Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-03-31
| A REAL DAUGHTER
OF THE REVOLUTION
Copyright 1904, by ]. D. Lippincou Company.
By CAROLINE CEBnARDT.

sumed depth, was sweet. and that so
much of her face as could be seen
was beautiful; else Bessemcr might
have been irritatcd beyond the
bounds Of courtesy by her cffrontcry.
"Madam." he said, ''you speak with
your accustomed emphasis; but you
will perceive that your clever plot
has been foied. My good captain
was not so stupid but that he thought
best to communicate with me before
accepting too unQuestioningly the
order which he supposed had been
sent him through Lieut.. Ellery. In
truth. You have aped your brother
I Edward so well in looks, though not
In conduct. that ] do not wonder he
was deceived; but as the next act in
our little drama might be narrowing
10 your feelings. | WILL with your
permission. escort YOU from the
scene after have given orders that
the execution proceed"
Jane thought rapidly. There was
one last throw in the game left her
and she might even make it and yet
not win: or. winning, at what sacri-
flee, But as long as his last chance
remained could she refuse TO take ito
"Col. Hcsscmcr." she said. Some
hours since you made me the offer
to exchange Capt Worthington's life
for my promise TO he your wife. If
that offcr was made in good faith,
will-accept it."
A stony expression settled upon
Bessemcr's face; his eyes looked at
her coldly. Ardcntly had he woocd
this young woman less than two
hours since; but that was before she
had jeopardized her reputation by
going to wild lengths to save another
mans life. On the other hand, his
pulses throbbed at every infection of
her voice, AT every display of her
proud spirit, her naughty temper.
70 have all this youthfulness. wilful-
ness, Iovelincss for his very own, TO
bend that naughty will to his-the
thought was fascinating
Il am waiting sir" The girls eyes
looked at him with cold surprise.
Apparently Miss Ellery was aston
tshed that the bargain she offered
should not be more eagerly accept
ed
Bessemer noted this with some
amusement, and with pleasure too.
1t pleased him that she seemed to
nave no conception that she had done
aught which could make her less ac-
ceptable in his eyes. Had she turned
to him as suppliant, he would have
scorned her; but she came as a pur-
chaser who offered price which she
evidently considered high; and Bes-
scmer was too human not to value
that which was offered him at much
the value at which it was offered.
"Iou are willing to accept an Of
fer which I made you sometime
since?' he said slowly. "Ah. yes: re-
member--for your hand against this
fellows life; and YOU would have me
renew II now thai you might give
your hand to me and your heart, to-
gcthcr with his life, TO him. A charm
ing bargain. truly"
You refuse, thcn?" She turned
away with the air Of an empress,
drawing her cloak about her, and
apparently forgetful that she wore
not sweeping trains. but trod in
stead in dragoon boots.
Besscmcr's breath came more
quickly. Zone moment, my queenly
Jane he interposed. "You seem
most ready to accept refusal at my
hands, which makes me think that
after all the bargain you offer is not
so bad. Nou are "A most enchanting
puzzle. One instant. | am convinced
your heart is all this rebels; yet,
were il so. methinks You would not
be so willing to abandon your at
tempt to buy his life. And if 7 do
agree to give his life in exchange
for your plighted word. what then
Is IL 10 be understood that | am Ia
have the right to claim you for my
wife whenever I so choose? | am no
believer in long engagements. nor in
procrastination either in love or war;
nor do ] propose to bc put off with
one excuse and another. Come, Jane,
if I let this fellow live. will you he
mine on any day that I may set, or
at any moment that seems to Inc
most eXpcdicnt?"
Jane turned slowly. "Have YOU not
my world" she demanded. II won.
der that you care To wed one whom
you seem 10 trust so little: but since
you wish to add another to your de,
Inands, I will consent provided you
, permit me TO add to my conditions
! will agree TO marry You whenever
you shall choose upon the promise
that you not only spare Capt. Worth
ington's life upon this occasion, but
that you bind yourself to never agaiI
strive TO take it from him except il
fair fight upon the field of battle"
Upon my word" he remarked
sneeringly, this friend Worthingtor
; .of yours seems to stand nightly il
need of feminine protection. 1t il
usual to expect that an able-bodieo
man will have sufficient prowess ant
bravery to fight for the preserva
ton of his life himself withou
having to be hedged about with dc
lenses brought by woman"
81 believe" Jane returned, at i
also usual to expect a man to have
sufficient attractions to win a wifi
without resorting to bargain and sal
to secure her"
Besscmer bowed low. "A fair re
tort" he observed; lone which bu
equals in brillancy all that falls from