The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-25
THE HElRESS FROM ENGLAND
GA Tale of Colonial Days.) BY ET.TA w. PIERCE.

bH E1-EA w. FIERCE. Copyright, 1906, by Joseph B. BowIes }
 Captain Pakenham," said his excel lency. the governor turning toward the hearth where a figure stood like some superb young Mars, you are late, sir; what do you mean by such delay? l was obliged to send a serv- ant to search for your"
 T crave your excellencys pardon" ]" he answered. T was playing bowls with Miss Margaret, and so gave It, tie heed to time"
 The secretary at the governors side thrust his goose quill hard Into the ink horn, and a blot fell on his paper.
 His excellency had come to this, his favorite country house, with a retinue of guests and servants. to celebrate. not the New Year, but an event at once common and interesting-a double marriage.
 "Pakenham," said the governor. you hear the preparations for your wedding on the morrow. I marvel that you should waste time at bowls with my niece, Margaret, or forget for moment the importance of the occa- sion, when the lady who has come from England to marry you Is already approaching the house. Let me re- mind you. sir. that your father has sent Miss Keppel to mend with her
 
 family. as well as to make you happy by the gift of her youth and beauty.
 Now if you would save your repu- tation as lover and a gentleman, mount and make such speed as you can to meet Miss Keepers coach.'
 T make haste to obey your com mands." said Pakenham. and he bowed and went jauntily out of the council chamber.
 But the moment its door closed upon him his countenance cnanRed. With a groan he started to descend the stair case, and in It's first turn found him. self face to face with a slender, bru- nette girl. who was just coming up.
 He bent his fair, tall head, and kiss ed her on the lips; then tore down the stair, his sword clattering against the stout oak as he went.
 Meanwhile in the council chamber the governor was talking to his sec- retary.
 Tt is well for the boy to go with you to the altar tomorrow" said the governor. Seeing you so happy in the love of Margaret, he may pause 10 re- tect upon his own folly, and, haply, awake to some sense of gratitude and duty. I am fond of Pakenham, and de- sire his welfare. He has ever been a great favorite, too. with Margaret"
 'Yes,' assented the secretary.
 His excellency withdrew. A light tap sounded on the door, and Margaret Winslow, the niece of the governor. stepped into the room.
 As she advanced to meet her love. she involuntarily cast down her eyes. He t1ied to take her hand, put she broke from him, and ran to a window that commanded a view of the high way.
 Let us watch for Miss Keppers coach. Jasper, l have a secret to tell you. and oh. I am sore afraid-my heart Is beating fast"
 "Eh? Afraid? Of what, pray--of whom?"
 "Of you and my uncle Do think | the English girl can be far away? II Is hard for me to make my confession l Lit will bH harder for you to hear it!'
 Margaret, what jest Is this? Your face Is like chalk-you tremble!"
 And well l may! Look! she is at hand!--I see the outriders-the heads of the horses, wonder, in the curve of the road, where the tall cedar stands Oh. I must tell you now, or our lives will be forever wrecked! It Is Paken- ham whom I love Jaspcr-not you | and alas! he loves me. If he marries the English heiress tomorrHv, and If am forced to wed you. my heart will break"
 The blow was cruel Never till that moment had he doubted her faith.
 The coach turned in at the gate.
 
 The bleak winter night was breeding on the marshes.
 | Over the barren waste man came, running like a fox, looking behind him now and then as he fled. Far away Tn l the distance twlnkled light. In- stinctively he set his face toward it. It shone from a low black house on the edge of the marsh.
 He rapped on the door and hand some young woman opened to him.
 Madam" he said, may l ask a place by your fire and morsel of sup per?"
 His voice and bearing betokened a man of breeding. She drew back that he might enter.
 "The fire is free to all wayfarers." |" she said, "and as for supper-here is a portion set for mel give 1t to you gladly"
 She motioned toward a table spread with eParse bread and a mess of pot tage-untasted, as yet. He was watch ing her closely. and as she moved to take a pewter plate from the dresser, he saw a hem of stiff. costly silk under the homespun cloak that was thrown | about her shoulders-also stains of miry travel that aroused a strange sus- pieion in hls mind d.