Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1881-11-25

OOHa plctc euCCSSs OHly OIS mutt SlOuu
arose, and that was caused by a quarrel
between Lord Fitz-John and his velet.
That important parsonage accompani-
ed his master, and, by way of cele-
brating his arrival, managed to become
hopelessly intoxicated, and had further
the temerity to present himself to his
lordship in that state when he was
wanted to assist in the preparation of
his dinner toilet Great was Lord
Fitz-John's anger, dire his dismay,
loud and bitter his many oaths but
my uncle, as usual, was the peace
maker, he proffered the services of
Grey, the irreproachable, who had at
te dei him for years.
In the evening Kate proposed that
we should have some charades in the
drawing room, but Mr.. Vivian thought
we should find watching the moonlight
or the lake more pleasant.
We went and that evening | learn
ed the secret of my heart. Lord Fitz
John said he would follow US soon--ne
was going to have a cigar and Mr..
Vivian, seeing me alone, offered me
his arm, and we followed our compan-
ions down to the edge Of the lake.
| They were initiating the Hindoo girls
sending water-liliies floating down tie
stream and pretending to draw auguries
| from them.
"Will you try yonr fortune, Miss
Thornley," asked Mr. Vivian, drawing
lily near as he spoke.
mo" | said, Il know my fate.
There would be no pleasure for me in
watching the shipwreck of my flower"
What will your fate De?' he asked
gently.
"a short life and merry one," re-
piled recklessly; ''and then, | know not
what"
"Hush z he said; you are too
young to speak SO lightly; such words
from the fresh lips of youth wound and
pain those who hear them"
CRY your fate said, giving him a
water-lily and utterly ignoring what he
had said He took the flower from my
hand.
Il can read my fortune" he said
mournfully ''There is flight from a
great danger before me, after that a
combat which may last for years, and
then the peace that comes from having
done ones duty"
"Do you mean that you are going to
leave us?'' asked.
every soon, Miss Thornley," he re-
piled she is wise man who flies from
danger as awaits me.
Why did my heart fiutter and leap
1T his words? He could not mean any
thing about me. WHAT charm could a
frivolous child like myself have in the
eyes Of a noble and high-souled mani
"Put the flower in the water | said
land, if it floats safely far away down to
that dropping ash, then take it as an
augury that you will have what you
wish for
Wesat in breathless silence, the moon
shone brightly upon the waters. and we
saw the tiny white lily floating steadily
as the light breeze blew It down to the
ash trees
s'There r | cried, triumphantly-
''you will have your wish, Mr. Vivian. !"
'"The stars are not farther from my
reach, he answered quietly; then Kate
joined us, and we said no more
But that night, long after the house
was wrapped in silence and slumber, |
sat at my window watching the moon
light Ny heart was awake at last, its
| i
loved Eustace Viyian-loved him so
that my life would be blank without
him, so much that the day be left me
the light would fade from my life and
Joy come back to me no more. I'm
consciously, unknowingly, had let my
heart go out to him, and it would never
be my own again did not wonder at
myself it seemed so natural that |
should love him he was so good, so
noble, 50 wise
Hours had passed since first sat by
the window. Gradually began to no
tice smoke rising i'll clouds to the quiet
night sky Then ! became conscious
, Of a peculiar cracking noise, and i
strong smell of fire penetrated to my
room. | jumped up hastily; oh, why
had | lost my time il dreaming! The
corridor was full Of smoke, and ! felt
sure that the house was on fire.
/ knew that my uncle's room was
next to mine, and | ran tnther as
quickly as | could, the smoke binding
and singing my ewes. | called to him
so loudly that awoke the others, and
, presently there was a confused noise a
hasty gathering of frightened people,
|
the lower part of the house was on fire.
Forked tongues Of flames came leaping
M the staircase To have ATTEMPTED
to descend it would have been almost
, certain death. Oh, the horror of that
scene, the roaring Of the flames, the
shrieks for help, the maddening ankle
ty, the dreadful fear that we should be
burned to death unless help came, and
came soopi The flame mounted with
fierce rapidity.
slf they see the fire on the shore we
shall soon have assistance" said my
uncle, trying TO encourage US.
Mr.. Vivian was cool and collected
he took the lead, and we gladly obeyed
him. The only chance for dear life, he
said, was 70 light our way into the top
story Of the house, and then to knot
sheets and blankets together, so that
some at least might be saved He and
my uncle volunteered to stand by the
window and lower us down
Winter and more fearful than all was
the face of my betrothed husband: and
above the roaring Of the fire. above the
moaning and weeping of women,
heard him crying out that he would
give thousands to the man who would
save him; and, while my uncle and
Eustace Vivian ma lie the rope on which
our lives depended. he whined out that
it was unheard of hat an English peer
should perish like trampled wild
beast. Moved by pity for his fears.
CROPPED my way to him, and tried to re-
assure him. He pushed me from him
Curse you !" he said but for your
dolls face should not have been in
this danger -
He said it-others heard it beside
myself-hut | had no time to answer
, for underneath the door We saw the
two little jets of flame, and we knew
, our enemy was upon us. Flames were
beneath and around us, and the room
was full of terrified people, and nC
chance of escape presented itself save
through the narrow window
I've can only save one more L
cried my uncle. THE fire is upon us
we cannot see Ernestine," he called
loudly, come quickly, child, or yor
viii be too late"
A sheet of flame eurled near his fee
rs he spoke, | held out my arms. bu
before could seize the knotted rope
Lord Fitz-John. mad with terror
caught it in my place, and lett me t
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