Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-01-11

clutch OF one who holds fnst TO some
firm support. He met the satiricnl
glenn Of her eyes with wavering fear
In his own.
"Anne-- Miss Langcr' he gasped con.
fusedly.
She bowed coldly.
A light came to him with startling
suddenncss.
"You are governcss to the little girl.
Annabel. That explains your presence
here. suproseY' he said. regnining his
self possession with n masterful effort.
She smiled unplcasantly. He had not
dreamed that Anne could have looked
80 vindictively nj 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 am the governess!'
she inquired ut 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 cnrelessly.
"Airs. Sylvester Is very particular
very particular indeed" he began as
suredly. IL am sure she would not
cnre for n governess who He iioun-
dered under her scornfuI glance.
"who had once been engaged TO you.
who once wore the historic emerald Oh
her plebcian. paint stained hand" she
finished mockingly She lifted one
slim white hand and contemplated II
thoughtfully.
II was going to say more than that"
he said. vindictive in his turn. and his
eyes betrayed the length TO which he
would 60
"If you said more than that you
would lie." She spoke with calm dig
nifty that set oddly on one so young.
~ knew you were here aud came down
to prepare you for my appearance.
Mrs. Sylvester shall not know | have
ever seen you before unless yon force
me 10 tell her am not proud OF that
little episode in my life. was only
sixteen but believed In yon. Two
years Is long time. and now ! am a
woman. YOU All. here is mother
now"
"Annabcl-' Mrs. Silvcster's aston
ishment was blended with laughter
and well simulated confusion rs she
gave her hand TO Willoughby
"Annabel:" squeakcd that gentleman
pitifully
Anl fn1
mabel LANCE Sylvester. who tired OF
convent life aud spent "a year In Paris
studying art. who tired OF art and went
back 10 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 ruddy hair with one plump
white hand. Il did not realize you
were growing up. have always
thought Of you as my little girl. Now
shall keep you hidden till after my
wedding" she concluded. with an arch
smile. at the disturbed face OF her be-
trothed
Willoughby Jones Derrick was nd
justing his slow moving faculties 10
this latest order OF things
First. II had been Anne I.ange. a
ghost out OF his respectable past that
might rattle Its bones unpleasantly TO
the sound of wedding bells or hush
those bells altogether. and this we'd
ding meant his bread and bntter---and
cigarettes
Now. IL was Annabel. the stepdaugh-
ter. who confronted him: Annabcl.
his prospective stepdaughter who
turned out TO have been his tancce for
several delicious weeks and whom
he had hcartlessly Tilted when her
youthful charms palled upon him.
Even with her promise to forget the
past warmth on her lips lie wondered
whether he could live with her and
look on her each day as slumberlng
volcano which might burst forth any
moment and overwhelm him with the
lava of truth. Women We're Preacher
Gus. aud had not great poet said
that hell holds no fury like WON.
an scornedi''
II have been making the acqnaint-
ance Of Mr.. Jones. Derrick" said Anna.
bel. with n suddenly sweet smile He
thinks ! r mind him OF mn old friend.
and we squabbled over the matter.
Now we shall bury the Ratchet. shall
we not?" she extended her cool hand
Willoughby grasped Il eagerly. and
tears OF relief almost forced them
selves 10 his fine eyes. YES" he said.
with the stif heartiness that was his
nearest approach to friendllness.
II thought mother was all alone. and
so ! came home 10 take care OF her
girls have such funny ideas" Anna.
bells voice was honey sweet
II have given that right to Mr.. Jones
Derrick" smiled Mrs Sylvester over
the teapot
II will take care OF you both" said
Willoughby ponderously.
Annabel curled her lips scornfully,
and they trembled with the quick