Connecticut western news., 1878-03-21
VOL: VII.

for he was favorite everywhere. Ten days more saw him installed at Leigh ton Park. Miss Van Veekten was, If possible, more charming, colder than ever. The truth was, she felt her heart slipping from her and was very 10th to lose it or let it go So she struggled bravely against thesconviction that daily deepened in her mind. The first Sun day alter Sir Harold's arrival, the whole party were walking home from church. As they crossed meadow, Lord Froth- eringham said, pointing to the end of the field, "that is the ugliest ditch in the county. No one has ever jumped it yet. 9 "Still,' replied some one, ''I suppose it could be done." CT doubt it, was the answer. "I would lay Q hundred pounds that there is not man here who could do it." "Oh," exclaimed Miss Van Veckten, how I wish I were a man to take up that bet. would honor the man brave enough" Then, Miss Van Veckten, you shall at least ho,aor me" said Harold Arlington, and to Lord Frotheringham, |" Charlie, when shall I try? will take up your bet" "Non- sense, my dear fellow, what do you want to break your neck for p q have no intention of breaking my neck, and I mean to take that leap, if you will let me have Brown Bess to do it on"
 No amount of persuasion or argu- ment could stir him an inch from his resolution, so the trial was fixed for the next afternoon. Harold Arlington knew the terrible danger of the jump he un- dertook, but he also knew his own and his horses power, and he felt that this would be the last attempt. If he did not win her now he never would, and life was nothing to him without Esther.
 Lady Frotheringham drove Esther to the scene of action in her pony carriage. Quite crowd of spectators had gathered from the neighboring country places, for the news of the great leap to be made had spread like wildfre.
 When Miss Van Veckten really saw the horrible ditch, she would have given worlds to take back her thoughtless words. But she knew him we'll enough 70 be sure that what he once undertook he would carry through. So she waited tor the awful moment, and knew by her sickening dread, her heartfelt repent ance, that she loved him. Knew now, when it might be too late.
 With beating heart and straining eyes she watches. On they come, the noble pair. With consummate skill Harold lifts his horse from the ground, his rein firm yet tight. Oh, hushl hush yes the leap is made. Will he land on this side or not? The anxiety IS too great. She cannot look-yes, there are cheers. Horse and rider are safe on tho sSght side. She sinks back, pale and shiver- ing, but oh, So thankful and happy.
 Arlington has made his way up to her from the crowd that press to shake his hand and congratulate him.
 "What, not 8 word for me, Miss Van Veckten, even noW?"
 ''Yes, indeed, Sir Harold, I offer you my heartfelt congratulations and my sin cerest apologies for my thoughtless, my wicked words, that were the cause of leading you into such danger" Then he knew by her agitation, by the tone of her voice, the look in her eyes, that he was no longer indifferent to her, and felt his danger amply repaid. !
 That night there was dance at the Manor in honor of Harold's deed. He claimed Miss Van Veckten for the first waltz, and resolved to know his fate then.
 All eyes followed the handsome couple as they glided round the room, but after a few turns he led her away. He did not speak till they reached the conserva- tory, then he turned and said quite sim ply, Esther, you said you would honor the man that made that leap, do you think you could Iove hlm ?" Harold read her answer in her eyes, and caught her to his breast, and so conquered and won her by leap.