Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-04-20

"DO you mean that for meV' said the girl. Because I am only housemaid, if you please" And then, relenting at the sight of Harrys obvious confusion, she added: "I know you mean some thing of the sort and like your looks, but think nothing of your Lady Van deleur. Oh, these mistressesp' she cried. ITO send out a real gentleman like you with bandbox in broad dayw During this talk they had remained in their original positions, she on the doorstep, he on the sidewalk, barehead- ed for the sake of coolness and with the bandbox on his arm.
 But upon this last speech Harry, who l was unable to support such point blank compliments to his appearance nor the encourag ging look with which they were accompanied, began to change his atti- tude and glance from left to right in perturbation. In so doing he turned his 1 face toward the lower end of the lane, l and there, to his indescribable dismay, his eyes encountered those of General | vandeleur. The general, in a prodigious ! duster of heat, hurry and indignatio ! had been securing the streets in chase of his brother-in-law, but as soon as he caught glimpse of the delinquent sec ! retary his purpose changed, his anger flowed Into new channel, and he turn ed on his heel and came tearing up the lane with truculent gestures and vo- alterations.
 Harry made but one bolt of it into the house, driving the maid before him, and the door was slammed in his pur- suer's countenance.
 "Is there a bar? will it lock ?" asked Harry, while salvo on the knocker | made the house echo from wall to wall
 sWhy, what is wrong with your asked the maid. ITS it this old gen l tleman?'
 If he gets hold of me-" whispered Harry, T am as gosd as dead. He has been pursuing me all day, carries a sword stick and is an Indian military l oficer''
 saThese are fine mannersy cried the ] be his nane?
 Tt is the general, my master" an- swered Harry. "He is after this band l box"
 Ibid not I tell you?" cried the maid l in triumph. T told you thought worse than nothing of your Lady Vandeleur. And if you had an eye in your head l you might see, what she is for yourself. An ungrateful minx, I will be bound l for that!"
 The general renewed his attack upon the knocker and, his passion growing with delay, began to kick and beat up l oY1 fhn y1m f1a1s nf the 6a0r 4ts9, tE= l Tt is lucky" observed the girl, s'that may hammer until he is weary, and there is none to open for him. Follow meP'
 l So saying, she led Harry into the kitchen, where she made him sit down and stood by him herself in an affec- I donate attitude, with a hand upon his shoulder The din at the door, so far from abating, continued to increase in volume, and at each blow the unhappy secretary was shaken to the heart. "what is your name7'' asked the girl.
 "Harry Hartley he replied.
 "Mine," she went on, lis Prudence. DO you like itT
 "very much" said Harry. "But hear for a moment how the general beats upon the door. He will certainly break 1t in, and then, in heavens name, what have to look for but death7"
 "You put yourself very much about with no occasion ,v answered Prudence "Let your general knock. He will do no more than blister his hands. Do l you think I. would keep you here if were not sure to save you? Oh. no; am a good friend to those that please me. And we have a back door upon another lane. But" she added, check ing him, for he had got upon his feet immediately on this welcome news 'sbut will not show where it is unless you kiss me. Will you, Harry7''
 ''That will," he cried, remembering his gaIlantry, mot for your back door, but because you are good and pretty"
 And he administered two or three cor dial salutes, which were returned to him in kind.
 Then Prudence led him to the back gate and put her hand upon the key.
 twill you come and see me?" she asked.
 T will indeed" said Harry. "Do not owe you my lifer'
 "And now,' she added, opening the door, run as hard as you can, for I shall let in the general"
 Harry scarcely required this advice. Fear had him by the forelock, and he addressed himself diligently to flight. A few steps and he believed he would escape from his trials and return to Lady Vandelsur in honor and safety. But these few steps had not been talk.
 en before he heard mans voice hailing him by name with many execrations and, looking over his shoulder, he be- held Charlie Pendragon waving him with both arms to return. The shock of this new incident was so sudden and profound, and Harry was already worked into so high a state of nervous tension, that he could think of nothing better than to accelerate his pace and continue running. He should certainly
 have remembered the scene in Kensing
 ton gardens; he should certainly have
 concluded that where the general was
 his enemy Charlie Pendragon could be
 no other than friend. But such were
 the fever and perturbation of his mind
 fhat hA was gtrIlcIx hv ronn If these