The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1909-12-09

captain Pakenham," said His Ex-
cellency, the Governor, turning
toward the hearth where a figure
stood like some superb young Mars,
"you are late, sir; what do you mean
by such delay? was Obliged to send
a servant to search for you"
81 crave your Excellency's pardon"
he answered. II was playing bowls
with Miss Margaret, and SO gave little
heed to time."
The secretary at the Governors
aide thrust tho goose quill hard into
the ink horn, and blot fell on his
paper.
His Excellency had come to this.
his favorito country house, with
retinue of guests and servants. to
celebrate not the New Year, but an
event ut once uncommon and interest
ing-a double marriage.
"Pakenham." said the Governor,
"you hear the preparations for your
wedding on the morrow. / marvel
that you should waste time at bowls
with my niece. Margaret, or forget
for O moment the Importance of the
occasion, 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.
"Now, II you would save your repu-
tation as a lover and a gentleman,
mount and make such speed as you
can to meet Miss Keppel's coach"
IL make haste to obey your COM
mands," said Pakenham, and he
bowed and went jauntily out Of the
council chamber.
But the moment its door closed
upon him his countenance changed.
With groan he started to descend
the staircase, and in Its first turn
found himself face to face with a slen-
der, brunette girl, who was just COM
ing up.
He bent his fair, tall head, and
kissed her on the lips; then tore down
the stair, his sword clattering against
the stout oak as he went.
Meanwhile in the council chamber
the Governor was talking to his Sec
retary.
ut Is we'll 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
10 reflect upon his own folly, and,
haply, awake to some sense of graft
tnde and duty, I am fond of Paken-
ham, and desire his welfare. He has
been q great favorite, too, with Mar
garet."
YES" assented the secretary.
His Excelle2cy withdrew. A light
tap sounded on tho door, and Mar
garet Winslow, the niece Of the Gov
ernor, 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 a view of the high
way.
Let US watch for Miss Keppel's
coach, Jasper. have a secret to tell
you, and oh, am sore afraid-my
heart is beating fast"
AEh? Afraid? OF what, pray-of
whom?"
"of you and my uncle. Do you
think the English girl can be far
away? 1t is hard for me to make my
confession--it will be harder for you
to hear it,"
Margaret, what Jest Is this? Your
face is like chalk-you tremble,"
AND well may! Look! she is at
nand!-I see the utriders-the
neads 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! II
iS Pakenham whom love, Jasper
not you--and alas! he loves me. II
ne marries the English heiress to-
morrow and IL I am forced to wed
you, my heart win 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 brood
ing on the marshes.
over the barren waste a man came
running like a fox. looking behind
MN now and then as he fed. Far
away In the distance twinkled light.
ihsunctiyely he set his face toward
IT, II shone from a low black house
on the edge OF the marsh.
lie raped on the door and r. hand
S'ne young woman opened to him.
Madam he said. "may ask a
place by your fire and a morsel of
support"
ais voice and bearing betokened a
man OF breeding. She drew back that
he might enter.
The fire is free to all wayfarers. I.
sue SAID, and as for superhero is
portion set for mel give it to you
she motioned toward a table spread
with coarse bread and mess of pot
eate--untasted, as yet. He was
watching her closely. and as abe
moved to take pewter plate from
sne dresser. he saw hem OF stiff,
.ostiy silk under the homespun cloak
'nat was thrown about her shoulders
also stains OF miry travel that
mind. ~ n'S
II is evident that you are not the
owner OF this house?"
She shook her head fair. sraca-
~, mead with hair like the silk or