The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-05-10
My Lady of Doubt
toontlnued from pare onel

Il think not-not yet, at least, for II
he did you would be under arrest. But
there are others here who would rec
ognize you just as have. There is
no mystery about II. / was in Phila-
delphia when the Continental troops
were here, and you were pointed out
to me then. No, we have never met,
yet l was sure l recognized you this
afternoon"
81 was pointed out to you by
/ whom?"
my brother-my twin brother on
the staff Of General Lee"
"Did you not inform me your family
were loyalists?"
"Yes; it is true" earnestly, her foot
tapping the floor, as though annoyed
3 at such persistent questioning. II
have a father and brother in the
kings service-but one is a renegade,
and IL"
you are what?"
II am merely woman, sir, unable
to determine whether to finally be-
come loyalist or rebel"
l looked gravely into her eyes until
they fell, yelling their revelation Of
truth behind long lashes.
mistress Mortimer" l murmured,
bending so close to her pink ear, I felt
the soft touch of her hair on my lips,
you dissemble so charmingly as to
even puzzle me. But If leave you
now, as you request, must first have
promise of welcome again"
"Then you mean to return-a pris-
oner? I am always merciful to the
suffering"
mo; we are coming back to Phila-
delphia victors, and soon. am not
afraid to tell you. l have learned
much today, and go back to report to
Washington that the exchange Of Brit
ish commanders means the early evac-
uation of the city. When we meet
again you will not be a lady of the
Blended Rose, nor will be wearing
this uniform"
Her eyes sparkled brightly into
mine, then dropped demurely.
IL rather like the colors you are
wearing now, and am sure this dress
is most becoming. II have pas
sion for masquerade"
81 recognize that, but have already
discovered where can read the truth
beyond the masque-what is occurring
now?"
She turned to look, attracted as l
had been by the change and hustle
about US. A few feet from where we
stood conversing, large folding doors,
previously concealed by draperies,
were suddenly flung wide open, re-
vealing a magnificent dining hall.
Dazzled by the magnificent spectacle,
l turned to my companion, unable to
resist temptation. She must have in
stantly read the purpose in my face,
for she grasped my sleeve.
''No; you must not think of remain
ing a moment longer There will be
a seat reserved for me, and Captain
Grant is coming this way now. Some
thing is wrong, l am sure; have no
time to explain, but promise me you
will leave here at once-at once"
Her eyes, her words, were so in
sistent could not refuse, although as !
glanced about l felt convinced |
there was no danger in this assem-
blage, not a familiar face meeting |
mine. At the instant Grant came up, |
elbowing his way through the press, !
and staring insolently into my eyes,
even as he bowed politely to the lady |
beside me.
"At least this is my privilege" he
insisted, unless there be another pre-
vious engagement of which am igno-
rant"
ooh, no." and she rested her hands
on the green sleeve, smiling from his
face into mine. 1--WE were waiting for
you to come. Goodnight, Lieutenant
Fortesque."
They had taken step or two, when
Grant halted, holding her arm tightly
as he glanced back to where l stood.
"Would Lieutenant Fortesque spare
me moment after have found the
lady seat?" he questioned politely.
GLADLY, If you do not keep me
waiting too long"
"Then there will be no delay. Shall
we say the parlor below"
moved, conscious Of the mute ap-
peal in the lady's face, yet with no
excuse for refusal.
"As well there as anywhere, SIR"
Once again we bowed with all the
punctilious ceremony Of mutual dis
like, and he whispered something into
her ear as they disappeared in the
stream Of people. My cheeks burned
with indignation at his cool insolence.
What could it mean? Was he merely
seeking a quarrel? or was there some
hing else concealed behind this re-
quest? In either case 1 knew not how
20 act, and yet felt no inclination to
avoid the meeting. Studying over the
situation l pushed my way through
he crowd across the floor Of the ball
'oom. There were few people still
lingering on the stairs, but, except for
ua-isa-a-s---