The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-08-22

Master Hampdon," she said, t'sone- thing dreadful has 4happened.'
 I nodded.
 This was breaking it gently with a vengeance, but what could do? She always did twist me around her little finger, and I was always more or less helpless before her. I admit that. am still, for that matter, although she will not have it so.
 seWhat is it? Is my father-what is he doing in the spinney? He never rises at this hourT'
 Mistress Wilberforce,'' I said, ''you come of a brave stock, and the time for your courage is now"
 s'Is my father 1dead?" she asked, aft CT a sudden. awful stiffness.
 nodded while she stared at me like one possessed.
 .Killed in a dueE?" she whispered. shook my head.
 ssMfstress,'' said I,ss The died by his own hand"
 "Oh, my Godw she cried, c1apping her hands to her face and reehng back.
 I caught her about the waist She had no knowledge that she was held or supported. Of course, all her inter est and attention were elsewhere. She did not weep or give way otherwise. She was marvellous woman, and her self mastery and control amazed me, for knew how she had loved her fa- ther.
 ssWhen? Wh5?' she gasped out. CT was early awake,'' I answered. and I did not tell hertit was my habit to see her gallop off for that morning ride-'sa1d l heard a shot in the spin ney. I hurried thereE and found Sir Godfrey "I.et us go to him.''
 "No," said I. And narveled to find myself assuming the direction as if had been on the deck of my own ship, ''that you cannot. It is no sight for your eyes. I was coming to the castle to tell you and to send the servants to fetch him. Meanwhile you go into the hall and summon your women and'- HI will do what you say, Master Hampton" she whispered very small, very forlorn, very despairing. My fa- | theri My dear, good father!' 1 She turned, and I, still supporting her, we mounted the steps of the ter race. Suddenly she stopped. freed her l self and faced me. Lord Luftdon and the Duke of Ar cester," she explained, they are stay ing at the castle. They must be noti- fed.''
 Madam" said I. .they already I know it."
 ..And why, then, have they left the duty of telling me to you? Where are they? Summon them at oncer'
 ''They are gone!'' I clustered out, my lrage at the duke reviving.
 "Gcner'
 Having won everything from Sir I%1-. GL 4-. his deathY' I retorted bitterly.
 'Impossible!''
 '.I ordered them off the place." said bluntly. l ''You?' she flashed out imperiously- And who gave you the power to dis niss-my fathers friends?"
 "I heard what they said, being hid den myseIf.''
 "And what did they say?''
 'sIt concerned you, mistress"
 'NThe Duke of Arcester,'' she prompt Iy began, Ifs my betrothed husband. will hear no calumny against him.
 Madam" I said, your engagement is broken"
 ''BrokenY' she cried in amaze.
 'HThe duke declared himself too poor to marry the penniless child of a dis graced man-his words, not mine, be lieve me.''
 She turned so white and reeled SC that caught her again. I even shook her while cried roughly:
 You must not give way"
 'It is a lie, dastardly lie?' she pant ed out at last.
 "It is Gods truth" said I. "He re pudiates you"
 EsNo man could be so base,' she per sisted. ''He swore that he loved me-
 'I would it were otherwise, madam. but he is gone. leaving that message for you.''
 "And he made you his messenger?"
 'I volunteered"
 'sWhy? WhyY'
 Because he is a low coward
 "And you stood by and let him in suit me, your patrons daughter, your mistress ?''
 I told her what had happened in the spinney.
 "In all that" she said in a certain strained way, you acted as a loyal servitor Of the house, and thank you.''
 @'I am to give orders to have his bag gage sent to the inn at once,'' said I.
 And Lord LuftdonT'
 "He came to your defense as if he l were still the gentleman be had once