Worcester daily spy., 1859-03-22

CHAPTER III.-In ,chich our hero falls deep in
lore, and srirai grOacs desperately jealous.
| Claude took the path which led across the
hills, for his brow was feverish and he sought
the cooling breeze. 1t was not more than nine
o'clock
AS he entered the wood which reached al
most to the villa, forming kind of park, he
slackened his pace, and taking off his chip hat,
allowed the breeze to fan his temples and daily
with his raven curls. He had progressed about
half the distance of the wood, when he was
startled by light musical laugh, and sweet
voice said
Good morning, Claude!'
Well might he start and color with surprise
at that well remembered voice!
Within twenty feet of him. in the midst of a
clump of wild flowers, stood Valinda Fairchild,
her sweet face radiant with light and happiness,
her dark curls flowing free from beneath hoy
denlsh hat, and her symmetrical form clad in
pure white In her hand she held a bouquet
of the wild flowers she had gathered.
Good morning, Miss Fairchild," stammered
Claude, as soon as he could recover himself
"By Dianal If had not been so fortunate as
to meet you last night, | should have thought
you some woodland nymph, strayed from the
land of spirits !"
Indeed !" she cried, laughing "Then last
hi6he JOu lhuob nave lHOuRuL lie q WaIer-
naiad p
Claude laughed quietly, but he could not
speak for admiration
Come here and help me to gather these
flowers, sir gallant" she cried, playfully.
what are you gazing at! Did you not get
enough of it last night, when was lying sense
less in your arms 90
NAY, fair divinity" he cried, springing to
her side. mot enough--I can never gaze
enough! am worshipper of the beautiful"
IAN artists are" she answered, blushing
naively; "but last night you chose rather the
tragic"
Fate chose it, lady; but let us forget last
mght-at least, the circumstance that brought
us together thank God that have come to
know you; but / would have you forget the
means by which received the blessing!"
her pale features suddenly crimsoned at his
earnest tone, and her blue eyes kindled and
met his fervent glance with startled surprise,
Are you going to gather those flowers ?"
she said, presently, as if to avoid his gaze.
Claude quickly obeyed; she followed his
motion with her eyes, as she stood like star
tied fawn, with her soul cleaning in her face.
When he again looked at her, she was calm
and smiling as usual.
did you miss anything last night, Mr.. Nor
relr she asked, as he gave her the flowers.
=, ASs-ihy pOruOno; IL was brought TO me
this morning" said Claude.
"And you--you have come to the villa this
morning-for--your picture, which l had the
assurance to take last night" she said, falter-
ingly. "You shall not have it; will purchase
it,"
II came, lady, because you commanded me"
said the painter, earnestly. "You are welcome
to the picture, and thousand Others"
And was it simply because bid you come,
that you"
mo, lady, my heart prompted me to come"
he answered quickly.
She glanced up. into his face, and again her
own crimsoned with her rich blood.
"Claude-pardon my familiarity, for the
name best becomes your profession" she said,
in an earnest tone. "What is the meaning of
all these seductive insinuations? Ilonged for,
yet dreaded this meeting / owe you a great
debt-my life. Until that obligation came
upon me was happy, or at least, as happy as
hollow world could make me. Since last
night am disturbed Tell me, frankly, do
you know anything of my history or position?"
He saw that she was serious, and his heart
mounted to his throat.
ITO be coutlnued.1