The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1907-01-08

| judging in some degree from himself.
He knew that the gay and some
what shallow youth, known to the
generality as VINEYARD Mistley, was
not the true inner thinking man.
who ambition was fortunately tenn
pered with whole-hearted sense Of
patriotism rarely net with in these
self-seeking times.
When VINEYARD arrived at the door
of Colonel Wright's house in Seymour
street, the postman was just turning
away from it, having dropped let
ter into the box and given his recog-
nized rap. Thus Jarvis, the old sol
dier-servant, saw the shadow of a
visitor upon the ground glass of the
door when he came for the letters,
and did not wait for second knock.
The old warrior knew who this
brown-faced stranger was at once,
and stepped back, holding the door
wide open.
Lena was singing in a small room
Immediately opposite the entrance,
and the door of this room was wide
open. The old soldiers movements
were quick and noiseless, as SOL
dier's movements should be; but
| VINEYARD was quicker, and, with a
touch of his hand, he stopped Jarvis
| from going forward to announce him.
wait moment" he whispered.
Lena sung on unconsciously She
had heard the postman's knock, and
recognized it, but was not expecting
any particular letter, and therefore
did not interrupt her song.
The two men stood outside the
door and listened in silence-the old
soldier-whose fighting days were
done, and the young man, whose
time was yet to come. One-a
sturdy, powerful figure, very straight,
with peculiarly fiat back and
square, honest face; the other some
what taller, of lighter build, lean ana
wiry, active as cat. They could
lust see Lena's shoulder, and the
play of her white hand and wrist.
Occasionally, as she swayed little
to one side with the rhythm OF her
music, they caught sight of her
dainty head, with the soft, dry hair
drawn well up and clustering down
again.
When tho last note of the accom-
paniment had died away, Lena swung
rather suddenly round upon the mu-
sic-stool, and found herself face to
face with VINEYARD. He was standing
with his overcoat still upon his arm,
and at first Lena thought that it was
Charles Mistley. So quick was her
movement that she caught VINEYARD
looking grave-a luxury he rarely IN
dulged in.
Instantly Lena rose. and although
she blushed, she smiled with perfect
self-possessioE.
'Mr. Mistley," she said. extending
her hand, 81 never beard you come
in"
Then they shook hands, and Jar
Wis vanished with Vineyards coat
81 am afraid" said Mistley, lock-
ing trifie guilty, that 1 have been
standing outside since the end of the
first verse"
Lena gave a little laugh, which
was not quite free from embarrass-
ment.
"That was rather mean," she said.
'I am afraid it was impertinent,
said VINEYARD, quickly, now that |
come to think of it; but at the mo-
ment hardly thought of what was
doing. You see, 1 came in with the
letters, and then, as soon as | stepped
inside the door, I heard--you sing
ing. l am afraid prevented the man
from interrupting you. You must
make some allowance for a wanderer
whose manners have suffered, Miss
Wright. You see, have not heard
anything like that for three years.
and 1 could not resist hearing it all.
Do you think should have said
'Ahem.' or banged my umbrella into
the stand, so as to let you know that
some one was listening?"
mo doubt" replied Lena, chat
would hay, been the proper course
to pursue; but it does not matter
much, suppose. If you like to listen
O people practicing, there is no ac-
tual harm in it. Let US go upstairs
to the drawing-room. Our respective
mothers are there. Papa is dressing,
and Charlie has not come yet.
Lena stopped rather abruptly, and
led the way upstairs. 1t suddenly
struck her that Charlie, whose name
came so naturally from her lips was
this mans brother, and that her easy
manner OF speaking of him must
sound objectionably familiar.
VINEYARD gave her no time to think
OF it, however. He saw the passing
embarrassment, and came to her re-
lief at once.
(To be continued)