The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1875-05-13
A SPARK.
BY ESTHER sERLE KENNETH.

hane ner pony Is ready.
Mr.. Egbert Meredith was waiting in
the parlor of the little country hotel. At
the sound of these words he started, and
after a moments flushing and paling,
went to the window and cast quick
glance toward graceful white filly
which was held by hostler before the
door.
Mr.. Meredith still stood motionless at
the window when lady in close-fitting
habit of dark green passed quickly
through the hall, sprang lightly into the
saddle, and in moment the horse and
rider were fitting along the woody road.
Mr.. Meredith went slowly out upon
the lawn. The hostler took of his hat.
"Good-morning," said Mr.. Meredith.
GA very nice horse the young lady has"
"You're right there, SIR"
The man scratched his head and
grinned.
Is she staying here-the ladyw asked
the gentleman.
eyes, sir; been here six weeks"
/" 1t is fine day for riding. Bring me
horse"
Yes, sir"
"And be quick about it," slipping
something into the fellows hand.
The latter sprang away. Mr.. Egbert
Meredith watched Circe's white shape
winding up hillside. In three minutes
a fine black horse was saddled and Stephe
was holding the stirrup for him to
mount.
Cicely Rane, walking her favorite
along the beautiful mountain-road, drew
rein under locust-tree to gather spray
of the blossoms. The dew showered down
in her sweet face as she broke the flowers.
She laughed at her mishap, and drew her
handkerchief from her belt.
AS she wiped the fragrant drops from
her soft cheeks, black horse came over
the brow of the hill. Before she could
gather up the rein the rider was beside
her.
"Cicelyw
Her red lips broke apart at sound of
that voice. She flushed and paled as he
had done.
"Egbertp she said, in blank amaze.
May not share your ride this lovely
morningT
She turned her horses head toward
the road, but it was some moments before
she could smile or speak naturally.
s. And Meredith, his eye was bright, but
MS brow gloomy.
How long have you been here,
Egbert ?'' she asked, at last.
But few hours. / was passing
through the place, saw you, and came to
speak to you. They tell me you are
spending the season here, Cicely."
Yes; Deer Lake suits Imy mothers
health"
The roadside trees hung dewy, fragrant,
and sparkling over their heads. An ex-
quisite roseate tinge had come into
Cicely's cheek. Meredith saw it. His
heart yearned over her.
Have you been well, EgbertT
In body-yes."
"You did not come to The Walnuts
last SUMMER
Her eyes, wistful, clear and sweet, met
his.
"No"-he sighed heavily-"I did not
come"
"We missed you on the croquet-
ground" she said, gently.
And l shall miss you forever p he
exclaimed, vehemently.
he felt her looking earnestly at him,
though his eyes were fixed on the glim-
mer of the distant waters.
am married, Cicely ~ hebroke out,
at last. "God blot out the dayp he
added, with fierce light in his eyes as
he looked at her. "My worst enemy
would not wish me greater misery than
the life leadp
White and shocked, she made no
answer. The horses bit playfully at each
other.
"All my chance for happiness is over"
he went on. "My wife and 1 do not
speak to each other for days at time.
Oh, it is hell upon the earth with her %
"Why did you marryw Cicely's white
lips faltering.
Because / was tickle fool |" he re-
sponded, bitterly. "I was bewitched by
handsome face. You should see her,
my little, pale-faced girl-she has face
and form like houri-but never was a
face and form 30 hateful to mel / never
loved her, Cicely, my darling-I never
loved anyone but you. And now you will
cast me off. Yon thought me everything
that was good and noble, didn't you,
child2 know. Well, the lees are bit
ter, bitter, bitterp
For a few moments they rode on in
silence.
"Do you despise me, CicelyT
No; i pity you"
"That Is almost as hard to bear. You
used TO admire, honor, love me, Cicely."
81 love you now 70 she answered.
Shehad stopped her horse under fresh,
young elm-tree.
al love you now, Egbert; and 40 !
hope you will be happier some time,
Somehow think you will; but, dear,
try and do right"
Her cheek whitened as she gave him
her little gloved hand.