle tongues to invent
lies when 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
ardg" she asked, suddenly changing
her tone
Yes" answered, often"
"I am his daughter" she said brief
ly.
already knew that we'll enough,
but she seemed TO expect some sur
prise, so l drew in my breath quickly
and gave low exclamation. 1t suf-
feed, and she continued
Il am his daughter, and we have
Quarreled because l would not marry
churl." She seemed to have a spe-
cial relish for that title.
Il have left his house, and go back l
shall not. 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 unmoved
to such a challenge from such wom-
an.
II have little beside my sword to of
fer you." said, "but believe me, that
shall ever be ut your service"
l know not Just when the change
came but at that moment I meant ev-
cry word 1 said.
ut is brave sword" said Mistress
Bayard and then. after moment, con
tinued, 81 have brought with me jew
els of considerable value enough to
raise company of men to take with
you to the low countries" She paused,
waiting for me to speak
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 adyenturer; but.
then. was the nameless adyenturer.
You have not asked my name" |
said.
~ have heard your voice. 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. threw Edward across
her path and. doffing my hat, said
Mistress Bayard, am Henry Shell
DON"
She half rose In her stirrups, and the
color rushed into her face, but her eyes
did not fall before mine. We We're long
so, looking into each others eyes
$50 you did not wish to marry mef'
she said finally.
"At least the disinclination was mu-
tual"
81 knew of you only through hear
say. Why have you always kept away
from met"
mo man values what he does not
know"
But you must have seen me some
times
Yes" l said; Il have seen you. 1
knew you were beautiful. but knew
Of your character only through what /
heard. ] was afraid we should not
find much In common"
"And this short ride has made you
change your estimate of meT.
This short ride has changed dis
obedient prodigal into most obedient
son, and were | not pledged to give
you safe conduct to Aldgate should
even now turn back and marry as my
father wished"
Far be 1t from me-" she said in the
tone of father confessor, ito distract
this good youth from SO worthy res
olution. Ever obey thy father. and all
Will be well with thee"
/ know not which parent was the
more astonished at the sudden change
In his wayward offspring, but we told
them no word OF our affair until after
the wedding.