The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1878-04-13
AFTER MANY DAYS.

"And your husband has been dead foul

wharton's pale, pensive profile seen in the
twilight.
Hubert Knox looked at it earnestly, and
Elsie White, sadness and vague fear COM
ing over her happy heart, gazed too. She
had not known before that Angelique was
beautiful; but life at Neptune House SEEM
ed to change her. Her loose, shadowy hair
and dress of black velvet made her lowell
ness itself on that evening.
"And is it pleasant at Linden WalksT
asked Knox.
"Oh, yes" cried Elsie; it is beautiful"
But Hubert continued to look at Angeli-
que Wharton.
"Elsie has told YOU" said she, looking and
meeting his eyes.
After a moment she rose, sighed heavily,
and walked slowly down the veranda.
"My cousin is very handsome-don't you
think SO ?" asked little Elsie, wistfully.
Hubert was silent for moment. "She
is very handsome woman, no doubt.
Something in the cool voice cheered Elsie
little. She slipped warm little hand in
TO her companions and he received and held
it tenderly.
"Angelique's health is much better than it
is at Linden Walks. She is very nervous
and never likes to be alone"
She chatted on merrily now, reassured by
that warm hand-clasp.
"Your cousin is not much like you"
"No; it is strange that we are of the same
blood, for Angelique is not at all like me-"
Elsie yielded to the caressing arm and
pillowed her young cheek on the strong
breast, all unseen in the starlight
"How did you come to make her house
your homer"
"Well, there was large family of us at
Fern Cottage, and when Angelique came
there visiting, she took me home with her.
l intended to stay but little while, but she
urged Inc to make my home with her. Lin
den Walks was lonesome, she said, and
though Angelique was quite stranger to
mel had never seen her until that sum-
mer-I finally consented. Papa was willing.
He has four daughters at home now."
"And how long have you lived therc?"
1.-TWO years this summer"
Though Hubert Knox knew so little of
Elsie's circumstances, it is none the less true
that they were lovers. A little tenderness,
and the strong, fearless man had won her
heart as lily is opened by the sunlight.
She is very young-only seventeen. She
never thought to ask him of his history or
circumstances. She only knew that she had
never feared him as she did most men, and
he was kindness and tenderness itself.
Her young heart held a perfect worship
for him, and yet she had little thought be-
yond the happy present. She only knew
that she loved him, never troubled herself
about his "intentions," and let the days go
by, never realizing that she might be laying
up store of misery.
Afterwards she remembered that evening,
the white surf rushing up the beach, the sea
rocking and glimmering cold in the moon
light, the sky piled with silver-edged clouds,
and all along the pale beach people saunter-
ing to and fro,
1t was getting late in the season and the
place was less crowded than usual. The long
veranda was deserted but for these two.
Hubert was very quiet, yet she could feel
the strong beating of his heart against her
temple. By and bye he looked at his watch /;
at is past ten o'clock, little pet"
Here came q sudden, light step along the
veranda.
"sdll in your corner, truants Everybody
is on the beach, and thought 70 see you
there. Mr.. Knox, want to speak to you a
moment" said Mrs. Wharton for he was
turning away.
He came towards her.
"Else and 90 back home next week it
is the last of September. Pray come and see
us at Linden Walks"
Elsie, who had not before known the time
of their departure, listened breathlessly for
the answer, 1t came
"Thanksj but am going directly TO
London" Two rosy lips paled and broke
apart. al shall be very closely occupied
with my new book until Christmas" con
tinued Knox.
"You will have it finished thenS
al intend to-"
"Well, then you will need a vacation. l
am to have a dinner party at Christmas"
continued Angelique, and should be most
happy to have you join u.s."
"Thanks again"
! "But will you come" she asked.
Hubert stood with his head bowed down.
Suddenly he lifted it and cast glance at
Elsie's dropping figure.
"I will come, ! think"
DWELL, II Is an engagement then. shall
expect you. Come, Elsie, It is time for little
children to DO in bed"
at makes their eyes bright" laughed
Hubert, as happy Elsie walked away.
! Angelique's arm was around her as she