Cinder Path Tales

A VIRGINIA JUMPER 165 hurriedly, and driven off in a carriage by himself, without a word for any one. When I reached the hotel, he had taken his depart­ ure, waiting neither for congratulations nor farewells. The first telegram I sent that night wasto Virginia, and the first letter I read, on my return, was one with a black border. THE OAKS, FAIRFAX CO., VA. DEAR SIR : I am in receipt of your telegram. I must thank you for the faithfulness withwhich you have fulfilled my request. It is not probable that Richard will continue in athletics. I enclose herewith a compensation which is certainly due you. I shall be greatly disappointed if denied the pleasure of its acceptance. Wishing youthe success you deserve in yourprofession, I am, Sincerely yours, MARGARET LEE FAIRFAX. To MR. WALTER BROWN. So closed my correspondence with the " chatelaine " of "The Oaks," whom I never saw, but about whomI have often thought. What did she write in that black-sealed, black-bordered note? I have puzzled my brain over it many and many an hour. I think I have guessed the riddle; but trueor false, it must bekept asecret still. Dick himself is certainly not an enigma.