The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-02-24

menced to speak highly in his praise
dwelling particularly upon bis gentis
manners and the frankness which Char
acterized him in every act in life.
II esteem him." added Mr.. Aston,
"for his numerous good qualities-ior
the kindness of his heart, for the dignity
and refinement of his manners ana Tor
all those noble traits which constitute
true manhood"
Rosalthe felt her blood mounting tu-
multuously to her cheeks. and tears OF
regret filing her eyes She was much
NAMED that a man Of her fathers ais
elimination should be so egregiousiy de-
ceiyed in the Frenchman's character. But
she was misapprehended; for Aston, Cd
serving her confusion, attributed it Who'll
ly to another cause and remarked, with
a meaning smile, that "she need not Dc
confused about the matter, for he fully
appreciated her feelings and should not
reproach her for anything that might
have passed between LIE Bland and her
self, Of whose honorable intentions no
was entirely persuaded"
And to make Rosalthe's position more
notifying. Mrs. Aston observed in re-
lation to the subject of her husband
eulogy: THAT he was a very pleasant
gentleman, and she hoped her daughter
would be so fortunate as never to form
any acquaintance less respectable; and
she should not object to her preferences
when they were so judiciOusiy made, as
in the present instance"
Mr.. Aston then limited that he was a
man of wealth and was about to make
a large purchase Of land lying on the
opposite bank of the Kentucky river.
He stated that the idea was good one,
and would prove exceedingly profitable,
as it would doubtless quadruple in few
years the capital invested. Rosalthe
perceived at once that her fathers mind
was filed with splendid bubble, which
would burst sooner or later and end in
a cruel disappointment. Whether her
fears magnifed the danger and trial in
reserve for her or himself, time only
could prove; but it was plainly appar-
ent to her that the willy Frenchman ex-
ercised almost unbounded influence over
her fathers movements.
1t appeared to her that the time had
come to speak boldly and reveal all that
her promise did not oblige her to lock
within her own bosom. She could assure
her father that he had completely mis-
taken her sentiments in regard to LIE
Bland, and that she disliked him with
more real intensity than she was sup
posed to love him.
While thoughts of this nature were
passing rapidly through her mind. the
door was opened by Ebony, the colored
servant, and the subject of her thoughts
entered the cabin. He glanced quickly
from one to the other. greeting them
with his accustomed suavity. He took
a seat near Mr.. Aston and cOnversed
with him in that peculiar, agreeable, easy
and confidential manner which had SO
won upon his esteem.
Rosalthe could overhear but little Of
what was said, but she often caught such
words as land, loans, investment"
which induced her to believe that the
land speculation was the one under dis
cussiOn.
lie Bland finally arose and approached
our heroine and said to her in low
voice:
Pardon my earnestness this morning.
My desire to save you from what APP
peared a pressing danger made me. l
fear, somewhat rude. l am happy to
say now that l was not correctly inform
ed in regard to Captain Du Quesne and
his intentions. You may sleep in safety,
fair ROSalthe, and rest assured that there
is one who will shield You from Indian
cruelty"
Then you free me from my position?"
returned Rosalthe.
mo. gentle Rosalthe," he answered, in
his most engaging tones. Il cannot alb
solve you from your promise; for speak
ing of the subject might produce unnec-
essary alarm. Moreover, l design to
make further investigation of the matter
and learn the real extent of the dan
ger. if any exists, your father shall be
duly and properly informed of every
thing. Take your accustomed walks as
though nothing had happened, being
careful not to go too far away from the
fort. and l promise not to interrupt or
you, or speak in relation to any subject
not agreeable to you. Deal with me fair
~ and truly, and yon shall not have an
occasion to regret it, assure you.
Cro be continned.l