Middletown transcript., 1904-01-23
curate, and my mother was the daugh-
far 0f q xrIoloooln s,,ouufo cfuror

Custance thoughtlessly.
Then, thinking that there might seem
to be certain similarity between King
Cophetua and this modern philanthro-
pist, she checked herself with sudden
blush and, pointing down the valley.
asked the name Of an old Tudor mansion.
That is Nugent Hall, replied Godfrey.
It's grand old place, and the owner
possesses sufficient pedigree and blue
blood to make up for all that ou and |
lack, Miss Madison. Thorn Nugent be-
longs to one Of the Oldest families in the
county. He's a handsome fellow, too,
as you will have chance OF seeing to-
night.
Tonight! Custance echoed family.
Yes-he is coming over to dinner. Do
you admire dark men?
If they are really handsome.
Oh, one cannot deny that Nugent is
handsome!
The touch Of jealousy in the tone nearly
made Custance laugh. She forgot her
fear in the temptation to tease him a
little.
Then I shall be sure to admire him!
che said.
In the interest OF the moment she for
got that she had chance to explain how
and where she had met Nugent before.
Nugent Hall is fine old place, God
frey remarked discontentedly, as they
turned their horses homeward.
I should think it was beautiful old
house.
Yes. You like old buildings?
Certainly-I admire Tudor mansions
particularly.
If Nugent's people come down to stay
with him expect he will invite you and
my mother to 60 there.
That will be very nice-I shall enjoy
seeing it,
Custance spoke at random, with the
intention OF adding to the note OF de-
preston in his voice, knowing at the
same time that, if she could possibly
avoid it, she would never enter Thorn
Nugent's house.
You will not think much Of my place
when you have seen Nugent Hall.
Why not?
You say you prefer old houses.
The boyish absurdity Of his words
touched her, and she thought it too bad
to tease him.
like best those places where I have
been treated with kindness, she replied,
with sudden change of tone and smile
and no house will ever be dearer to me
than the Park!
Custance, Godfrey calculated eagerly,
if thought you meant that
But the girl, startled at what she had
said, touched the bay lightly with whip
and put her into canter. When she
slackened speed, and Godfrey was riding
quietly beside her again, her breath still
| came little uneyenly, and she was re-
lieved to hear him speak in his usual
tones.
know every inch Of the wood down
there, lie said, pointing to where she had
encountered Nugent. When I was a
little chap it was my favorite hunting
grounds. Sometimes wish could slip
back twenty years and 60 rafting and
bird-nesting again.
He sighed, as if the burden OF his
wealth and its responsibilities weighed
heavily upon him.
Is it the widow, who has husband
living, and her nine children, who are
troubling you? Custance inquired, with
smile.
Partly, he admitted, laughing-it is SO
difficult to distinguish true distress from
sham. wish my father had been sim
pie country squire and had left me merely
the duty Of being good landlord and
looking after the estate. He has set me
apart in some way-at least am tied
more than most men of my age.
| do not see that you are set apart,
Custance remarked kindly. think you
are more honored and blessed than your
fellows.
Thank you, he returned. You always
seem to say the right thing and make
life look more-nore desirable. But you
see am not so fortunate as my mother
| haven't always your companionship to
console me.
No, murmured Custance.
They walked their horses through the |
great gates and up the drive. She felt
that lie was looking at her intently, and
she dared not raise her eyes. Suddenly
all her calm self-possession and independ-
ence seemed to have left her. She was
half afraid to think what he might say,
and yet she wished him to say it. For
the moment she forgot that he was
millionaire and notable man. lie was ,,
only Godfrey Standard to her-the man
for whom she cared, and who loved her
in return, if she read Alright the unspoken
avowal in his eyes.
You have known me very short
| time, he said at last, In low voice-does
that make you feel that am stranger?
No, she replied quietly.
Will you allow me to say something to
you that wish to say? know cannot
here-for they had reached the house,
and he was standing by her side to help
her to dismount-but you will allow me
to say it some other time?
Yes, she answered, feeling that she
could not utter more than the monosyll-
able.
Thank you, my
She did not hear the end OF the SEN
tence; but Godfrey lifted her out Of the
saddle with slight pressure on her waist,
and she ran into the house with sud-
den delirious sense of happiness.
It did not matter that Nugent was COM
ing to dinner now. She was reckless in !
her newly-found JOY and felt so safe in !,