The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1903-08-21
The visitor slightly flushed.

ne FlSlIOf shy SnIly HuoHtu.
81 will admit" he said, "that | have
been reasonably fortunate.
Hester stared at him. That flush
upon his cheek was actually a blush
of pride.
"And yet l beg of yeu,' she said,
mot to work upon his feelings again.
1t distresses him to think of saying no
to you and yet there must be stop
TO this.'
The visitor slightly Strengthened up.
II wonder what your father could
have said concerning me?" he said.
cit seems to have greatly prejudiced
YOU"
Before Hester could speak again a
sudden interruption drove the repartee
from her lips. There was a sharp
crash as Ct some solid body falling
from height and striking on an equal
ly solid object. Hestor sprang up
and turned toward the door of the in
ner apartment.
"Was it here?'' queried the visitor,
as he hurried forward and faced the
study door. "And may l have your
permission?" And without waiting
for an answer he quickly opened the
door,
1t was small room and it's con-
tents were taken in at glance. The
chief OF these was the venerable stran-
ger. He was stretched back in the
easy chair, sound asleep, and from his
half open mouth came prolonged
muttering. He had eaten his biscuits
and emptied his tea cup. 1t was the
fall of the cup from the table to the
floor that had aroused Hester and the
young man. But it did not arouse
the sleeper.
For a moment the two stared into
the room, and then Hester drew back
and motioned to the young man to
close the door. He latched it softly
and turned to Hester. There was a
question in his glance.
"a friend of the family" said Hester
stiffly.
His face seems familiar" the young
man remarked. ''Im sure have seen
him before"
VERY likely" said Hester drily.
"Very likely. He has the reputation
of being generous"
The young man looked at her
queerly.
IF I remember right" he said, "his
generosity had nothing to do with the
circums ances recall. I should like
to have this impression cleared away
if am mistaken in the man."
Hester aared up. He certainly was
very bold and very inquisitive.
81 can't see how it can concern you
in the least" she said, "but the gentle
man in the study is Mr.. Barclay Hill,
of whom no doubt you have heard"
He made queer gurgling noise in
his throat and suddenly turned and
looked out of the window. Hester
stared at him in some alarm.
ut is nothing" he quietly said, as
he turned and caught her look. 81
choked little-that's ALL"
Hester did not remove her eyes from
his flushed face. Her expression sud-
denly softened
"Sit down." she said, "and l will
bring you glass Of water"
mo, no, don't bother"
'Perhaps-perhaps you are hungry
"Not yet. l don't expect to be hun
cry before luncheon time"
Hester froze again at his impudence.
Whereat he laughed until the tears
came in his eyes.
81 b-beg your PARDON" he STAN
mered. "Whenever l choke that way
1 have to laugh" And he laughed
again. Then he Strengthened up.
"About this man Hill?" he said. "Is
he so very much?"
She shuddered at his slang.
"Mr. Barclay Hill is the legal ad-
wiser of the great house OF Barham
and Goldie. He is one of the leading
men in his profession, q gentleman Of
whom all men speak highly. We are
proud to acknowledge that such man
is friend of the family"
She said this with withcrug en-
phasis that should have had it's effect
on the improvident person before her.
But he only laughed again.
81 wasn't much impressed by his
looks" be said.
"He has fine face" said Hester
quickly. GA strong face, and beau
tiful poised head"
at struck me that the poise slanted