Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-09-01
O't'er the
Border e.;
BA RR,
BY <A""orV Co""s A~~'s''
FEEDER n. Co
Author of"Jennie Barter.
JourroIisf." ETC.

| 'NNN ana court are lnInTS we get
speedily accustomed to. We'll. again
good night, sweetheart. and sleep
soundly. see those fine eyes are al
ready heavy with slumbcr"
But sleep came not so quickly as he
surmised to the eyes he had compli-
mcntcd. The day had been too full of
rapid change and tense excitement.
The strange Transformation of the
present and the dim. troubled vista of
the future which opened out TO her.
cherished thought and discouraged
sumber Was it possible that she was
thus to he transplanted. was TO stand
by the side of the greatest man in Eng
land, his ACKNOWLEDGED daughter, his
welcome aid? God grant she might
not fail him if he lad real need of her.
And so she planned the days to come.
She would be as subtle as the craftcst.
She would cover all dislilics as the
cloak had covered her. and her lips
should smile though her heart revolicd.
Her tongue must measure what il said.
and all rural bl,ntness should dsap-
pear.
She slipped from those mcditations in
to Il hazy, bewilderius conflict; her IA
Their. somehow, was in a danger that
she could not fathOm. she lacking pow
err to Get 10 him. rostrained by invisible
bonds. not knowing where he was al
though he called to her. Then it seem
ed there was II turmoil in tho street
cry for help, n groan and silence.
and next Mrs. Jarrett was moving
about the room and had drawn cur
tains that let in a gray, misty day
light.
as my father vet rsen?" she cried.
"Oh, good lack, no. your ladyship.
nor will he for hours to come
The girls head fell back on her pill
low. and She said drenmiy, Il thought
there had been trouble of some sort
and men hghting.'
Indeed, your ladyship. and so there
was, a rioting going on all the night
think the citizens of London are gone
mad. Drawing in the street at hours
when decent folk should be in their
beds. Ts said that this now parlia-
mcut is the cause. but how or why
do not know
Although the Earl of STAFFORD did
not quit his chambc' until noontiio.
Lo WAS undoubtedly concerned with af-
fairs that demanded attention from the
greatest minister Of state. There were
constant runnngs to and fro. mos
sengers dispatched and ENJOYS rccciv-
ed. with the heavy knocker of the door
constantly a-rap. 1t was two hours
after midday when STAFFORD sent for
his daughter, and she followed his mes
scnGer to the library. where she found
her father in his chair beside IA table.
although he was equipped for going
forth from the house. There had been
seated before him De COurcy, but the
young man rose as she entered and
greeted her with one Of his down reach
ing bows which set her a-quake lest he
should fail forward on his face.
MY child" said the earl, II am
about to set ont for parliament, and it
may be late before l return. Yet
think you shall sup with me at I if all
goes well and debate becomes not too
strenuous. but do not wait in case |
should be detained. counsel you not
to leave the house today. for there
seem TO be many brawlers on the
streets. Any shopman will be pleased
to wait upon you and bring samples OF
his wares, so send servant for those
YOU wish 10 consult. My friend De
Courcy, here, begs the favor of some
converse with you and speaks with my
approval"
Straf1ord looked kecnly al the girl
and her heart thrilled as she read the
unspoken message with quick intui-
ton. lie had some use for De Courcy,
and she must be suave and DIPLOMATIC
Thus already she was her fathers ally.
an outpost in his vast concerns now
committed 10 her The young man saw
nothing of this, for lie had eyes only
for the girl The broad rim Of his
feathcred hat was at his Sinking lips
and his gaze of admiration was as un-
: mstakabe as it was intent.
"Sir, ! shall obey you in all things
and hope to win your commendation,'
said Frances, with an inclination of
the head.
you are sure of the latter in any
case, my child" replied STAFFORD, ris
ing. And now, De Courcy, l think
we understand each other, and may
rely upon you"
. "To the death, my lord cried the
young man, with another of his courtly
, gcnufections.
= "Oh, let us hope it will not be neces
p sary quite so far as that. ! bid you
I good day. Tomorrow at this hour
y shah look for IL report from you. Fol
r the moment, goodby my daughter"
No sooner was the earl quit of the
room ana the door closed behind hin
= than De Courcy. with an impetuou,
n movement that startled the girl, flung
n himself at her feet. Her first impulse
was to step quickly back, but she
=. checked it and stood her ground.
4 ooh, divine Irances,' he cried, chow
:, impaticntly have waited for this rap
moment when | might declare to YOU
n Sir, ! beg of you TO rise Ills no
seenly you should demean yourself
= thus
r Ills secmly that the whole worlt
q should grovcl at your feet, my lady o.
n the free forest, for all who look upOI
$ you must love you, and for me, wh'
l. have not the cold heart Of this north
o ern people, | adore you, and do here