The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-12-22

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outer door swung open, and a tall
young man-Duncan Vance himself
came forth.
Miss Kirkby-you!" he exclaimed
with a warmth of greeting that deep
ened the color in Comics cheeks
"Oh. / see!" as his glance fell upon
the train below. THE little dinky
got tuckered out Il usually does.
somewhere on the road. Lucky Il
should be at my very doorl"
Il thought had heard-you were
abroad" Connie faltered, all her dim.
pies flashing and playing bewilderr
lingly.
Yes, my friends believe went
with the McAlisters In June. But
stole away all by myself to study up
for the book I'm writing on Forestry.
I've put in six weeks of solid work"
A look passed between the two that
made Mrs. Van Brunt writhe Was
all her plotting and wire-pulling to
come to naught? She had counted
on definitely settling her niece's fu'
ture within twenty-four hours. Now
the one man who could spoil her III.
tie game had Unexpectedly crossed
their path.
81 hear the warning whistle" she
exclaimed. 1--WE must hasten back"
Duncan Vance walked down to the
train with them He and Connie
chatted in accents Of suppressed ex-
citement, but Mrs. Van Brunt kept
close at their heels. She hurried
Connie into the coach, but the young
man stood at the window until the
train began to move.
Il shall see you again soon," he
called after them.
Not if I can help IT," Mrs. Van
Brunt calculated to herself.
Some hours later Connie stood on
the broad veranda at Stormcliif. The
sun had gone down behind Stratton
mountain. All the lesser heights, the
fr-crowned slopes, were wrapped in
a wonderful opal haze.
Several things had happened since
their arrival. Colonel Calvert, their
host, a railroad president, with no
immediate family of his own, had
shown them over the beautiful house.
Then Jack, his handsome nephew, had
escorted Connie through the
grounds. Afterward Mrs. Van Brunt
had unearthed from her trunk a very
lovely gown, her latest purchase for
her niece.
"Of course this is no mere pleasure
trip" was her cold-blooded declara-
ton. Make the most Of your oppor-
tunity, my dear. You will never have
such another. There's another neph-
ew, a graceless scamp, imagine; but
Jack ought to get the lions share Of
the money. If you let him slip
through your fingers because Of any
foolishness, you'll get no more help
from me"
Nervous sobs were very near the
surface as she stood there and watch
ed the sun go down. Her fate was
in her own hands She liked lux
ury and hated poverty. 1t was per-
fectly clear why this invitation to
the Calvert summer home had been
extended.
A firm, quick step crossed the YER
anda. she saw Jack coming and her
heart leaped into her throat. What
should she say. to him?
Ten minutes later 1t had been said
all uncertainty was over forever.
Jack had rushed away, swapping at her
angry words.
And now she must face her aunt's
bitter upbraidings. She knew the
price she would have to pAy-poor
clothes, plain living, uncongenial
tasks; but her heart sang within her
Mrs. Van Brunt would call her a SEN
timental fool; but she felt that she
had done the wise and sensible thing.
Slowly the last CLEAN Of daylight
faded; stars flashed into the darken.
ing sky. Colonel Calvert met her as
she re-entered the house, and drew
her into the big drawing room, into
the brilliant gaslight.
so you have refused Jock?" There
was an amused CLEAN in his shrewd
gray eyes as they searched her face.
"Why? Don't be afraid-tell me, my
dear. Why did you do it?"
Down went her head upon his shout
der. 81 found-I couldn't-sell my.
SELF" she faltered.
Colonel Calvert stroked her rum
pied hair tenderly. That's where
you showed good sense. Now, won
der If there isn't somebody else who
has a better show than poor Jack?"
Connie started back, pale and trem'
bling. The sudden fear was unbound.
ed. He gave low whistle, evidently
a signal. A man in long motor coat
came swiftly down the hallway.
my favorite nephew Duncan
Vance," Colonel Calvert said, with
twinkling eyes. Il wanted to be sure
you were worthy of him, my dear; so
let Jack have the first chance. But
/ knew you'd stand the test all right"