West-Jersey pioneer., 1876-09-21
I'M THE TWILIGHT.

1t was beautiful summer twilight
Upon the bank of little torrent that rush
ed angrily along its rocky course among the
Dorsetshire hills, stood two men, their faces
turned toward the sunset.
Both were young, and both handsome,
though they differed greatly in appearance.
The first was tall and well formed, with
sunny hair and light hazel eyes. His face
was fair and frank, his forehead broad and
intellectual, and his features regular. The
other was dark with olive cheeks and raven
hair. His eyes, in whose depths burned a
smouldering fire, were black and piercing.
Dropping from his upper lip, half conceal
ing hard, cynical expression about the
mouth, was long, silky moustache. In
one hand he held slight gold headed cane,
while the other rested lightly upon the
shoulder of his companion.
Just before them slender bridge span.
ned the stream, and on the other side path
led on toward Woodcliffe, Sir James Irwin's
residence, whose white walls were visible
through the trees that stood around it.
GA lovely scene indeed, Cecil" said the
dark eyed youth; ''but it does not outrival
the scene that will be held in the banquet
ing-room of Woodcliffe to morrow
A faint flush died the manly cheek of the
other as he answered: ''You are disposed
to be complimentary this evening, Leroy.
But we must not linger. Let us 90. 1
promised that we would be there long be.
fore supper time"
mo, no, it is early yet, interposed
Leroy. "Let us stay a few moments long
er; | have something to tell you. This is
our last eve of single life; would you have
it pass more quickly ?'
81 care not how soon it passes" he said,
in an earnest voice, disregarding the others
light tone. "Who would not be willing to
gain such bride as Lillian Irwin? Per-
haps l am vain, but there is not another
like her in all DorsetshiTe"
"You are right, Cecil, she is peerless"
and Albert Leroy's voice quivered slightly,
and he turned his face away to hide the
crimson flush that arose to his cheeks
"And tomorrow she becomes your wife,
But, Cecil, I have story to tell you; will
you hear it ?'
"Gladly, my friend. I am too happy to-
night to refuse anything; surely not re-
quest from my dearest friend;;" and he flung
himself down upon the fragrant, messy
bank.
The other remained standing. His face
turned towards the grove of lofty elms that
stood around Woodcliffe; but soon he turn
ed and faced his friend, who started with
surprise at his strage appearance. His face
was CHASTITY pale, save for crimson spot
which glowed on either cheek, and his eyes
burned with fierce light.
"Why, Leroy! what is the matter? Are
you ill ?"
''Ir is nothing, Cecil" Leroy said, in a
deep, hoarse voice. "Hear my story. A
year ago first visited this place; and, ere
had been here many days, saw Lillian
Irwin, and-do you wonder at it ?-fell
madly in love with her. She did not seem
to be wholly Indifferent to me; and, infatu-
ated, lowered near her till could restrain
myself no longer; and feeling that my love
was returned, asked her to become my
wife. But she scorned my love, almost
spurning me from her, and, in my anger,
| swore dreadful oath of revenge upon
her vowing that another should ever claim
her for his bride-false- hearted coquette
that she ls'-
''StopP'-and Richard Cecil sprung with
bound to his feet, confronting the other
with clenched hands and blazing eyes
''Say not a word against her, or will fell
you to the earth! No one shall dare defame
her and live. Bewarep'
For an instant Albert Leroy stood gazing
into the face of his friend, and then be
sprang upon him with a tiger-like fierce.
ness. Staggering with the suddenness Of
the attack, Cecil clutched at the throat o1
his antagonist, and then fell backwards
over the edge Of the stream; but even as he
| fell his outstretched hand caught shrut
that grew near the bank; and clinging des
| perately to it he strove convulsively to re
gain his footing. Above him bent the facs
of his treacherous friend, stern and pitiless
and below dashed along over its rocky bee
white with foam. $50 ueise
ssHelp, for Heavens sake, Laroyv' criei
Cecil. forgetting that it was he who had as
! sailed him. ias