The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1879-06-26

| lie from them. became acquainted
with them years ago at my step brothe
Henrys farm; they are his next-doo
neighbors."
II do not doubt the truth of Lucy
story, Aunt Rose; it bears the impress O
unmistakable TRUTH" said Violet, com
posedly, as she arose and handed tn,
baby to its mother; ''this child's face il
enough to convince me. It is the image
of It's father. You say this man is no
aware of your presence hcrc?"
'No, he does not dream that 1 woulc
leave homc.'
"And you have told your story to NJ
one here but us?''
"No, l did not let the slightest hin
drop"
"You did we'll. Tomorrow you mus
return to your home, but he must MOI
guess that you have spoken to me; wher
1need you | will send for you. l wiles
take your fight into my hands. You say
you are his wife in the sight of God;
say, if woman's wit and woman's wife
can accomplish aught, you shall be John
Archer's wife in the sight of God and OF
man." Then she added tiercely to her,
self: "He deceived me, too, and l must
have revenge, sweet revenge
but one thing l can't understand
Violet; why is it your aunt has taken
such dislike to me. What could have
done to offend herr"
"john, dear, it is because she no long
cr has all of my love to herself | am
like an only child, and she dislikcs you
because you have stolen my heart from
her.
''But, darling, she ought to realize that
she can not expect to keep you forever.
Treasures like your own sweet self will
sooner or later attract discOverer; pre-
cious gems are not to be passed un-
noticcd.'
"Particularly by needy adventures
like YOURSELF
"ViOlet!n ...--
"Then you do love me for myself, and
and not merely for my wcalth?'
"Darllng, how can you doubt my love?''
"Aunt Rose tells me my wealth is my
only attraction in your eyes. But care
not what it is you see in me to love, my
heart is wholly yours. If you have de
tccts, as other mortals have. see them
not; if you are deceiving me, | see no
signs Of it; love reveals to me nothing
but love, and I do not care to see with
other than loves eyes, though an abyss
yawns before me-.
'@Dear Violetr'
A sclt-satistied smile passed across his
features as the youg girl threw herself
into his arms. Had Violet forgotten her
revenge, or was this but part of her plan
to accomplish it?
"Then your aunt will not give her con-
sent to our marriage?' he asked, as they
walked on through the moonlit woods.
No. Her heart is set upon my marry
ing George Stcclc.'
The lawyers SOM"
YES"
"llumph.' he muttered, with a shrug,
"what does she see so attractive in him?'
"What, indeed - she murmurcd, mov-
ing closer to his side.
An hour atterward Violet Mcdring re-
turned, shivering, out of the chill March
air, to the house. After short medita-
ton in her own room, she sent for Jane,
the houscmaid.
"Jane," said she, when the girl had
closed the door, II can trust YOU
"1ou have known me long enough, l
hope, Miss Violet, to have found out that
| am trustworthy replied Jane, slightly
hurt.
"Forgivc me, Jane; 1 did not mean to
hurt your feelings. | scarcely knew what
| was saying. Jane, | want you to take
the early train in the morning for
Knowlestown. When you get there in
quire the way to Farmer Kings place,
and give this note to his daughter Lucy.
She will return with you on the afternoon
train. But, remember, do not get off there; !;
leave the cars at the next station below.
You can hire a carriage there and drive to
be careful that no one sees you bring
Miss King to the house. 1t will be dark
then, you know, and you can easily come
in the back way without any body being
the wiser. You are both to come right
up here to my room, and remain con-
cealcd here until l join you; l will tell
more then. You understand, Jane, that
no one is to know any thing about your
Remember, it is of vital i'm
portance to me that this is kept secret
ou can trust me, Miss Violet said
Jane, resolutcly. "You have done me
many a kindness, and l would do almost
anything to be of service to you.'
1t was the second night after the above
A slight snow had fallen
that day, enough to cover the ground,
and the spring wind blew strong and
cold across the fields, bringing sheets of
flakes with it now and then as it whis-
tied along in its stronger blasts. A quar-
ter of an hour had passed since the clock
in the carriage house had counted out
the strokes of 8. The man waiting at the
end of the avenue turned his back tC the
wind struck match rather impatiently,
and consulted his watch. An oath
reached the end of his tongue, but it's
utterance was stopped as his eye caught
sight of two dim figures hurrying down
the road.
81 thought you would never come,' he
said, as he pushed the gate for them to
pass out.
The taller of the two females did not
reply as she took his protfered arm, but
drew her thick veil more closely about
her face.
They walked on for some time without
speaking, the man and one woman in
front, while the other woman kept close
to their heels.
81 wish you had permitted me to bring
a carriage, Violet. Is it very far?' asked
the man presently.
NO" was the reply, in a whisper.
'It is almost the first. house as you
come into Green street, said the woman
on behind, "it amt far now"
There was silence again.
"Here we are" said Jane-for she it
was-after a while. ''That is Johnson's,
and here is the minister's house,
She held back the gate while the other
two passed in.
"How you tremble, Violet" whispered
Archer, as they went up the path. "Have
no fear, dear, it will soon be over"
"You are latc," said the minister, as
he ushered them into his sunny little
parlOr. "YOu will lust have fine to