The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1879-12-11
and Mr.. Borradaile,", she said turning
back On the doorstep.
"Yes. They will be 50 sorry to mias
you"
And Catherine. drove away.

tnrough the WnOle summer IN a 0ull,
country house, surrounded by a dismal
little park and neglected gardens, with no
society and few resources, Catherine had
filled up her time by indulging in day
dream. It was not to be supposed that
a hero would be wanting to the illusion,
and, knowing nothing Of his circumstance
es, this hero sprang into life ready-made
In the person of George Rorraaaile; and,
as ''liklng msy grow IN meditation the
time came when, to Catherine's mind, he
possessed every quality she priced most;
and when, after many months, they met
at Eastwick, she unconseiously greeted
him with warmth which took him by
surprise.
"How ill and old and altered he looks !"
thought Catherine to herself, as she dress
ed for dinner on the evening of her arriv-
al. II wonder what he has been doing
all these months when I have never even
heard his name. wonder If he will be
friendly, as he was in Nav; or whether
our acquaintance must begin all over
again."
Thus mused Catherine, not knowing
that her unconscious cordlality had awak-
ened in Mr.. Borradailea sudden interest
in her. He remembered all in moment
hat before he had liked her; he rcmem-
bered that the Eastwicks had spoken of
her with affection; he saw that she had
pleasant face and winning manner,
and he gave her more thoughts than he
had given 20 any woman before-but
one.
Perhaps Mrs. Eastwick manGuvred
little, or perhaps the two naturally drew
together; anyhow, as days went on, they
became inseperable. Idle George Bora
dale contrived to spend all his time ut
Eastwick, Catherine quito deserted her
aunt, and no. one was surprised when
called upon for congratulations on what
every one considered most desirable en-
gagement.
"Some time, Catherine, must tell you
the story ofmy former love, which seems
to me now as it must have been years
ago." said George, one day.
"Some time, perhaps, l may wish to
hear it but not just now" answered
Catherine, jealous for her new happiness,
and the subject rested.
The wedding was to take place in May,
and, by Mrs. Eastwick's desire, was
to be from her house, where Catherine
stayed for some weeks beforehand, and
George was welcome guest.
One warm May morning the lovers
strolled together in the garden. Gather
inc was happy, and Georges mind was
full Of memories.
''Catherine," he said, presently, "this
morning must tell you that love-story
of mine, of which you would never let
me speak. want you to know it, and
it cannot hurt you now"
"No it cannot hurt me. Tell me-"
said Catherine with her hand on his arm.
"Do you remember that morning, a
year ago, when you took letter of mine
to post at Grantham? That letter was to
have altered my life. 1t was to ask the
only woman ever loved-but you--to
run away from her father and mother
and become my wife. There was urgent
need Of haste, for they were taking her
abroad, and with them was going the man
they wanted her to marry. She had writ
ten, heseeching me. to help her and I
planned it all, and wrote and told her.
planned the hour and place of meeting;I
asked for word in reply, and it never
came; went to the meeting g-p'ace, and
she was not there-she was gone and from
that day to this I have never heard from
her. In September she married the man
her parents wished. My poor little Mary!
l often wonder what her life is now.
Catherine, what IS the matter2" for he
felt her grasp tighten painfully on his
arm, and turning. he saw white face
and trembling lips.
"Mary, did you say' Not Lady Mary
Eldon2'
"Yes, dear. what Of lt9
"George, will you forgive me! I did
not gucss-I never knew; it was only
when l came back here IN November
that found I had left letter in my
pocket that day, I found it there. |
had never seen your writing then-I did
not know it was yours. I thought it was
too late to do any good by speaking of
it, and burnt itjust as it was. 1t was
directed to Lady Mary Eldon."
GATHERINGS agonized eyes watched ev-
cry lock which passed over his face-an-
ger, sorrow, pity, but there was not even
glance at her.
"George" she cred at last, unable
any longer to bear his silence.
Then he turned and gravely kissed her.
"The passt is dead and buried, Cath
crime, and my sorrow lies with it. Dear,
do you remember that tomorrow is to be
our wedding-day9'