The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-04


in for the girl. He came of a good old
county family while the Berkleys were
new people, who would deem it an honor.
well worth paying for, to be allied to the
head of the TORI family. 1t would seem
strange to him to be guest in his own
halls; nevertheless. he would not appear
to feel his position. He would do his ut
most to please old Berkeley. With the girl
he would make his way rapidly; he had no
fear Of failure in that quarter-he was
always successful with women.
TORI smiled as he penned a gracious &C
ceptance OF the invitation to Weald.
He arrived at shutdown. The dressing
bell was ringing as he alighted from the
phaeton, and only a few gentlemen re-
manned chatting in the hall. His host was
not one of them, so he Immediately went
to his room to prepare for the great meal
Of the day.
anyone we know staying here. Pike?"
he inquired Of his valet.
Colonel and Mrs. Murdoch, sir, and
Lady Hartwen and Miss Goulding. sir.
and"
Miss Goulding!'
YES, sir, ana ner mOtnef.
'T1ideous old hag!'
"But the honored guest, SIR. is a South
African millionaire-a Mr.. HazeI-quite
young gentleman, too. sir.f
'.Hazel-HazeI! He is of no family: but
those vulgar millionaires never are" -
'fIo. sir.''
ANY more?" .' ",.<
eyes, sir: the house party is very large
one
Valentine TORI was the first to appear in
the drawing room. Presently. however, he
heard some persons enter the conservatory
from the gardens. He took up book, but
did not perdse a line of it, for the voices in
the conservatory, attracted his attention
Surely he knew that laugh, so clear and
gay. But it could not be. No, no; it was
only a resemblance. His host, after ten
minutes or so, welcomed him heartily. and
Miss Goulding did not conceal her delight
at the discovery that he was one Of the
house party.
Just before the butler announced dinner
Miss Berkeley joined the guests. Yes; it
was she. He had not been mistaken. But
how was this? He had not had such dis
agreeable surprise in his life before.
''Come. TORI, let me present you to my
little GIRL" said his host.
This is Mr. TORI, my DEAR"
He bowed low before her.
my daughter, Dorothy-Miss Berkeley"
She inclined her head, then looked him
straight in the face, without the slightest
sign Of recognition. He would take the
cue from her. If that was what she wished,
well, 1t should be so.
After dinner, he did not make his way
to her side, but during the evening she
crossed the drawing room and seated her
self on an ottoman beside him.
This is a nice old place of yours. Mr..
Torr," she began. II can't bear modern
houses. My father rents this hall from
you expressly for me. He is very indul-
gent, don't you think? / admire this part
of the country so much
'Yes, it is rather pretty" he answered,
somewhat awkwardly. But 1 shouldn't
care to spend much of my time here. Did
you know my uncle?" he asked her. 1.-THE
late squire. I mean?"
"Oh. yes: dear old gentleman. I. have
visited here during his lifetime. He was
so good, and so much beloved by his ten
antry. Ny grandfather held a farm under
him for thirty years; he is under you
now. He holds Stocklands farm
"Oh, indeed" 'f
The mist began to lift. His mental vision
grew clearer. She was the granddaughter
of old Richard Woods, after all! How
beautiful she was He had thought her
handsome when she had played the part OF
the dairymaid, but how much handsomer
she was now, with her elegant apparel and
her magnificent surroundings He asked
her II she had enjoyed the past season in
town. .-.-,. -. 49, 49, -
II did not go to town this last season, -
she replied, regarding him over the tor
of her fan. Il spent the spring and the
summer here-at Stock,ands, I mean-witt
my grandfather. 1 helped in the dairy and
had delightfully."- healthful time. played
dairymaid to perfection she added, with
| laugh. 81 used TO go a-milking, sil
-twenty-three cows, early in the morning
oh, yes, I was a great success. 1 deceived
one gentleman so ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ht
actually did his very best to deceive me
poor Matte. the artless dairymaid, who
was supposed to know nothing of the
| wickedness Of town-bred gentleman. /
| was so amusing" She laughed again
| hilQ tuSu, Wudt q rare OCCuTTeIC6, 10 Set
an exquisite town-bred gentleman Of on,
| OF the very smartest sets in his true col
ors. I may never have that opportunity
| again."
He was beginning to feel very uncomfort
able. What terrible blunder he hat
made! However, he would put a bold fac,
on the matter. and endeavor to remov,
the unfavorable impression which h,
| feared he had made on her.
You are an excellent actress, Mis-
| Berkeley. Your Matte. the dairymaid, wa
true to life; but you did not deceive me
| I-I-" .st -
Don't say that you knew 1 was Mis-
Berkeley. That would be untrue You jus
thought 1 was poor Matte Woods, tn
ignorant. credulous. weak dairymaid, VIII
| could be led. without much trouble to he
| destruction, as you had so fully planned.
mo. indeed, Miss Berkley, you are quit
wrong TORI replied. with. forced laugh
mo doubt 1 shall find it difficult to con
| vince YOU" F
You could never convince me, Mr.. TORI
but let us say no more about it; it wa
good fun for me- and pardon you. By tn
bye. permit me to make you and Mr.. Johl
Hazel known to each other. You mus
have heard OF him; he is multi-million
aire. highly entertaining The has seen s.
much Of the world although he is young
| .