Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-11-18
CHAPTER XVIII.


N the Lady Charlotte's interest
in her began; momentous, too, TO the
Lady Charlotte. for It was that night
that brought the Pilot into her life.
l had turned back 10 the fire, around
which the men had fallen into groups,
prepared TO have an hours solid de-
light, for the scene was full OF wild
and picturesque beauty TO me, when
the Duke came and touched me on the
shoulder.
Lady Charlotte would ike to see
you
And why. pray:"
she wants TO hear about this affair
of Bills"
We went through the kitchen into
the large dining room, at one end OF
which was stone chimney and FIRE
place. Lady Charlotte had declared
that she did not much care what kind
OF a house the Hon. Fred would build
for her, but that she must have a FIRE
place.
She was very beautiful-tall. slight
and graceful in every line. There were
a reserve and a grand air in her bear
ing that put people in awe OF her This
awe 1 shared, but as I entered the room
she welcomed me with such kindly
grace that I felt quite at ease I'm mo-
ment
Come and sit by me-" she said,
drawing an armchair into the circle
about the fire. Il want you 10 tell us
all about great many things"
You see what you're in for. Con
nor" said her husband. 1T Is a Sc
rious business when my lady takes one
I'm hand"
AS he knows 20 his cost" she said.
smiling and shaking her head at her
husband.
$50 can testify" put in the Duke.
"Ah! I can't do anything with you, -
she replied. turning TO him.
Your most abject slave" he replied.
with profound bow.
IF YOU only were" smiling at him
little sadly. I.thought-"Td keep you
out OF all sorts Of mischief"
quite true. Duke" said her hus-
band. Just look at me-"
The Duke gazed at him a moment or
two. Wonderful" he murmured.
What a deliverance-'
Nonsense" broke in Lady Charlotte
You are turning my mind away from
my purpose"
is it possible. DO you Think" said
the Duke 90 her husband
"Not in the very least" he replied.
III my experience goes for anything"
But Lady Charlotte turned her back
upon them and said 10 me:
NOW, tell me first about Bills en-
counter with that funny little Scotch
man"
Then l told her the story OF Bits
blum in my best style. initiating. as ]
have some small skill in doing the
manner and speech Of the various act
Ors in the scene. She was greatly
amused and Interested
And Bill has really got his share
ready" she cried 1t is very clever OF
him"
Yes I replied. but Bill is only the
very humble instrument. The moving
spirit is behind"
"Oh, yes, YOU mean the little girl that
owns the pony" she said. That's an
other thing you must tell me about"
The Duke knows more than l." l re-
/ piled. shifting the burden 10 him. MY
/ acquaintance is only OF yesterday: his
/ is lifelong"
why have you never told me OF
herr" she demanded. turning to In,
Duke.
Haven't l told you of the little Mere
dith girl: Surely I have" said IN,
/ Duke hesitatingly.
Now, You know quite well you have
not. and that means YOU are deeply in
! terested. oh, I know you we'll" sh,
said severely.
/ He is the most Secretive man." she
| went on 10 shamefully and un
/ gratefully reserved"
The Duke smiled: then said Iazily
why. she's just Il child. Why should
/ You be interested in her? No one was.
he added sadly. It'll misfortune distin
| guiShed her"
Her eyes grew soft. ana her gay man
ner changed. and she said TO the Duke
/ gently, Tell me of her now
1t was evidently an effort. but he be-
/ gan his story OF Gwen from the time
/ he SAW her first. years ago. playing in
and out Of her fathers rambling
Il y.
| As he went on with his tale his voice
! dropped into low, musical tone, and
/ he seemed aS if dreaming aloud. Tn
/ consciously he put into the tale much
/ Of himself revealing how great an in
/ tluence the little child had had upon
| him and how empty of love his life
| had been in this lonely land. Lady
/ Charlotte listened with face intent up.
| on him, and even her blum husband
/ was conscious that something more
than usual was happening lie had
never heard the Duke break through
his proud reserve before
But when the Duke told the story ot
/ Ovens awful fall. which he did Will
| great graphic power. little red spot
burned upon the Lady Charlotte's pal,
/ cheek, and as the Duke finished his tals
with the words. 1t was hex last ride.
she covered her face with her hand,
and cried
"Oh. Duke. il is horrible 10 think Of
But what splendid COURAGE!
Great stun. ELI, Dukeg" cried tn,
Hon. Fred, kicking a burning log Wig
| orously.
But the Duke made no reply.
How is she now. Duke?" said Lady
| Charlotte.
The Duke looked up as from ;
dream. Bright as the morning" h,
said. Then, in reply to Lady Char
lotte's look OF wonder, he added:
THE Pilot did ii. Connor will tel
| II -