The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1867-10-17

said Maud, rather nervolsly; for Lord
| Preston did not seem inclined to
speak, and she felt that she could not
begin. -.t.J-
a." One moment" he said. II think
Lady Laura sent US here, knowing
that [ was anxious to have little
conversation with you. l have been
with her this morning" x.f, -
with mamma p said Maud, blush
ing Now surely he was going to an
nounce his intention of becoming her
stepfather.5l . afrs ~. s.as'- 4.
Eyes; but kind and encouraging
as, she was. it was difficult to feel
secure of the happiness she promised
me till [ knew from you that you
would endorse all th lat she said. My
life will be spent in trying to make
You happy You are not afraid to
trust me?" .slAa as
s"No,s indeed, Lord Preston. IF
mamma approves how can I object?'.
~ Still l felt it right to ask you
And now how can | express my graft
tude for this sweet, this ready acqui-
essence? To one less, ,coa6ding dis
parity parity Of f. age might have been an
Maud looked, as she felt, mystified.
He seemed such a very appropriate
age for her mother; aud, not knowing
what to say, remained silent. IS.
l dared scarcely hope, he con-
tinued, that one so young, so lovely,
would trust to one so much her senior
for making her happy. Dear Miss
Beauchamp, | am so grateful. You
will accept this, / hope, in memory of
to-day; and, taking jewel-case out
of his pocket, he clasped beautiful
emerald and diamond bracelet upon
Maud's slender wrist, imprinting
kiss on her forehead at the same
time. .a8aa aaa
Something In his manner made
Maud feel uncomfortable, and she
inyoluntarily shrunk away. The next
moment her conscience reproached
her with ingratitude, and she endeav-
ored to atone for her apparent un-
graciousuess.
80 80 This. for me? 0, Lord Preston.
it is much too beautiful" li s7a.,
~" How can anything be too beauti-
fnl for one to whom [ would gladly
give all. 4 possess, and who, | hope,
will soon share it with me. -" 3. fs57.sn l
II" exclaimed Maud, starting and
eoloting deeply I don't understand.
[ thought mamma-"sg oqQ .sif6i .li All
Yes. 1 spoke to her first. She
told me that / might hope to obtain
this little hand. Tell me again that
she was not mistaken" 49,. @
o, Lord Preston" said Maud, her
eyes filling with tears as she spoke,
9 pray say no morei We have all
been mistaken. We thought it was
mamma" ........,,.,..,.. ....7,s ...ii -
Thought that I, wished to- make
Lady Laura my wife? Hardly likely"
he added, in tone which showed
how bitterly he resented the accusa-'
tom - -'''f7n'i' r
Ia Then. there is nothing but misery
to come, said Maud, bursting into
tears and hiding her face ia
the cushion Of the sofa; g nothing but
misery for US ALL" qzorq ~ afaw
z" Why must there be misery.
Maud?' asked Lord Preston, anxious.
ly. a. Is it.impossible for you to love
me? Think again before you reject
such love as mine'a sH s8 - I9a
e." Indeed, indeed. I am most CRATE.
full, said. Maud, still weeping; " but
it's quite impossible" s { re
= 1t cannot be impossible unless you
love another. Pardon me- he added
as he saw Maud countenance change;
know | have no right. to ask the
question; but have led a lonely life
hitherto, and / looked forward to a
bright future. 1t was not proba ble.-
[ was very foolish; [ looked forward
to making happy home for all,-for
Lady Laura whenever she chose; and
hODed quiet country life wouId NOT
have been distasteful to you.". : s1S,a
Q, no; its the life I like best.
murmured Maud it's not that" 81
e" Well, will you tell me why my
case is hopeless, and why you seem so
unhappy? LII you cannot love me as
hoped, / may be. of some use or
comfort to you, and that would now
be my greatest consolation. As for
myself, every prospect / had of hap,
piness Is shattered" to.fef' g -
20, don't say 50, Lord Preston!
You have been SO generous; l will
tell you the truth. IF there was no
one else- mean" said Maud, blush
ing deeply. if 1 had not already
promised"
Surelysthat is impossible at your
age. and without Lady Laura's knowl-
2 Mamma did not know Itt 1t, was
always the same Arthur and [ were
always together Twickenham was
his home till he came to London, and
he went TO Sea ~ nag1a ,s.'siia1i -. %
q S' IArthurla Mr. aJ errmynl! do d., y You u
mean? Could Lady Laura have
3sManma never knew IT,; and be.