The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1880-03-04
hand. But not for moment did 1 for

hand. But not for moment did for
get my true destiny.
Il wrote a letter, long and earnest,
entreating Merton to come to me, and
gave the missive into the hands of q
trusty servant for posting. Meanwhile,
preparations for magnificent banquet,
| and |, poor and unresisting, was to be
sacrificed. Baron Luxaroff came often
to see me, but always refused to meet
him.
+" Ah,' said he with a quadrangular
smile, maiden modestie.'
Maiden honesty retorted I, to the
waitiDg-maid's report.
When Mademoiselle Leona revels
in Russia we shall want token of re-
membrance,' said Madame DeLauret,
one day, and soon after gay young ar
tist came TO paint my contour on roll
of canvas. / saw my image develop
meath the magical stroke of his brush,
with startling similitude and day after
day, as l sat in his presence, / became
aware of an unusual interest on the part
of the artist for the subject of his skill.
Perhaps thought /, 1 have discovered
friend that, at least, can save me from
the Russian baron;' but the continual
presence of my mother or aunt forbade
all intercourse.
The painting was nearly completed
and the bridal night was come. The ar
tist would add few finishing strokes,
and hang it in the grand saloon for adj
miration, and mayhap criticism. Pas
sive as a child in the hands of my maids,
they arrayed me in the bridal fnery of
soft, light and lustrous silk, the numer-
Gus folds Of which swept the floor in a
magnificent train; to my hair, a IL pom
pddour, was attached veil of golden
gauze that entirely enveloped my silken
array. The victim was gilded, the altar
was ready, and the priest stood awaiting
the sacrifice. Delicious.strains of music
foated through the open apartments,
and again, as when q child, / wept at
the enhancing melody; but the North
ern Bear came and put his unwieldy
arm around me-crushing the illusio
of silk and music, and reminding me of
my misery.
"My waiting-maid came then, and
said the artist must see me before sub
mitting the painting. l rose and the
bear offered his arm; scornfully reject
ing it, passed alone into the darkened
boudoir. The artist was there, and the
glass doors were open. i will save you,
he whispered; follow me- He threw
a shawl over me, and without q
word, out into the dark, chilly night
I followed him. We walked fast, and
for convenience carried my train over
one arm and he took the other. l did
not resist for I felt him friend.
Gone block away he stopped and said,
Look your last upon the bridal scene
looked back. The stately mansion was
filled with LIQUID light, that stole from
the massive windows and CLEANED far
over the city. The passing wind rustled
the swaying curtains, and rich volumes
of music died upon the sombre air. He
led me into a chapel, at whose entrance
we stood, and stayed a moment in the
vestibule to loosen mask. 1t fell, and
the artist was Merton HOWELL asked
no questions, nor was surprised, 1t
seemed like dream, though living
reality. A priest was in waiting, and
before they missed me at the banquet
hall was welded to another.
"Too proud to fly, Merton proposed
remaining in Paris few weeks. / &C.
quiesced to all he suggested. We en-
gagged suite of rooms at the American
hotel, and began to brave the expected
tempest For several days we were un-
molested. though the dailies bore exag-
gerated accounts of the flights of the
bride expectant, and the inconsolable
grief of the bridegroom.
"We must not conceal ourselves,
said Merton; let US visit the public
gardens to-day
"He engaged a carriage, and we drove
to the pleasure grounds. Far in advance
of us l saw calash that / recognized as
Madam DeLauret's. / communicated
the intelligence to Merton, and he
| quickened our pace and we rolled past
my aunt's vehicle. Madam and the
baron were within, and at the sight of
us seemed petrifed with amazement.
Madam sent a footman with a note,
desiring an interview in the conserva.
tory.
with PLEASURE I replied, and we
soon alighted at the spot. entered,
leaning on Merton's arm.
"Who is yon intruderP cried my
aunt.
"My husband said I, calmly.
"I glanced at Merton, and saw 8
quiet laugh in the depths of his eyes, as
he stood quizzically regarding the
Northern Bear, who had evidently col
lapsed at the omiDous words.
"f You little vixenp screamed my
aunt. Never cent of mine shall fal
sUngrateful girl sighed the baron
apparently relieved by my misfortune.
"sI trust, madam said Merton
warmly, that Leona Forrest is too noble
to be either bought or sold.'
"Leona Howell said J, mischiev
ously correcting him.
"My aunt burst into TRADE of in
vectives against Americans in general
and this one in particular.
"We did not come here to be in
suited said Merton, and we left tn
conservatory. Several times during tn
day we collided with aunt and tn
baron, but always appeared happil,
oblivious of their presence or evel
existence. Madam's anger must hav
been at white heat by night, for all da,
: we laughed and chatted as if we neve
: dreamed of being objects of interest t
the whole concourse of pleasure seekers
l A few mornings later 1 read the marriag
3 of Baron Luxaroff to Madam DeLaure1
l kMy parents refused to acknowledge thei
e undutiful daughter, and l have neve
L seen them since my bridal night. T
the best of my belief they are still li1
: ing in Paris.
: "Merton and 1 returned to Americ,
!; but did not settle at Presumpscu
!. Pocket. We purchased Hollywood, an
: here we have lived for fifteen year
! Merton's paintings are famous, and h
L truth has won our fortune.
IS "I heard about ten years ago tbs
y Aunt DeLauret was divorced from Baro
Luxarotf, and that he himself had bee
e banished to Siberia for defrauding tt
d government of large sums of gold an
IS silver. His wealth was fable and b
IS honor lie."