Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 October 1902 — BASIL'S VINDICATION [ARTICLE]

BASIL'S VINDICATION

rtoE pressed the fragrant note to I Jm| his lips, and, with a serene smile, ""'w leaned back In his chair. It was more, much more, than he had ever dared to hope. Only a few words, written In a dainty feminine hand on a sheet of tinted note paper, yet Basil Vere, having read, thought himself the happiest man alive. “Meet me in St. Saviour's Church at noon to-morrow. MAltlE.” The messenger who had brought the epistle having gone, Basil gave himself up to an hour's sweet contemplation of his love. Marie Somerville was the only daughter of a wealthy, but proud, lawyer, who had made up his mind that no one In the three kingdoms was too good for Marie. Marie, however, inheriting more of her mother's gracious sweetness of character than of her father’s stern and harsh demeanor, thought otherwise, and would have none of the many suitors that the latter provided for her choice. Then one day she met Basil Vere, a young subaltern in an Infantry regiment, who from the very lirst time of meeting had determined to woo and win the pretty, blue-eyed daughter of the lawyer. Opportunities for seeing each other were not frequent, however, and many were the subterfuges to which resort had to be made In order that they might enjoy each other’s society. But to-morrow! Then Basil would pour out his whole heart to his love, quite undisturbed. It was almost too good to be true, and he threw his cap high In the air. *•*••• Half an hour before noon Basil sat patiently In a secluded seat, hidden behind one of the massive pillars of the church, waiting for Marie. At every step he raised his head and watched those who entered. Noon came, and the great clock overhead Chimed out the hour. “She will be here in a moment,” he said to himself, hoping that the next worshipper would appear In the person of his love, but all lu vain. The suspense seemed long, and the quarter chimed; still the subaltern waited. That she would come he had no doubt, but what had hindered her? The half-hour struck. Almost before the echo had died away a voice Bounded almost In his ear. “Basil!’' Marie had entered a small door behind him, taking him unawares. “I could not come before, Basil; I have been detained.” “My own Marie, pray do not excuse yourself. lam proud to wait." “Hush, Basil! ltemember, we may be heard here. My brother Is coming.” “Your brother?” “Yes. He said he would be back Jn half an hour. They suspect me of meeting you.”

“Would they prevent our Intercourse, Marie?" “If they could," she answered. “But we must not let them. If we are careful and ever on the alert we shall not arouse suspicion." “You do not regret your love " “How can you ask, Basil? That were Impossible!" Marie answered with a solemn look. “Should I be here otherwise ?" “No, Marie, but I wished to hear It again from your sweet lips," he answered. Just at that moment the clock struck one. With a start Marie arose. “Look! Francis has seen us," she cried, as a young fellow rushed after them when they walked out of the church. They quickened their pace, but were too late. Francis touched Marie on the ahoulder. “What does this mean, Marie?" he asked bluntly. Who Is this fellow " “Francis!" Marie's eyes flashed upon her brother. Anger was plaluly visible on her features, the graceful eoutour of her face becoming more visible In anger than when in repose. “llow dare you speak of my friend like that?" "Your friend, Marie! You must be mad! Surely, girl " He could hardly utter his thoughts. He gave a tierce scowl at Basil, who atood near. “Surely, girl, you don’t call that your faLrnd?" The Insult did not pass unnoticed by the subaltern. Uls hands itched to clutch Francis by the throat, but Marie's restraining Influence held him back. “Take no notice of him, Basil," returned Marie with hauteur, turning her buck on her brother. “Ho Is not responsible for his words." “Oh, oh!” sneered Francis. “So that's your game, Is It? I'll soon make the fellow cry Teccavl,’ I’ll warrant" Basil turned U|>on him. “BusH, tuke no heed, there's a good fellow," whispered Marie to him; “he Is my brother, remember." The simple words were enough for the subaltern. With a sulky growl, he walked on beside Marie, wishing himself for once without his love. But Francis was not to be balked In bis designs. Ktepplng up to Basil, he caught him roughly by the shoulder. “Here, take yourself oflf!" he cried. Basil took no notice. This aroused the demon In his aggressor. He raised his flst. “Will you clear sffT’ he cried madly. Marie Interposed her body between

the two men, clinging tightly to her brother. With a cry of rage he flung her ruthlessly from him and struck out at Basil. At that moment Basil stooped slightly to catch Marie and received the blow on bis temple. He staggered back. All his wildest passions aroused at this mad attack, be doubled his fists and stood on his guard. Marie had by this time recovered herself and saw what Basil Intended. Clasping her hands, Bhe stood before him. “Remember,” she whlspeerd, “he Is my brother.” “Go now, Basil,” she whispered. * He needed no second bidding. He dared not stay in the company of Francis longer, else he knew that he must retaliate upon him his 111 words and blows. Oh, that Marie had not asked him to do the all but Impossible. And as Basil Vcrfc walked homeward his brow was clouded and his step heavy. • ••••• Not a week had passed. Basil Vere sat musing In his boat on the Thames below Oxford. He had been boating alone, and had drawn his boat lu among the rushes by the river bank. Thus, quite out of sight, he could watch the other parties that passed and repassed. Suddenly he heard voices. “The despicable cad!” said one. “Yes; the fellow actually had the cool cheek to meet Marie In St Saviour’s Church,” said a voice that Basil recognized as belonging to Francis Somerville. “Great Scot!” “Luckily I came upon them In time or I don’t know what might not have happened.” “But what does Marie say about It?” asked one. “Cut up quite nasty. Will not hava a word to say to nie now! Says I’ve killed her with my Interference, and mopes all day long.” “She’s a fine girl, Francis.” “Aud the old boy means to have her marry well,” Francis answered. “Nothing less than a title will suit him. Besides ” “So Vere is altogether too low?” “The cad!” muttered Francis again. “I’d like to meet the fellow now. ’Pon my soul, I would almost drown the insolent puppy!” he cried. But Basil heard no more. The boat had passed out of bearing. An hour later Basil was run Into by two men In a boat Ills boat was upset and he was precipitated Into the water. Being a good swimmer, he came to the surface In a very short time, and found Francis in the other boat taunting htm. “Save yourself, you coward!” he shouted with a leer. “Han4s off our boat. We’ll have none such as you among us!” But he was too late. Basil managed to get one knee on the side of the boat. Francis got out of his seat to prevent him from securing a hold, and overbalanced himself. Next moment all three were struggling In the water. It did not take long for Basil to swim to the bank. The second occupant of the boat was soon by his side In a halfdrowned condition, vowing venegauce on Basil. But where was Francis? They could not see him for the moment A minute had not passed, however, before his head appeared above the water. He threw bis hands up with a supplicating gesture and then disappeared. “Good heavens, the weir!” cried Basil. “Nothing can save him once he gets caught In that current!” With one glance at his helpless comupanlon, Basil threw off his Jacket and swam for the plßce where he had last seen Francis. • sees* He lay on a couch and rubbed his eyes. It was several hours later. He heard the voice of Francis in the next room. “Is It really you, Marie?” “My dear Basil, how can I thank you enough? Why, you almost died for Francis!” A glad smile lit up Basil’s features. "I did It because he Is your brother!” he answered simply. Marie smothered his face with kisses. “I will make it all right with the old man, Basil!” whispered Francis next day, as he reclined on a couch at the Inn. “You need have no fear now. I was a mean, despicable hound ” "Hush!” cried Basil. “You’ve made me happy, so why should I grumble!” “A mean, despicable ” “Look here, Francis, If you don’t leave off talklug such rubbish you and I will quarrel." “We mustn't do that, Basil, must we?” “Of course not!” cried Marie, eutcrlng at that moment. “Can you forgive me, Marie?" asked Francis. “Ten thousand tlmea!’' answered Marie happily. And she meant It, too.—New York News.