Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1906-02-26

menced to speak highly in his praise.
dwelling particularly upon his gentle
manners and the frankness which char
acterized him in every act in life.
II esteem him." added Mr.. Aston,
"for his numerous good qualties-for
the kindness of his heart, for the dignity
and refinement Of his manners and for
all those noble traits which constitute
true manhood"
Rosalthe felt her blood mounting tu-
multuOusly to her cheeks. and tears or
regret filling her eyes. She was much
panied that man of her fathers dis
elimination should be so egregously de-
ceived in the Erenchman's character. But
she was misapprchendcd; for Aston. OH
serving her confusion. attributed it who'll
ly to another cause and remarked. with
a meaning smile that 'she need not be
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 he
was entirely persuaded
And to make Rosalthc's position more
notifying. Mrs. Aston observed in re-
lation to the sub ect of her husband 3
culngy: "That he was very pleasant
gentleman. and she hoped her daughter
would he so fortunate as never to form
any acqraintances less respectable: and
she should not object to her preferences
when they were so judiciously made. as
in the present instance"
Mr.. Aston then limited that he was a
4 /, nd han In
large purchase of land lying on the
opposite bank of the Kentucky river.
He stated that the idea was n good one.
and would prove exceedingly profitable,
as it would doubtless quadruplc in a few
years the capital invested. Rosallhe
perceived at once that her fathers mind
was filled with splendid bubble. which
would burst sooner or later and end in
cruel disappointment. Whether her
fears magnified the danger and trial in
reserve for her or himself. time only
could prove: but it was plainly appar-
cnt to her that the willy Frcnchman ex-
ercised almost unbounded influence over
her fathers movements.
1t appeared to her that the inc had
come to speak boldly and reveal all that
her promise did not obligc her to lock
within her own bosom. She could assure
her father that lie 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
Nj # ! IA -
entered the cabin. lie glanced quickly
from one to the other, greeting them
with his accustomed snavity. lie took
seat near Mr. Aston AMI 'convcrscd
with him in that peculiar. agreeable. easy
and confidential manner which had SO
won upon his esteem.
Rosalthe could ovcrhear but little Of
what was said. but she often caught such
words as "iand. 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 carnestncss this morning.
My desire to save you from what APP
pcared n pressing danger made me. |
fear. somewhat rude. | am happy to
say now that was not correctly inform
ell in regard to Captain Du QncSne and
his intentions. You may sleep in safety,
fair RoSathe. and rest assured that there
is one who will shield you from Indian
cruelty"
Then you free me from my postiou:'
returned Rosathe.
NO. gentle koSalthc." he answered. in
his most engaging tones. Il cannot alb
solve You from your promise; for speak
ing of the subject might produce unncc-
cssary alarm. Moreover. | design to
make further vestgation 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 rs
though nothing had happened. being
careful not to go too far away from the
fort, and promise not t" interrupt or
you. or speak in relation t" any subject
not agreeable to you. Deal with me fair
ly and truly. and you shall not have an
occasion to regret it. assure YOU"
Go 10 continued,
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