Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-02-11
Gales ano Sketebes.
CONTINUED from Yesterday. J

be In no other manner" she whispered. to
herself. Il will wait-yes, wait, faithful to
the ideal; for love me know he does
The haunted well was. as Norah had de-
scribed it, near the wayside upon the road
to the little town of Clifton, and the few
lights glimmering there took somewhat
from the lonelinfs IS Of Mabel's walk.
Then little dingle. lying all in shadow.
was reached, and the gentle gurgling of
the wells water announced its close vi
cinity.
Mabel, drawing her shawl more closely
around. prepared to descend the few steps
cut in the rocky cleft. They were slip
perry from the unceasing plash: the girl
lost her footing. and the next moment lay
prone and senseless on the cold, hard
ground.
There must have been some powerful
link Of sympathy-one OF those strange
chords which unites heart to heart-for a
passing horscman was impelled TO take
that very path, following close upon Ma
bells steps.
He was returning to his home in Clifton.
and had left the high road for nearer
one. but. fearing the stumbling Of his
horse, was leading the animal along. A
lady's handkerchief lay at his feet ami as
be gathered it up, peculiar subtle fra
GRANGE brought the fair image Of Mabel
Hastings to his mind; then imprinting a
reverential kiss upon that delicate morsel
of lace and cambria, he hid it within his
coat breast. tn be laid away with few
low withered flowers, treasured as her
gift. A faint moan struck upon the trav-
eler's ear.
"Who is there?" he demanded.
There was no answer; but looking
around. he deserted poor Mabel lying
where she had fallen.
Great heavens ~ he continued; lit is
Miss Hastings"
He raised her carefully. holding her in
his strong arms With little. shudder-
ing sigh. the dark eyes Enclosed and fixed
themselves upon his own.
IL thought YOU would come. Doctor
Vane,'' she murmured: then her head
sank upon his breast and she relapsed in
to forgetfulness.
Well might Ernest Vane feel bewlder
ed by that strange appartion and still
stranger words. joy, surprise and fear for
her safety all mingliDg in his thoughts.
Then he was compelled to place his love
" burden upon the cold steps, while
searching in little wallet he carried for
some restorative. aud bind his own hand
kerchief over her sorely cut and bleeding
temple. all the time implorng her by en-
dearing words to arouse herself, or both
must perish of the cold To Pygnalion's
statue, life was given by all powerful
Love so. surely, by the same means, the
fainting Mabel might be restored to con-
sciousness.
Miss Hastings" was the doctors first
mark. Twill you leave all matters to me
in this emergency Think it is n brother
who IL caring tor you"
That was not very easy supposition,
but Mabel acquiesced.
He lifted her light form upon the horse,
saying:
TRY to SIT firmly. for know you are
good rider. White Surrey is very gentle
and shall soon lead him out of this rug
ged path"
Then. mounting behind he turned in the
direction of Ravensclin,
How safe she felt sustained BY his pro-
tecting arm. though all the time wonder /
ing by what wild words she had addressed /
him.
"Oh. Doctor Vare." cried she. what |
will grandmamma Think and cousin Mil /
ly. and every one, when they hear of nv /
visit to the haunted well 20 /
My dear Miss Mabel. we will not name |
It, Where found you shall remain
profound secret between ourselves and |
st. Agnes
Il thank you, Doctor, You are very /
consderate. But there are the old lodge |
keeper and his wife? How scared they I
will be-
I'VE are certainly rather weird-look- |
Ing party. You. enycloped in that snowy
wrap and mounted upon White Surrey. !
have some resemblance to wrath. or
water kelpie, or some other dream of the
imagination: while | must he the demon
knight who has spirited YOU away. But
here we are at the lodge. and. out of con-
sideration to the old couples nerves, will
alight and open the gate
In few minutes the Hall was reached.
and TO Mrs. Brand. Norah. and others of
the wondering servants who came at
length in answer 10 the doctors summons
he explained that Miss Hastings. tempted
by the beauty OF the evening" had most
imprunently rambed beyond the park
gates. and had fallen on the frost covered
road. where he, upon his homeward ride,
had fortunately found her.
Then Mabel. desiring that her grand
mother might not be made acquainted
with the accident until morning, was tax
en- up stairs TO her own warm room. where
the wounded temple was dressed. por-
ton of Mrs. Brands celebrated elderberrv
syrup administered. and Nab hidden to
think Of nothing but rest and sleep, though
probably thst injunction was not fully
obeyed.
Well, the formidable barrier was even
tually broken down. and Ernest Vane did
speak the few words that never would
have been uttered but for that eventful
night.
At first, Mrs. Hastings strongly object
I'd but, on ascertaining the doctors fami-
" were very well connected. she some
what relaxed
.'And you know, dear grandma. urged
Mabel, IF l were to marry Mr. Durniord.
! should he compelled to go and keep up
the dignity of Elm House; or that Floren-
tine nobleman. who writes those long
love-letters-how far sundered we should
be! Doctor Vane has good practice.
He will be rich some day; and grandma.
love him."
That was unanswerable so. as usual.
she had her own way. The Young couple
were offered suite Of rooms in the old
Hall; but Earnest declined. saving he
should be at his office all day and with