The Evansville journal., 1867-12-05

there; ana Guy, *pFOuu Ol DeIuB my
chosen cavalier, was as devoted as |
could possibly desire. Indeed that
day he ventured on more downright
love making than he had ever before
attempted; and he gave me to under
stand (at least so | thought that
even then, if / would desert Eustice
Rutherford, he would only too readi-
ly claim me as a wife. | came home
in whirl of excitement; and it was
only when l laid my head on my pill
low, weary and exhausted, that my
restless thoughts turned to consider
what might be the consequences OF
my conduct s.
/ grew strangely anxious now that
[ had dared fate; and | trusted most
intensely that Lord Rutherford would
remain away from the park long
enough for the excitement of the fair
to subside entirely. So anxious was
I, that I condescended to say to Alice
that I thought perhaps l had out
stepped the bounds of prOpriety In.
going, and that [ hoped she would
not mention it in Justices, presence.
1t happened that on the previous
day [ had lost a small locket, of no
great value; but being particularly
fond Of it (and indeed of all jewelry),
| had shown some vexatiOn at the
loss, and sought anxiously about; and
the next day | was not surprised
therefore to see Guy appear at a later
hour than usual, as he had promised
to go to Denton and make inquiries.
| was seated in my accustomed place
under the dropping willow, working,
when Guy approached, and throwing
small packet into my lap, dropped
into the seat beside me- My lock et!"
[ exclaimed. A thousand thanks /!
scarcely expected you would sue
ceed." t..#.
Nor have l." replied Guy. Il
thought that, however, might replace
it. I went to Smiths, but they had
nothing like the locket; and [ knew
your fancy for pearls"
Meanwhile, in some surprise, [ had
unfastenGd the packet, and discovered
a magnificent pearl ring instead of my
humble little gold medallion.
20. but, Guy, / oughtnot to accept
It'll" | exclaimed. You forget that
[ am engaged to Lord Rutherford.
Stuff! Are you never going to
take friendly gift from any one when
you are his wife? Nonsense, Magda-
leni [ was the means of your losing
your pet locket, and [ do my best to
replace it. Do not be so unkind as to
reject my offering"
A little while ago | should have re-.
fused it firmly; but the wrong path
descends very easily, though swiftly,
and / was already some way in my
descent. Eustace must never know
about it, them [ thought; but I
slipped on the beautiful trinket, and
laughed as Guy declared [ ought only
to wear pearls, for they were the only
ornament delicate enough for my fra
gile white fingers, Still was not quite
easy; and when Alice suddenly joined
US, l carefully hid the hand newly
decorated from her sight.
[ do not think that Guy was pleased
was not to be frightened away by even
Guys displeasure, and producing her
work, she sat down and remained with
US till the Captain reluctantly said he
must prepare for his walk home; and
even whilst we sauntered down to the
gate, and stood for an instant or two
chatting, she remained within view on
the lawn. as if resolutely determined
to watch him out and me in.
But was not inclined for lecture; /;
and so leaning my arms ON the gate,
[ resolved to try Alice's patience a
little.
Presently a step coming in the direc-
ton Guy had gone made me look up.
OF course it must be Captain DeYeril
returning for something. | saw a
man s shadow approaching, and then
[ started back. 1t was Lord Rurher-
ford who stood before me.
[ turned icily cold as he caught me
In his arms.
How you startled me! 1 did not
expect you in the least, " | exclaimed;
and making an effort to hide my en-
barrassment under show, at least, of
delight, t." When did you come? How
is Lady Rutherford? Why did you
not writer"
'Nota dozen questions, please, dear
est, IN one breath" he answered, with
a pleased laugh, however. " Let me
look at you, and see that it is truly
yourself.
He was in high, even excited spirits
IOr MIN ana cOulu not nelp gazing
up at him in astonIshment, remember
ing his late anxious letters.
He rushed into the house to give
Alice and my father a hasty greeting,
and then re- Joined me in the garden,
having, he said, something particular
to say,to me. My guilty conscience
would have shrunk had he not uttered
the words SO joyfully, and seemed SO
happy; and so [ stood there waiting
for him, and most earnestly trusting