The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1874-08-27

When l went into the house tel
minutes after, [ never said a word t.
Alice about Lord Rutherford's letter
and when she said to me, Il suppose
Maggy, you are quite, ready for to
morrow" I answered simply, eyes
quite"
| Well, Mabel, I went to that fete
and 1 confess I enjoyed it. My dis
position was one which thorough,
loved excitement; and whilst fatter,
and compliments sounded in my ear
conscience had no chance Of bein,
heard. I was the handsomest gir
there; and Guy, proud Of being m,
chosen cavalier, was as devoted as
could possibly desire. Indeed tha
he ventured on more downright love
making than he had ever before at
tempted and he gave me to under
stand Cat least SO I thought) that ever
| then, if [ would desert Eustace Ruther
ford, he would only too readily claim
me as wife. I came home in {
| whirl of excitement; and it wa
only when l laid my head on my
pillow, weary and exhausted
that my restless thoughts turned K
consider what might be the conse
quence Of my conduct.
[ grew strangely anxious now thai
| I had dared fate; and I trusted mos
intensely that Lord Rutherford would
| remain away from the park long
enough for the excitement Of the fail
to subside entirely. So anxious wa:
I, that I condescended to say to Alice
that I thought perhaps 1 had out
stepped the bounds of propriety in go
ing, and I hoped she would not men
| ton it in Eustace's presence.
1t happened that on the previous
day I had lost small locket, of NJ
great value; but being particularly
| fond of it (and indeed Of all jewelry)
! I had shown some vexation at tn
loss, and sought anxiously about; an(
the next day l was not surprised
therefore to see Guy appear at late
hour than usual, as he had promised
to 60 to Denton and make inquiries
I was seated in my accustomed
placeunder the dropping willow, work
ing, when Guy approached, AM
throwing a small packet into my lap
dropped into the seat beside me
my locket!' I exclaimed. "a
thousand thanks! I scarcely expected
you would succeed"
''Nor have l." replied Guy. &c:
| thought that, however, might replac
it. I went to Smiths, but they ha<
nothing like the locket; and I knew
your fancy for pearls
| Meanwhile, in some surprise, I ha'
unfastened the packet, and discovere'
a magnificent pearl ring instead Of m,
humble little gold medallion.
20, but, Guy, I ought not to ac
| cept!' I exclaimed. "You forget
am engaged to Lord Rutherford"
'Stuf! Are you never going t.
take a friendly gift from one whe1
you are his wife? Nonsense, Magda
len! I was the means Of your losing
| your pet locket, and I do my best t<
| replace it. Do not be so unkind as t.
| refuse my Offering"
A little while ago I should have re
| fused it firmly; but the wrong patl
descends very easily, though swiftly
and I was already some way in m,
| descent. "Eustace must never know
aboutit, then," thought; but I slip
| ped on the beautiful trinket, an>
laughed as Guy declared I ought on
ly to wear pearls, for my fragile white
fingers. Still I was not quite easy
and when Alice suddenly Joined us
carefully hid the hand newly decorat
| ed from her sight.
I do not think Guy was pleased a
this interruption but for once Alice
was not to be frightened away bt
even Guys displeasure, and produc
ing her work, she sat down and re
manned with us till the Captain re
luctantly said he must prepare fol
his walk home; and even whilst We
sauntered down to the gate, and stooc
for an instant or two chatting, she re
mained within view on the lawn, as l.
resolutely determined to watch hin
out and me in.
But I was not inclined for lee
ture; and so leaning my arms on tht
gate, I resolved to try Alice's patienct
a little.
Presently a step coming in the di
rection Guy had gone made me look
up. Of course it must be Captain
Deveril returning for something.
saw mans shadow approaching, ane
then I started back. I was Lore
Rutherford who stood before me.
I turned icily cold as he caught
me in his arms.
"How you startle me! I did not
expect you in the least" I exclaimed
and making an effort to hide my EN-
barrassment under a show, at least, O.
delight -"When did you come? How
is Lady Rutherford? Why did yoo
not write p
"Not dozen questions, please
dearest, in one BREATH" he answered
with pleased laugh, however. "Le'
me look at you, and see that it is truly
yourself"
He was in high, even excited spirits