The Van Buren press., 1870-07-19

ing her faultless persOnnei.
She was looking well, and she knew
it, in her trailing black silk, and heavy
Etruscsn gold ornaments, and rosy
tinge blushed on her checks, as we'll
xnOwn voice came laughingly to iher.
Captivating, as usual, Miss Adele /!
l wonder if angels ever wear those kind
Of dresses 2"
Handsome young Winchester-grace-
less young Winchester, took both her
hands, and then, when they were impris-
oned, deliberately kissed her lips.
"There, Miss Adele, just consider that
a settlement in part of the grndge ! owe
you for permitting you to use your name
In connection with that Western piece
of gravity on dit is coming to marry
YOU"
He led her to the sofa, and sat down
closely beside her.
"You are exceedingly impertinen'
young man; and you deserve to be ta-
booed the privilege of my soeiety--in
favor of this much discussed Mr. Sterl-
ing, from Iowa"
Dell frowned, but a happy smile soft
ened it, and Winchester caressed tender
ly long satin curl that flosted down her
shoulder.
"a truce to such badinage, my darl-
ing Tell me you are glad to see me,
and that you love me as much as ever"
A tender light shone in his eyes, and
his voice was lovingly low.
"You know it, Ed; why need tell
you? Yet, fyou but knew how deter.
mined my father is / shall accept this
hated, horrid Morton Sterling"
A strange smile crept over the hand
some lovers face, and his white teeth
cleaned back Of his black moustache.
'' Honor bright, now. Dell, why have
you conceived such dislike to this gen
tIeman? Is it because he presumes to
WOO you without giving you chance to
WOO him? Or, | hope so, my darling
had you given me your heart before he
sought ity'
Dell's eyes fell, and her face grew rosy.
Then she looked up, half tenderly, half
roguishly.
First CONS, first served, rous sapez." "
"Then am thankful came first, my
darling"
You who we expect Mr., Sterling by
every train, now?"
Il heard So l think And little Dell
my chief object in calling tonight was to
see your father and tell him want you.
know am poor. Dell, but am indus
trious and ambitious | know, too,
from current rumor, that Mr. Sterling is
wealthy and influential; but, darling.
money and position cannot compel love,
can they?'
He had looked very grave while he was
speaking but when he noted the sweet
blush on Dells cheeHThe Mconsciously
spoke more happily and hopefully.
"There will be no use in speaking to
father, Ed. He will not even listen. lie
is so fascinated by this other suitor that
l hardly think king Of the realm would
be accepted for me-"
"But I'll find him in the library ?"
Winchester arose. as Dell nodded yes,
and left her; her eyes bright as stars,
and her checks blushing like twin roses.
"Adele p
Mr.. Cameron's voice, loud and almost
harsh, aroused her from her delicious
reveric.
adele, you hear me? I've ordered
that young jackonapes off, and come to
tell you here is Mr.. Sterling's card. He
has just come from the West, and awaits
your pleasure in the reception room"
Not a word Of comfort for the bliss.
ful dream so rudely awakened only this
hateful announcement Of hated person.
age.
Dell's eyes grew insufcrably dark, and
she clenched her hands tightly together.
"Well, sir? she managed to say.
81 desire you to greet your intended
in proper and becomig manner; let
there be no further thought OF that young
scapegrace; make up your mind to mar
ry Mr. Sterling"
A defiant CLEAN in Dell's eyes was nn.
noticed by her father, as he started off to
bring Mr.. Sterling in.
Dell paced the floor in intense excite.
mcnt.
81 must cow take stand. To-day
will be sent from my fathers house, foi
we'll | know when / tell him fatty car
not marry Morton Sterling" HeI
hasty promenade was cut short by the
sound Of returning footsteps. There,
will be calm during this interview Come
Jyps," and she seated herself on tho
tete a,tete calling her pet. a shaggy New.
foupdland dog, to her side.
There, good fellow, we have battle
to fight, Now for it !"
Mr. Cameron entered, arm in arm with
who what2
Dells eyes almost started from hei
head as she gazed upon the figure before
her.
"My daughter, Mr.. Sterling Morton
my boy, this is Dell"
Then, without q word, he left them
alone.
Dell bowed her eyes still surveying the
gentleman opposite her.
He was certainly splendid figure, tall
ard 1.-the, and graceful. His head was
noble and covered with profusion OF
blonde hair, that was raher too carefully
arranged to suit Delrs taste. He wore
suit of quite rusty black, and his pants
were tucked in his boots.
One arm hung hclplessly in sling that
was tied in clumsy knot at the back oil
his neck; the other hung at his side
Dell could not speak, SO intense was heI