The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1877-07-20

dance, "1 on surpass yOurseii tO-high''
Miss Helen. You are radiant"
The first German was scarcely over
when I saw the noble looking figure Of
Major Hadyn making way towards
me through the crowd. Never had ]
seen his countenance so full Of JOY rs
when he claspcd my hand and bent
over me with the words: They told
me I should find you here; but | con
fess I am dazzled. Tome you were
simply perfect before. Tonight ]
cannot find suitable terms to address
you"
"Fie upon you for a thoughtlcss
guardian" l retorted merrily, such
Aattery is unbecoming from sage lips.
But where were you all this timer Did
you not see the ceremony"
My hand was upon his arm now
and we endeavored to move out Of the
room to comfortable place for con.
versation.
mol am just in. There was an
ambulance full Of us from Fort Sem.
pie. About ten miles from here at
the Choctaw Ford one Of the horses
fell lame and we could do no more
than creep the rest of the way"
Then in q lower tone he said, "He.
len, one of the passengers in the am
bulance was Dewitt Beverly
Involuntary my clasp frightened
and | felt my cheeks and lips blanch
Mt the name. "Where is he? How
why did he cJme?" came hurriedly in
excited tones.
Gently moderating my quickened
pace my watchful companion laid his
hand upon mine with re-assuring
pressure and directed our course thro'
the wide open doors to the lawn where
already groups were scattered in search
of breeze.
In one segment of the circular par.
terres stood a little turreted pagoda
erected by Joseph Mant for this occa-
sion. 1t was one of a variety of artis-
tic devices designed to add to the
scenic effect of the illuminated lawn.
Sitting down upon the rustic tete-a-tete
I was at first too much agitated to ask
the questions ! was so impatient to
know.
Softly stroking my hand with the
soothing gesture so well remembered,
my guardian said, Helen, this is a
trial / would have spared you. have
puzzled my brain all the long days
journey to invent the best plan ior
your meeting. Hence my anxiety to
greet you before he should come upon
you unexpectedly"
major Hadyn,' said as firmly Il:
l could, "there is some unwelcome
unexplained mystery here. Have you
no clearly defined idea Of the natter
"Tell me just what you think He
len," was his evasive reply.
at is two years since ! met Thu
man. From some cause his letters Il
me ceased entirely for several months
before my fathers death. Since tina
time all is blank. have no surmi
ses, no solution whatever. How did
he get here? At whose solicitation
Is he an invited guest or does he know
that l am heres"
"Some of your questions | oanno
answer. l have reason to believe
however, that he is an invited guest
Do you still love this man, Helen?
How his large eyes hung upon m.
face for an answer.
"Do love him? | sometimes doub
that / ever knew the meaning of tn
passion called love. was supremel
happy in his presence and looked foI
ward joyously to the time when
could live alone for his pleasure. Du
ring this long, long separation l hav
been very wretched; but other cause
too, were doing their work upon m
peace. 1t is unnatural and impossibl
that my affection could partake Of er
thusiasm with nothing to feed upo
but doubt and disappointment. Ys
| have had no future to look forwar,
to save the fulflment of my promis
made to him. have no right to di.
trust him unheard.
Silence reigned for brief space
Silence within our secluded nook Will
on all sides resounded merriment, an
the crashing peals of music made tn
distant echoes ring.
"Helen, my advice to you is to sc
Mr.. Beverly at once. Now, here, a
this very spot, without waiting Longer