The Republican journal., 1869-04-15

persuadlng him to be present at this scene
of festivity as spectator; and he went for
his childs sake. who was to be queen in-
deed.
It must be confessed that Edith had en-
joyed the preparations very much Mrs.
Van Duyne had held long consultations with
her concerning the appointments Of the sew
eral rooms, chosen her dress and ornaments.
and treated her with most tender courtesy.
Her heart warmed amid these gayeties, and
she began to feel wonderfully at home
The evening was a perfect success. The
arrangements complete, the rooms brilliant
with lights, rare dresses, and the CLEAN of
Jewels For miles around the conseryato-
ries had been rifed of their bloom and fra
GRANGE, and choicest music filled the soften
ed air with watts Of melody. Gay voices,
ripping laughter, and "twinkling Of merry
feet" wooed the happy hours.
Edith, too, looked on, laughed and en-
joyed. The scene was SO different from
her quiet world, that it reused her every
pulse like draught of rich wine. She felt
SO at home in her queenly robes, receiving
homage and bestowing smiles, granting the
honor Of her hand to one and another Of
the handsome cavaliers. Some wore a
domino, but many only the dress of the pc
rlod they were representing, and among
them all, Gerald Van Duyne was conspic-
uous by the elegance of his figure and the
richness of his attire. He seemed to claim
the beautiful Edith by right which no one
dared dispute.
There was lull in the dancing, and he
drew her away to miniature labyrinth
formed by a skilful disposition of evergreens.
Sweet swells of music reached them, soft
ened by the branches and intervening space
"How very, very lovelyn' she exclaimed.
"Mr. Van Duyne, your mother seems to
possess an enchanter's wand
"Does she? He laughed low and music
ally. 81 think you, too, have contributed
no little. And your presence-the greatest
charm of all.
Edith colored warmly at this. He had
made more than one allusion this evening
that had reused her from her usually serene
mood. And now with little tremor she
essayed to lead the conversation in a differ
ent channel.
"The house needs queen" he said, re-
turning to it. "Some one young and fair
and sweet"
ITO supersede your mother? Is that a
sons love, Mr.. Van Duyne:'
"Oh, Miss Winchester, you wrong me
A mother can never be superseded in the
heart of a worthy son. And when mar
ry, as | hope to some day, it must be one
that my mother admires as we'll as myself"
Gerald Van Duyne might not have made
this flial speech. if there had been any
doubt of his mothers regard for Miss Win
chester.
"And you will not even give me good
wish?'' he said playfully, bending his hand
some head until his eyes seemed TO shine
into hers with fire that startled her.
MY wishes would be Of small account =
she replied gravely.
"Ah you are mistaken" There was a
little tender touch to his voice that gave
the words effect.
''Let us 60 back to the dancers" she said
turning. Some women might have taken
delight in Turing him on to confession, but
she was no coquette, neither did she feel
at all sure that she wanted what he had to
offer.
"Not yet it was so lovely to linger here,
with you. Edith, there is something beside
good wishes that you have the power to be-
stow-happiness-love."
He had never falterel in telling the story
before, but there was sense Of purity and
highest honor about this woman that mad G
him hesitate little.
She was silent. Standing there in her
peerless beauty, she stirred a deeper SEN
timent in his heart than she imagined.
edith, | love you! Will yon listen
Will you be mine-my wife,
Gerald Van Duyne stood before her,
barring her egress, his face flushed with
expectation, his eyes deep and beseechng,
but with her next breath Edith knew why
she could resist them SO WELL
"Oh!" !" she exclaimed 81 wish you had
not said it. | think-'
Nay, my gracious queen, put all
thoughts and misgivings aside. If you do
not love me, and may have been too alb
rupt, let me teach you the sweet lesson"
She met his glance fearlcssly, raising her
own serene eyes; and he knew then that
he had not moved her soul. |: piqued him
into desperate daring, and he determined
to overrule all her objections. But one
came that he little expected.
II will tell you the TRUTH" she said. II
have loved one man do not know that |
can love another"
This calm, fair Edith Winchester, max
ing such confession. He hated the man
cordially, whoever he might be. How had
lover found entrance into her secluded life
sit must have been childish passion,
he returned, making an effort to keep a
tremble of anger from his voice.
Her first impulse was to turn away with
out any further explanation, but he caught
her hand.
"My darling !" he exclaimed vehemently
be merciful! I will wait until you have
forgotten the past, SO that you are mine.
If can gain your regard at the last, | will
be content. Nay, do not answer me now p
Then he led her away, Judging rightly
that delay would be his best ally. She
aoated up and down amid the gay throng,
list ening to compliments and badinage, the
little scene seeming like dream.
A knight in domino begged the favor
of her hand presently. Earlier in the even
inu he had hean intrOduceI hut sha had