The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-04-14

heard what had had in my mind, and
deserve to be despised. But don't for
get also said had given up the idea,
for all she was one of the most charm
ingly lovely girls imaginable, if all that
her friends said of her was true, which I
do not doubt. She would be prize for
any man, even without her riches"
A silence between them followed, dis
turbed only by the soft clangor of the
bells on Brown Bess'" shafts. Then
Chamney broke it:
"Why don't you ask me what has
changed my mind. Miss Ellie?"
A swift, radiant look in her eyes was
instantly hushed.
because l think you would tell me
if you want me to know" she answered,
readily.
81 do want you to know. 1t is your
IT? I? Why, Mr.. Chamney, how
when have I impressed you to"
He interrupted her eagerly.
"There has not been an hour but that
I have been conscious of your influence
upon me, Ellie. Your words, your daily
toll, your cheerful acceptance of the
duties devolving upon you, have shown
me not only what selfish, worthless fell
low have been, but what o self.reliant,
ambitious man I purpose to make of my
self. Hitherto. in my absurd stupidity,
I actually have regarded myself as des-
tined to be saved from an honest, manly,
work-a-day life-a sort of glorified idiot,
to whom fortune must somehow come
with no effort of my own"
He paused, and Ellie looked up, al
most wistfully.
II am so glad"
$50 am 1. lam eager to begin-to be
of some use somewhere. What shall
do, Ellie? Cut lumber. or cart ice, or
turn farmland, or what?"
Ellie smiled-gravely enough, but it
was look that stirred his very soul.
II have heard you say you had read
little at law. Take that up, throw all
your resolution and energy into it, and
make q mark, and-a fortune!" she
added, with little, merry laugh.
Chamney refined the demure pony in at
the school house gate, and assisted Ellie
out, with careful consideration.
cit has been such delightful drive"
she said
"Id no idea we were so near it," he
with laugh. ut hasn't
seemed more than five minutes ride.
There was something else I wanted to
say"
about the heiress?" Ellie asked de-
murely, as she unlocked the school-house
door.
"Oh, the heiressl She may thank her
stars she didn't make the mistake of &C.
cepting me. She'll find plenty of better
fellows than me. Won't you let me
come and see if Ben Peters has made
you good fire."
"Just minute, while you thaw out.
The pony mustn't stand, You know"
1.-The pony may stand" he returned.
He must stand Ellie, until you tell me
you will marry me--sOme day when
I've made myself worthy of you my darl-
ling Ellie. Little girl, you love me?
have loved you from the very first"
All the color forsook her face for a
"Oh, Mr.. Chamaey, you cannot mean
this?'
"But do, dear. I need all your love,
your encouragement, your sympathy.
Won't you give them to me with your
self? Do you love me, Ellie?"
Auu Will tchIS oPIAuSiuS W ACI SycS.
Ellie laid her head on his breast.
"Oh, Sydney. cannot help 1t.
And then, Mr.. Chamney kissed her,
and beat a hasty retreat, as swarm of
and hooded, and scarfed schol |
ars came trooping in the gate, while Ell
lie went about her duties with a rare,
solemn sweetness in her face, and new,
deep undertone Of jubilant happiness in
her voice.
And that evening when Farmer Orr
and his wife sat over the fire, calculating
the return from the market sales that day,
Sydney and Ellie stood in the window
of an adjoining room.
II want to tell you something Sgd
ney," she said in half pleading voice,
as she nestled to his side, and looked up
in his proud, glad face radiant with the
light Of new hope-new purpose. II
want to tell you-I-my whole name is
Evelyn Ellinor Carroll; and when We're
talked so much about you I wanted to
come up here where l knew you were
and learn for myself You are not angry
with me?"
He looked amazedly at her.
ELLIE! You Miss Carroll-Veres
cousin! The heiress was to marry if
I couldw
She caressed his hand lovingly.
The heiress you are to marry, if you
will, Sidney"
He folded her closely to him and