The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-06-20
After Many Days.

"And your husband has been dead
four yearse'
"Yes, four years.
Nothing could be lovelier than Ange-
lique Wharton's pale, pensive profile,
cen in the twilight.
Hubert Knox locked at it earnestly,
and Elsie White, sadnes and vague
fear coming over her happy heart gazed
too. She had not known before that
Angelique was beautiful: but life at
Neptune House seemed tc Change her.
Her loose, shadowy hair, and a dress of
black velvet made her loneliness itself
that evening.
"And is it pleasant at Linden Walksa'
asked Knox.
"Oh, yes" cried Elsie; "it is beaati-
full"
But Knox continued to look at Mrs.
Whorton.
"Elsie has told you," she said look
ing up and meeting his eyes.
After q moment she rose, sighed heav-
i:y, AMI walked slowly down the long
verandah.
my cousin is very handsome don t
you think so?" asked little Elsie, visit
fully.
Knox was silent for moment.
"She is very handsome woman, no
doubt"
Something in the cool voice cheered
Elsie little. She slipped warm little
hand into her companions, and he re-
ceived and held it tcnderly.
"Angelique's health is much better
! than it was at Linden walks. She il
very nervous, and never likes to be
alone.'
She chatted on merrily now, treasured
by that warm handclasp.
Your cousin is not much like you
No; it is strange that we are Of thu
same blood, for Angelique is not at al
like me-"
Elsie yielded to the caressing arm ani
pillowed her young cheek on the strong
breast, all unseen in the starlight.
How did you come to make hel
house your homer
We'll, there was large family of Vi
at Fern cottage, and, when ADgeliqu.
came there visiting, she took me hom,
with her. Linden Walks was lonesome
she said, though Angelique was quite .
stranger to mel had never seen her I'm
til then that SUMNER finally consent
ed. Papa was willing. He has fou
daughters lett now"
"And how long have you lived there?
;! 1.-TWO years this summer"
| Though Hubert Knox knew so little o
Elsie Whites circumstances, it was nom
the less true that they were lovers. !
little tenderness, and the strong, fearles
man had won her heart as the lily j
opened by the sunlight.
She was very young-only seventeen
She never thought to ask him Of his his
tory or circumstances. She only kney
that she had never feared him, as she di'
most men, and he was Kindness and tend
erness itself.
Her young heart held perfect wor
ship over him, and yet he had littl
thought beyond the happy present. sh
only knew that she loved him, neve
troubled herself about his "intentions,
and let the days go by, never realizin,
! that she might be laying up store Q
misery.
Afterward she remembered that even
ing the white surf rushing up the beach
the rocking and glimmering cold in tn
moonlight, the sky piled with silver
edged 81 ouds, and all along the pal
beach people sauntering to and fro.
& It was getting late in the season, an
the place was less crowded than usua
The long verandah wasl quite desolate
, but for those two.
Knox was verv quiet, yet she coul6
feel the strong beating Of his hear
gainst her temple.
By-and-by. Knox looked at his watc1
cit is past ten o'clock, little pet.''
Here came sudden, light step alon
the verandah.
Still In your corner, truants2 Every
body is on the beach, and I thought t
, see you there. Mr.. Knox, I want
speak to you a moment" said Mr.
wharton, for he was turning away.
He came toward her.
"Elsie and 60 back home next week
it is the last Of September. Pray com
and see us at Linden Walks"
Elsie, who mad not before known tn
time OF their departure, listened breath
lessly for the answer. It came:
; Thanks! But I am going direct
to London"
Two rosy lips paled and broke apart.
I" shall be very closly occupied wit
my new book until Christmas, }" continue,
Knox.
"And you will have it finished BY tina
time?"
at intend to-
| "Well, then you will need vacation
am to have a dinner party at Christ
mas" continued Mrs. Wharton, " an,
should be very glad to have you join lis.
"Tharks, again."
"But will you not Gomez" asked tn.
lady.
Knox stood with his head bent down
Suddenly he lifted it, and cast elanc,
at Eisie's droeping little figure. =
II will come, l think"
"Well, it is an engagement then.
shall expect you. Come, Elsie, it il
time for little children TO be in bed"
1T makes their eyes bright" laughed
Knox, as happy Elsie went away.
Angelique arm was around her rs
she went up the stairs
Dear. are you engaged to Mr.. Knox2'
she whispered.
| NO." answered truthful Elsie.
"My love, my love, you must be more
prudent"
She opened the door Of her room,
Elsie followed her with dropping head.
II must warn you, my child. OF
course, Mr.. Knox admires you very
much; but men weary of a girl who
shows her preference as openly as you do.
If you want to marry this Mr.. Knox
though they say he is poor-vou must
not follow him about SO like pet kit
ten. You must not sit ct his feet and
let him caress you 10 openly"
"There was no one on the verandah,' -
cried Elsie, her cheeks on fire. Mr..
Knox would not let me do anything that
was wrong"
Angellque laughed merrily.
You little simpleton! Well, 1 have
warned you, and ifhe tires Of you I shall