Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-03-31

rested. Nay, stay you mere ana Will
have Sam put up your horse and get
out Black Nan to go himself to your
fathers with message that you arc
here"
Needless of James 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 CONSERVATION and hasten
back to her niece.
Jane" she exclaimed in an agi-
tated tone, "who think you is gallop-
ing mp the road, making straight for
here? That wretch Besscmer, look
ing like bantam rooster astride Il
big gray horse"
Coming here? Are you sure? I
cannot. | will not see him"
"IIc has his men with him. SO may
hap he is not going to stop; but keep
you In tho house. and I will dispatch
him speedily"
She returned TO the porch. Scarce
had she taken mp her position when
Besscmcr came in sight. James horse,
the sleek chestnut which was her
favoritc, did not escape his eye. With
a word of command to his officers, he
threw himself from his horse and
strobe through the gate to the front
porch. at the top of whose steps Mrs.
Ellery stood
"Ah, colonel. goodmornng," said
the lady condcsce ndingly. Its long
since | have had Che pleasure of wei
coming YOU to my home"
1t could not be said that her wei.
come the only other time he had
visited her had been friendly. II was
upon the occasion Of the burning of
her house, an event which both re
membcred.
"Will YOU not he seated hero upon
my good scttce?" she proceeded. 81
find the spot it occupies most shady
and rcstful one at this time in the
morning. and it would feel honOrcd
to hold so brave IA gentleman"
Her guest looked at her somewhat
suspiciouslv. Such gracousness from
such a source was too unexpected to
be received without reservation. Yet
he was not to be outdonc in courtesy
"Ah. madam he said, as he bent to
kiss her hand. you little know what
a pleasure it is to me to receive so
kind welcome at your hands. Ills
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 sec 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 contamination of that
promise. Adviccs from my general,
| CORVALLIS, tell me that our army is
| to move and that my detachment may
be sent into North Carolina. | fear,
therefore. il may be many days. nay,
months, before the fortunes of war
permit me to return hithcr. and
| 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 l
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
"Maybc so, when it has any to work
on" his hostess retorted with
asperity, finging aside her role of
affability, but YOU will find yourself
upon a fools GRAND. Jane is in nc
mood for marrying. trow.'
1--WE will allow Mistress Jane to
decide that for herself. May trouble
you to call her."
Eyes. right gladly will ! call her
and let her rebuke your insolenct
as it deserves She stepped to the
hall door. Jane, child, come here
Col. Bessemcr wishes to speak with
you"
Jane was astonishcd that her aunt
should summon her. but she pre-
sumcd there must be some urgen,
cause--a message from her father
and mother or her brother. for sh,
had seen through the window tina,
Edward was not with the officers
therefore she stepped from the room
into the hall. Catching sight of her
Besscmer went swiftly forward ant
took her hand.
81 have come" he said, bending his
head and speaking in low tone, 1T
claim the promise YOU made me. Ny
chaplain is without. prepared It
marry us. Dispatches from my gen
eral, CORVALLIS, as | have explained
10 your aunt. neccssitntc my immedi
ate departure. | cannot leave with
out knowing that you are surcl!
mine, bound to me by the sacred
ties of matrimony.'
Jane rccoiled. you cannot mean,
she exclaimed. that you have COM
to marry me now.
"And why not? Was it not to b'
when | chose?"
True; but surely YOU will give m
more time, My father. my mother
even my brother. are not here. lo'
would not have me marry wlthou
their presence? No; am coniiden
YOU have but said this 10 test my 10y
atty to my promise
And if | had" he sneered, 81
wonld seem the test has proven