Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-11-18

"Quite sure" he said, aloud "but that
has not prevented many women being in
love with him. There is certain lady,
not a dozen miles from here, who tried very
hard to win him."
"Do you mean Mrs. Maitland" asked
Val in low hurried tone.
What makes you guess that"
Because-oh, because | have been very
unhappy through her" said Val, clasping
her hands together with a pathetic little
gesture, her gray eyes full of tears.
Tell me all about it, responded Hubert
tenderly, and to Walls surprise she found
herself detailing her grievance to this
young man, who an hour ago had been I'M
known to her. As she concluded she was
somewhat taken aback at MIR. Dalrymple's
giving vent to a hearty fit of laughter.
''Bow deep the little widow is, he
said, ''but see her game. She thought
to make quarrel between you and Vernon,
and perhaps gain his heart in the rebound
Valerie, you really deserve to know the
truth, especially after confding in me.
Listen to me. A year ago Mrs. Maitland,
reversing the general order of things, made
an offer to Vernon of her hand, heart, and
very ample fortune.
Impossible p calculated VAL
"Not overwhelmingly, if you like,
answered Hubert dryly. "We have known
her for years and she was always awfully
sweet on Vernon. When she became her
own mistress again she began running after
him in the old fashion, and last year-we
were all staying together at the same house
she spoke out pretty plainly"
How ever do you know ?" asked Val.
Because |, by chance, interrupted the
interesting tete-a. tete, and guessed from
the lady's agitation what had taken place.
When | taxed Vernon with it afterwsrd,
he could not deny 1t, but naturally, on
her account, he would think himself in
honor bound never to mention it, for she
must have been very genuine in love with
him to go to such lengths. Wasn't it
awkward for him?" wound up Hubert.
If it had happened to me, | should have
accepted her, as | can never refuse woman
anything"
Val caught his hand impetuously in hers.
g How can thank you?'' she said, the
happy smiles playing again around her
lips. g was so angry, so miserable, | did
not know what to think, and now every
thing is delightful again. Vernon said
| should like you, and l do, tremendously. y
| Thanks, returned Hubert, laughing
| @ | am glad to be able to return the com.
| pliment. And now don't you think you
had better make your peace with Vernon,
or you will have certain fair lady carry.
ing tales to him about the violent Irritation
We are indulging in %
| a few minutes later Vernon, sitting
alone in the library, apparently engaged in
| l.+t l,,4 81 81
that BODIED i'll for his correspondence, felt
two soft arms steal around his neck, and
| Walls sweet voice said in his ear
Can you forgive me, dear, for being
| such horrrid, suspicious wretch? l was
so wrong, SO very wrong; but l punished
| myself more than any one"
Nernon's face frightened as he drew heI
! tenderly to him.
q" You have made up your mind to trust
me IN spite OF appearances, Val " he
! asked.
She hid her glowing face on his shoulder
g / must tell You all, " she whispered,
g and don't despise me very much, dear. u
| And she proceeded to recount her CONVEX.
| sation with Hubert.
Tout comprendre, c'est tout pardonner
-eh, Eal?" he said, with slight smile
"but there, won't tease you, dear. 1t
was hardly surprising you were vexed, and
wanted TO know all, and think l need not
ask you to keep silent on the score of what
you have heard"
81 promise" said Val, feeling in her
newly recovered happiness that she could
pardon Mrs. Maitland all her misdoings,
since it was love for Vernon which had
prompted her TO them. All the Year
T. DOrI