Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-11-27


 now that he had not killed the Amer i. ican while he had him in his power, As he rode towards the plantation a determination fixed itself in his mind, and he but needed Jane there to put it into execution.
 War had played sad havoc with the Elijah Ellery place. The mansion house had been burned by British and tories some months before, while the once fertile fields lay neglected and untitled. Mrs. Ellery now oc- cupfed the cottage of the overseer, himself away in the army with his employer. Breakfast was just over, and Jane and her aunt still fingered at the table. The temptation to pour into her aunt's sympathetic ear the tale of last nights adventures and of the eliminating bargain was not to be resisted As they sat at the table they discussed.
 Marry Bessemer?" Mrs. Ellery cried. Bind yourself for life to a man who could exact such promise from you? Neverl"
 Dear aunt, I must," Jane answer ed There is no loophole of escape. NV WOTu IS OuU. hCHCIIDCEs no eyer breaks his word or hers"
 Neither are the Ellerys wont to make alliance with scoundrels," her aunt retorted. Marry him say you shall notl'' She brought her fst upon the table with an emphasis which caused the aristocratic old china, saved from the wreckage of her home, to utter refined protest against such rude vehemence.
 Jane pushed back her chair and rose. "I must away home" she said. ''I doubt me not my stepmother is in mysteries by now with anxiety as to my whereabouts.
 Nonsense, child. You are not half rested. Nay, stay you here and will have Sam put up your horse and get out Black Nan to go himself to your fathers with message that you are here.''
 Heedless of Jane's protest, she hustled onto the porch. A glance down the road, visible from the van tage-point, caused her to fling up her hands in consterna tion and hasten back to her niece.
 "Jane," she exclaimed in an agi- tated tone, "who think you is gallop- ing up the road. making straight for here? That wretch Bessemer, look ing like a bantam rooster astride g big gray horse"
 Coming here? Are you sure? cannot, I will not see him.''
 He has his men with him, 90 may hap he is not going to stop; but keep you in the house, and I will dispatch him speedily
 She returned to the porch. Scarce had she taken mp her position when Bessemer came i'll sight. Jane's horse, the sleek chestnut which was her favorite, did not escape his eye. With a word of command to his officers, he! threw himself from his horse and strode through the gate to the front porch, at the top of whose steps Mrs. Ellery stood.
 "Ah, colonel, good-morning," said the lady condescendingly "'Tis long since I have had the pleasure of wei coming you to my home.''
 It could not be said that her well come the only other time he had visited her had been friendly. It was upon the occasion of the burning oi her house, an event which both re- membered.
 ''Will you not be seated here upon my good settee?" she proceeded. 1T find the spot it occupies a most shady and restful one at this time in the morning, and it would feel honored to hold so brave gentleman"
 Her guest looked at her somewhat suspiciously. Such graciousness from such source was too unexpected to, be received without reservation, yet he was not to be outdone in courtesy.
 "Ah, madam" he said, as he bent to kiss her hand, you little know what pleasure it is to me to receive so. kind welcome at your hands. Tis doubly precious; first, because it comes from your sweet self and, second, because it leads me to believe that you will extend the welcome to embrace me not only as your guest but as your nephew. Doubtless your niece, who I see by her horse without the gate is now with you, has already acquainted you with the happiness she has bestowed upon me in consent. ing to become my wife. l am here to claim the consummation of that promise. Advices from my general, Cornwallis, tell me that our army is to move and that my detachment may be sent into North Carolina. I fear. therefore, it may be many days, nay, months, before the fortunes of war permit me to return hither, and l cannot leave without knowing that your niece is under the protection of my name. My good chaplain is with out, prepared to make us one, and have but to crave the hospitality of your roof and the boon of your bless. ing for the completion of our happi- ness"
 ''You cannot mean" Mrs. Ellery cried, "that you expect to marry Jane here-now? My good man, you are out of your senses"
 Nay, my dear madam, never more in them, assure you Love is great sharpener of wits"
 "Maybe so, when it has any to work