Gilpin observer., 1908-07-02
SYNOPSIS.
Copyright. 1907. by a. c. Mcc,urs & Co.

CHAPTER Lord Wilfred Vincent
and Archibald Terhune are introduced at
the opening of the story, in England, the
latter relating the tale. The pair on an
outing miss their train and seeking rec
reation meet the Honorable Agatha
Wyckhoff." whose hand is much sought
after. because of her wealth. On visiting
The Wyckhof castle they are introduced
TO two other girls. both known as Agatha
wyckhoff.
CHAPTER H.-At dinner three other
Agatha Wyckhoffs are introduced and
the plot revealed. The deceased step
father. in an eccentric moment. made his
will that the real Agatha, heiress to
his fortune and the castle at Wye. Eng
land. might wed her affinity. Thus Mrs.
Armistead. chaperon. was In duty bound
to keep the real Agathas Identity un-
known and suitors were invited to try
out for the hand of the heiress. An at
tempt by Terhune to gather clew from
the chaperon falls.
How foolish you are, Vincent"
responded. Suppose you took
chance at 1t. az you say, and Just pro-
posed to any one Of them. when you
had made no attempt to win her
wouldn't she know you were fortune
hunting? And II It should happen to
be the real Agatha she'd refuse you
on that account because 1t would de-
feat the object Of her fathers will; and
II 1t were not the real Agatha she'd
refuse you, too, because she'd know
she had no fortune to give you"
"Of course" said Vincent. signing.
you're right about that. But l tell
you, Archibald, I'm not flirting with
Miss Marsh. She's an awfully sensible
little girl, and l go to her for advice
about the course I'm pursuing with the
Agathas. l need encouragement, you
know; It's all such a beastly mess.
One doesn't know with which one Of
the attractive young ladies to fall in
love. It's so difficult to decide with
that twenty millions lowering In the
background Just think. Arch. what
the governor would say II his penniless
younger son should bring that amount
into the family. And the daughter Of
q baroness. too, It would be such q
match! can Just see how tickled he'd
be to have his youngest SO well pro-
vided for. The dear old governor"
And Vincent's eyes moistened. $50 you
see," he went on hurriedly, Miss
Marsh's attitude toward me is entirely
friendly. She is merely the confidante
Of my difficulties Of the heart. and her
taste. find, is excellent"
1T is also changeable," said dry
ly, III the course you have been pur-
suing is through advice Of hers"
Vincent smiled. And then you
know" he went on, ignoring my
thrust. she's writing very interesting
book. the history Of the barons Of
Wyckhon. and I'm helping her. I'm
awf'ly interested in genealogy. y
know"
This was true. Incongruous as II
may seem. vincent's one serious hob
BY don't consider his paint-dabbling
serious-which had to do with re-
search and scholarship. was his love
for things ancient in general. and
family trees in particular. II had
been Baroness Wyckhon's wish that
some review Of the lives Of the barons
OF that name should be made. since
the last one had died, and Mrs. Arm
istead had given her secretary this
work to do. eyed Vincent searching
ly as he spoke, but his face was 30
thoroughly unconscious that my sus-
picions were disarmed completely.
YES" he said. there are q lot Of
very interesting old books In that
library"
Yes" I said. that's why you and
Miss Marsh spend so much time there.
I suppose. I'm glad to hear It I
really couldn't sec what you thought
was 30 attractive" A sharp blow
in the chest interrupted my speech.
shut up" Vincent Kissed in my
ear; don't you see Miss Marshr'
As he spoke that young person
tripped lightly up tho wide stone steps
OF the veranda and was about to pass
on when Vincent stopped her.
Good morning" he said. his hat in
his hand. Are you beginning work
so early?" and he looked at the papers
carried under her arm.
"Yes," she said. "I have . new idea
about that last chapter we wrote"
I'm sorry can't be with you this
morning." he answered. and she passed
into the house. She wore a white
frock and natty little blue apron. and
I must admit looked very fresh and
dainty, but Wilfred's tone was 80 cool
and conventional that mentally
freed him again from my accusation
that he was in the midst of q warm
filtration, though you will agree with
me that appearances had been very
much against him.
But that evening when he and
were having our nightly bedroom col.
loQuy was obliged to admit that
Vincent, considering his methods. had
accomplished . great deal. With some
embarrassment he related to me the
tale Of his horseback ride in the morn.
ing, and must say h,completely II un.
aa4fiad nv halief In the dincQYAfY