Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1881-02-25
md inspired by love, ofwhat is not one

be Is no other manner" she whispered
to herself" | will wait-yes, wait, faith
full to the ideal; for love me I know he
does"
The haunted well was, as Norah haC
described 1t near the wayside upon the
road to the little town of Clifton. anC
the few light glimmering there tool
somewhat from the loneliness of Mabel,
walk. Then little dingle, lying all il
shadow, was reached, and the gentle
gurgling Of the wells water announced
its close vicinity.
Mabel, drawing her shawl more clio
sely around, prepared to descend the
few steps cut in the rocky cleft. They
were slippery 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 power
full link of sympathy-one of those
strange chords which unites heart tc
heart-for passing foreman was i'm
PEELED to take that very path, following
close upon MabePs steps
He was returning to his home in
Clifton, and had left the high road fol
nearer one, but, fearing the'stumbling
Of his horse, was leading the ANNA
along. A lady's handkerchief lay al
his feet, and as he gathered it up, q
peculiar subtle fragrance brought the
fair image Of Mabel Hastings to his
mind then imprintirg reverentia,
kiss upon that delicate morsel of lace
and cambria, he hid it within his coat
breast, to be laid away with few now
withered flowers, treasured as her gift
A faint moan struck upon the travellers
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; ST
is Miss Has. ings."
He raised her carefully, holding hel
in his strong arms. With a little, shud-
dering sigh, the dark eyes Enclosed
and fixed themselves upon his own.
II thought you would come. Doctor
Vane,,' she murmured; then her head
sank upon his breast and she relapsed
into forgetfulness.
Well might Ernest Vane feel bewild-
cred by that strange apparition and still
stranger words, JOY, surprise and feal
for her safety all mingling in his
thoughts. Then he was compelled to
place his lovely burden uoon the cold
steps, while searching in little wallet
he carried for some restorative, and
bind his own handkerchief over hel
sorely cut and bleeding temple, ali the
while imploring her by endearing words
to arouse herself, or both mus perish
of the cold. TO PYgmalion's statue
life was given by all-powerful Love; So
surely, by the same means, the faint
ing Mabel might be restored % con.
seriousness.
"Miss Hastings" was the doctors
first remark, twill you leave all matters
to me in this emergency? Think it is
4 brother who is caring for YOU"
That was not very easily suppose
ton, but Mabel acquiesed.
He lifted her light form upon the
horse, saying:
TRY to sit firmly, for l know you
are good rider. White Surrey is very
gentle, and shall soon lead him out
of his rugged path"
Then, mounting behind, he turned
in the direction of Ravenscliff
How safe she felt, sustained by his
protecting arm, though all the time
wondering by what wild words she had
addressed him.
ooh, Doctor Vane," she cried, what
will grandmamma think, and Cousin
Milly, and every one, when they hear
of my visit to the haunted well?
HMy dear Miss Mabel, we will not
name it. Where | found you shall re
main profound secret between our
selves and ST. Agnes"
81 thank you, Docteri You are very
considerable. But there are the old
lodgekeeper and his wife? How scared
they will be!'
Eve are certainly rather weird
looking party. You, enyelopedin that
snowy wrap and mounted upon White
Surrey, have some resemblance to a
wrath, or water-kelpie, or some other
dream of the imagination; while |
must be the demon-knight who has
spirited you away. But here we are at
the lodge, and, out of consideration to
the couples nerves, | will alight and
open the gate"
In few minutes the hall was reach
ed, and to Mrs. Brand, Norah, and
others of the wondering servants who
came at length in answer to the doc
tors summons, he explained that Miss
Hastings, tempted by the beauty Of
the evening, had most imprudently
rambled beyond the park gates, and
had fallen on the frost-coyered 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
taken upstairs to her own warm room,
where the wounded temple was dressed,
a portion of Mrs. Brands celebrated
elderberry syrup administered, and
Nab hidden to think of nothing but
rest and sleep, though probably that in
junction was not fully obeyed.
Well, the formidable barrier was
eventually 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 OBJ
iected but, on ascertaining the doc
tors family were very well connected,
she somewhat relaxed
+" And you know, dear grandma"
urged Mabel, " if | were to marry Mr..
Durnford, should be compelled to go
and keep up the dignity of Elm House;
or that Florentine nobleman, who
writes those long love-letters-how
far sundered we should be! Doctor
Vane has a good practice. He will be
rich some day; and grandma, l love
him"
That was unanswerable; SO as usual.
Nab had her own way. The young
couple We're offered suite of rooms
in the old Hall; but Ernest declined,
saying he should be at his Office all day,
and with them for relaxation only.
Mrs. Hastings, at length, liked him
greatly. He was, she said, kind and
attentive as her own son had been.
He would bring her the newest
magazines ard books. tell her the
events of the day, and read aloud'wheE
n