The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1903-03-05


have been mistaken, but he meant well
and kindly"
''Thank you for speaking" returned
the dictator. ''You remind me of some
other observations which I hold it n
point Of honor to make to, Mr.. Scrym-
occur. My BROTHER" he continued, ad-
dressing the young man, has been
foolish enough to give you an allow
ance. He was foolish enough and pre-
sumptuous enough to propose a match
between you and this young lady. You
were exhibited to her two nights ago,
and rejoice to tell you that she reject
ed the idea with disgust. Let me add
that have considerable influence with
your father, and it shall not be my
fault if you are not beggared of your
allowance and sent back to your scriv-
ening ere the week be out.''
The tones Of the old mans voice were,
if possible, more ,wounding than his
language. Francis felt himself ex-
posed to the most cruel, blighting and
unbearable contempt. His head turn
ed, and he covered his face with his
hands, uttering at the same time tear
less sob Of agony. But Miss Vandeleur
once again interfered in his behalf.
"Mr. Scrymgeour,''' she said, speaking
in clear and even tones, "you must not
be concerned at my fathers harsh ex-
pressi0ns. I felt no disgust for YOU.
On the contrary, asked an opportuni-
ty to make your better acquaintance
AS for what has passed tonight, believe
me it has filed my mind with both
pity and esteem"
Just then Mr. ROLES made a convul-
s1Ve movement Of his arm, which con-
WINGED Francis that he was only drug
ged and was beginning to throw off the
influence Of the opiate. Mr.. Vandeleur
stopped over him and examined his face
for an instant.
Come. come" cried he, raising his
head. LET there be an end Of this.
And, since you are so pleased with his
conduct, Miss Vandeleur, take a candle
and show the cur out!'
The young lady fastened to obey.
''Thank you," said Francis as soon as
he was alone with her in the garden.
II thank you from my SOUL This has
been the bitterest evening of my life,
but it will have always one pleasant
recollection
II spoke as felt" she replied, land in
Justice to you. 1t made my heart sorry
that you should be so unkindly used"
BY this time they had reached the
garden gate, and Miss Vandeleur, hay
ing set the candle on the ground, was
already christening the bolts. " L
"One. word more" said Francis.
'This is not for the last time I shall
see you again, shall not?''
"Alas," she answered, you have
heard my father. What can I do but
obey?"
'Tell me at least that it is not with
your consent" returned Francis. 'Tell
me that you have no wish to. see the
last Of me.''
Indeed" replied she, II have none.
You seem to me both brave and hon.
est
'"Then," said Francis, "give me a
keepsake"
She paused for moment, with her
hand upon the key, for the various
bars and bolts were all undone, and
there was nothing left but to open the
lock.
eff agree" she said, twill you
promise to do as tell you from point
to point?'
"Can you ask?" replied Francis. II
would do so willingly on your bare
word"
She turned the key and threw open
the door.
"Be it so," said she. "You do not
know what you ask, but be it so.
Whatever you hear" she continued,
"whatever happens, do not return to
this house. Hurry fast until you reach
the lighted and populous quarters of
the city. Even there be on your guard.
You are in greater danger than you
fancy. Promise me you will not so
much as look at my keepsake until you
are in a place Of Safety
II PROMISE" replied Francis.
She put something loosely wrapped
in handkerchief into the young mans
hand, and at the same time, with more
strength than he could have antici-
pated, she pushed him into the street.
"Now run!' she cried.
He heard the door close behind him
and the noise Of the bolts being re.
placed.
my faith,'' said he, "since I have
promised
And he took to his heels down the
lane that leads into the Rue Ravignan
He was not fifty PAGES from the
house with the green blinds when the
most diabolical outcry suddenly arose
out on the stiffness of the night. Me.
chanically he stood still; another pas.
senger followed his example. In the
neighboring floors he saw people
croWding to the windows. A confagra
ton could not have produced more dis.
turbance in this empty quarter. And
yet it seemed to be all the work of q
single man, roaring between grief and
rage, like q Iionpss rnhhpd Of hnr