The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1909-04-01


/ were the sort of man to marry q
girl merely for her money-when his
face lighted and he spoke more ration.
ally.
Cad" he said, what rare lark it
would be to toss up coin and take a
chance at 1t. Six to one only-youd d
have good show to win ont"
How foolish you are, Vincent"
responded, Suppose you took a
chance at il. as you say and just pro
posed TO any one of them, when you
had made no attempt 80 win her
wouldn't she know YOU We're fortune
hunting? And it it should happen to
be the real Agatha she'd refuse YOU
on that account because it would de-
feat the object OF her fathers will; and
II 1t We're not the real Agatha shed
refuse you too, because she'd know
she had no fortune to give you"
"Of course" said Vincent sighing,
you're right about that. But tell
you, Archibald. I'm not flirting with
Miss Marsh. She's an awfully sensible
little girl, and | go to her for advice
about the course I'm pursuing with the
Agathas | 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
= ha COZ ff hiS iIp
younger son should bring that amount
into the family. And the daughter of
a baroness. too, 1t would be such n
match, l can just see how tickled he'd
be TO have his youngest SO well pro-
yided for. The dear old governor.
And Vincent's eyes moistened so 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. If 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
Wyckhoff, and I'm helping her. I'm
awf'iy interested in genealogy, y
know"
This was true. 1ncongruous as It
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. 1t had
been Baroness Wyckhoff'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 10 do. ! eyed Vincent searching
ly as he spoke, but his face was so
thoroughly unconscious that my sus-
picions were disarmed completely.
Yes" he said. there are lot OF
very interesting old books in that
library"
Yes" said. that's why you and
Miss Marsh spend so much time there,
suppose. I'm glad to hear 1t.
really couldn't see what you thought
was so attractive" A sharp blow
in the chest interrupted my speech.
shut up" Vincent hissed in my
ear; don't you see Miss Marsh?"
AS he spoke that young person
tripped lightly up the 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, II have a new idea
about that last chapter we wrote"
I'm sorry / can't be with you this
he answered, and she passed
INTO the house. She wore a white
frock and natty little blue apron, and
must admit looked very fresh and
dainty. but Wilfred's tone was SO cool
and conventional that mentally
freed him again from my accusation
that he was in the midst OF warm
though you will agree with
NE that appearances had been very
much against him.
But that evening when he and |
we're having our nightly bedroom col.
oquy | was obliged TO admit that
Vincent. considering his methods, had
great deal. With some
he related to me the
ale OF his horseback ride in the morn
ng, and l must say It completely un-
settled my belief In the discovery |
lad made as to the identity OF the real
Agatha Wyckhoff. Neither
Vincent nor knew what to make OF 1t.
DO you know. Arch" he said. stri.
ling up and down my room, I've been
through horrible experience to-day?
I was an awful shock TO me. and
esson,"
I'm glad IL was lesson" said l.
There are so few lessons in Vincent's
ife.
Yes" he said, Il felt like a beastly
ad. And | don't see what I've done
O deserve II. or course. I've held
Ter hand a couple of times"
That bad habit OF yours again" !
aurmured.
And I've looked at her lot-she's
.ot the most soul.moying eyes y
now"
| didn't know, but | nodded. The
10Y was very much In earnest.
But ! never thought" he went on
II never thought she-she--" He
topped and the words seemed to stick
. his throat
Great heaven, man." I cried In my