The Meeker herald., 1906-08-25
The HeireSs from
England
IA TALE OF COLONIAL DAYSl
BY ETA ". PIERCE



Captain Pakenham." said his excel
lency. the governor turning toward
the hearth where figure stood like
some superb young Mars, you are
late, sir; what do you mean by such
delay? was obliged to send a serv-
ant to search for you"
~ crave your excellency's pardon"
he answered, II was playing bowls
with Miss Margaret, and 30 gave little
heed to time"
The secretary at the governors side
thrust his goose quill hard into the
fink horn, and blot fell on his paper.
His excellency had come to this, his
favorite country house. with retinue
of guests and servants. to celebrate.
not the New Year. but an event at
once uncommon and interesting-a
double marriage.
"Pakenham," said the governor,
''you hear the preparations for your
wedding on the morrow. l marvel
that you should waste time at bowls
with my niece, Margaret, OF forget for
a 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
wealth the wasted fortunes OF your
family, as we'll as to make you happy
by the gift of her youth and beauty.
Nov, II you would save your repu-
tation as a lover and gentleman.
mount and make such speed as you
can to meet Miss Keppel's coach"
81 0!ake haste to obey your COM
mands," said Pakenham, and he bowed
and went tauntily out of the council
chamber.
But the moment its door closed upon
him his countenance changed. With
,groan he started to descend the stair
case, and in its 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
cd her on the lips; then tore down the
stair, his sword gathering against the
stout oak as he went.
Meanwhile in the council chamber
the governor was talking to his sec
getary.
ut 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 to re-
feet upon his own folly, and. haply.
awake to some sense of gratitude and
duty. am fond of Pakenham, and de-
sire his welfare. He has ever been
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 lover
she involuntarily cast down her eyes.
He tried to take her hand. but she
broke from him. and ran to window
that commanded view of the high
way.
LET us watch for Miss Keppels
coach. Jasper. l have secret to tell
you, and oh, am sore afraid-my
heart is beating fast"
"Eh? Afraid? OF what. pray-of
whom?"
"Of you and my uncle. Do you think
the English girl can be far away? 1t
10 hard for me to make my confession
1t will be harder for you to hear it,"
Margaret, what Jest is this? Your
face is like chalk-you tremble!"
And we'll may! Look! she is at
hand!-I see the outriders-the heads
of the horses. yonder. in the curve of
the road. where the tall cedar stands:
Oh. must tell you now. or our lives
will be forever wrecked! 1t Is Paken-
ham whom | love Jasper-not you
and alas! he loves me- II he marries
the English heiress tomorrow, and II
] 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 brooding
on the marshes.
Over the barren waste man came,
running like fox. looking behind MIN
now and then as he fed. Far away In
the distance twinkled light. In
Stinctively he set his face toward 1t. 1t
shone from low black house on the
edge of the marsh.
He raped 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
PERI"
His voice and bearing betokened a
man Of breeding. She drew back that
he might enter.
1.-THE fire is free to all wayfarers,"
she said, land as for superhero is a
portion set for mel give 1t to you
gladly"
"It is evident that you arc not the
owner of this house,"
She shook her head-a fair, graceful
head, with hairslike the silk of corn
"F'isherfolk live here. They are abb
sent now ON an errand for me-"