Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-01-18

ed MS mai anu cane WIFI iue utSptiuto
clutch Of one who holds fast Ia some
firm support He met the sntiricai
gienm of her eyes with watering fear
In his own
"Anne-MIsS Lnnge" he sasped con-
fuscdly.
She bowed codly.
A light came Ia him with startling
suddcnneSs.
"You are governcSs to the little girl.
Annabcl. That explains your presence
here. SUI iSe:" he said. regaining his
self possession with n masterful effort.
She smiled unpleasantly lie had not
dreamed that Anne could have looked
30 yindictively 1T any one-romantic
little Anne. She must have cared for
him. indeed. and n thrill OF regret
stirred him that she could not he for
him after all.
And suppose I am the governess.'
she inquired NJ last. and her beautiful
contrnlto voice caused another thrill
within his chill. well ordered interior.
"you know am engaged TO Mrs. Sill
western
She nodded carelessly.
"Afrs. Sylvester IL very particular
very particular indeed" he began as
suredly. II am sure she would not
care for govcrncss who He floun'
dercd under her scornful glnnce.
"Who had once been engaged TO you.
who once wore the historic emerald on
her plebeinn. paint stained hand" she
finished mockingiy. She lifted one
slim white hand and contemplated II
thoughtfully.
IL was going 10 say more than that"
he said. viniictive In his turn. and his
eyes betrayed the length TO which he
would 20.
III you said more than that you
would lIe." She spoke with calm dig
nifty that set oddly on one so young
IL knew you were here and came down
TO prepare yon for my appearance.
Mrs. Sylvester shall not know | have
ever seen you before unless you force
me 10 tell her am not proud OF that
little episode In my life. was only
sixteen. but ! believed In you. Two
years il long time. and now am
woman. You All here is mother
now"
"Annahel." Mrs. Sllvester's aston
ishmcnt WAS blended with laughter
and well simulated confusion as she
gave her hand TO Willoughby.
"AnnabeI:" squeaked that gentleman
pitifully
Annnbel courtesied mockingly. AN
mabel LANCE Sylvester. who tired OF
convent life aud spent n year In Paris
studying art. who tired Of art and went
back to the convent and who has come
home and surprised her dear mamma
by being So grown up
Darling. you positively shocked
me-" murmured Lucia Sylvester. caress-
Ing the raddy hair with one plump
white hnnd. II did not realize you
were growing up. | have always
thought Of you as my little girl. Now
I shall keep you hidden TIL after my
wedding" she concluded. with an arch
smile Mt the disturbed face Of her be-
trothed
Willoughby Jones-Derrick was adj
justlng his slow moving faculties TO
this latest order of things.
First. 1t had bean Anne Lange. a
ghost ont Of his respectable past that
might rattle It's bones unpleasantly TO
the sound Of wedding bells or hush
those bells altogether. and this we'd
ding meant his bread and butter-and
cigarettes.
Now. II was Annabel. the stepdaugh-
Ter. who confronted him: Annabel.
his prospective stepdaughter. who
turned ont to have been his fiancee for
several delicious weeks and whom
he had heartlessly fitted when her
youthful charms palled upon him.
Even with her promise 10 forget the
past warmth on her lips lie wondered
whether he could live with her and
look on her each day as a slumbering
volcano which might burst forth any
moment and overwhelm him with the
lava Of truth Women were PREACHER
Gus. aud had not n great poet said
that hell holds no fury like wom-
nm scorncd:"
Il have been making the acqualnt-
ance Of Mr. Jones. Derrick" said Anna
bel. with suddenly sweet smile. He
thinks I r mind him of an old friend.
and we squabbled over the matter
Now we shall bury the Ratchet. shall
we not:'' She extended her cool hand.
willouehby grasped II eagerly. and
tears of relief almost forced them
selves TO his fine eyes. YES" he said.
with the stiff heartiness that was his
nearest approach TO friendlIness.
81 Thought mother was all alone. and
no I came home to take care OF her
girls have such funny ideas" Anna
bel's voice was honey sweet
~ have given that right 10 Mr.. Jones.
Derrick" smiled Mrs. Sylvester over
the teapot
II will trke care OF you both" said
Willoughby ponderously.
Annahel cmrled her lips scornfnlly.
and they tremblci with the quick