Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-02-29

I'VE two are the only ones left of our
race. and l love you, nay cousin, love

I'VE two are the only ones left of our
race. and l love you. nay cousin, love
you"
The next day ,LuciaI vas suffering from
severe headache, and begged to be lie 1t
alone; but towards evening, remember.
ing that Mr.. Dare would soon come, she
dressed, and descended to the par ors.
The curtains were drawn, and the
front room brilliantly lighted; but 10 tn,
rear one the gas was turned down. and
there Lucia seated herself, latter dropping
tie heavy curtains behind her.
Presently she heard the well-known
ring, and then Julian Dare's voice ask
lug for her. H.r heart beat fast as she
rose aad offered lin her hand, but the
faiut light hid the varying color, and her
voice was quiet as she wished him good
veoipg )" then sank back into her chair.
Dare leaned against the mantle>piece.
aud short silence fell between them.
Lucia. do you know I have come to-
night to lsaru my fate-to ask you -
Yes" she said, raising her eyes
stead lastly 10 his. Della told nae al!
last night, and Of coarse, consented.
She is a sweet child, and I really be-
lieve the only creature who loves me-
"And !. Lucia? What place do you
assign me ? he asked bending towards
her.
"Thas ola pleasant acquaintance. pos
sibly friend" she answered, as she
heard Della's step in the hall, and rose
to put an end to the interview.
Are you utterly beartlsss? Surely
Lucia, your caro- little" and he caught
both her hands in his.
"Yeu forget yourself, Mr.. Dare. As
you say, | am hearIless."
Il believe it, Good morning"
The next moment he was gone, and
LUCIA covered in her chair, hearing as
10 dream, Della's ordinations Of pleas
ure in the next room. Too wre,ched to
move, she waited until the curtains swept
aside, aud Della entered in search OF
her.
Through the parted curtains, Lucia
saw gen tleman standing near the table,
the image of Julian Dare except thai his
hair was many shades darker,
Lucia grasped her cousins arm, asking
hoarsey,
Wv ho-who is that?"
My Julian. Julian Castlemayne, :"
with SIN lie. "Why. Lucia, what is the
matter?' for her cousin was tremb ling
with an ague.
Nothing; you never told me his name
aud I have teen thinking all the time
you me OF lillian Dare"
'Mr. Dare 2 How absurd, when you
knew be has eyes for nobody but you"
Confess row that ycu will say yes. wien
he asks you.
"But he will not" sobbed Lucia. IT
have refused him, thinking you loved
b im aud be vii never ask me again"
"And you did it for my sake. Oh,
Lucia =
~ here, there. child. Let me go;I-'
She d iseneagcd herself from Della and
half blind with tears sought 10 leave
the room; but found hersel in the arms
of Julian Dare, who, re,urn'ng for his
gloves had overheard all
SIZE strugg led to escape. but holding
her in his snong clasp he Whispered
"W i'll you listen 10 me now, Lucia ?
" Ill you be MY wie?' and bending
down, be k Used her unresisting lips. At
last he let her 90 10 balhe fer tear-sain-
ed lace; and when she returned be led
her into .be other parlor to be introduced
to his cousin. Mr.. Castlemayne.
SO tue old adage about listeners holds
good. said that gentleman, TO whom
Della bad been explaining.
MOT al al answered Dare; .'or what
would have become of me-