Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-10-26

tnen gfdQudlly shape themselves IuUO
forms Of horror. Ii had been thus with
Fancourt. The mist had been gradu-
ally taking form, and now the thing
that presented itself before his eyes
made him quail. He could not help it,
he told HIMSELF he was driven on by
circumstances; he could not control
events. He would rather have taken a
straight path, If it would only have led
him whittier he wanted to go; il it
would not so lead him, was it his faultp
He really felt himself cruelty treated
by fate. inasmuch as he seemed thrust
into crime. He had no enjoyment in
evil deeds; he was not cruel by nature
-on the contrary, it was absolutely
painful to him to inflict injury upon
others. But, if they stood in his way,
what could he do? Now, at any rate.
he had gone too far to recede; there
again fate had. unkind. If he had
not been left alone with Lena, he would
not have spoken as he had; he would
only have felt his way. and waited to
see if some fortuitous occurrence would
help him; but now. on the contrary, cir
cumstances impelled him down the.
dark road, and he must go on.
lie betrayed no traces of these per-
called at Ivy Cottage on the following
day. He had a long and satisfactory
interview with Mrs. Dalton-who, al
though he could make no promises
with regard to settlements, seemed
quite content to trust to Lord Alphing-
tons generosity-and then had the graf
ification of being received by Lena
with sweet smiles. Mrs. Dalton had
tol-aD aaro m hold ont haf he, lo,,,.I,
ter's eyes all the brilliant advantages
of the conquest she had made, and un-
der this influence Lena had, to all out
ward seeming, recovered her eouanimi-
ty. She liked being flattered and ca
ressed; she.liked the soft places of the
world; and, if the little drawback ex-
listed of not being able to feel affection
for the man who was about to set her
on the pinnacle of her aspirations, she
must submit. She could not expect to
have everything her own way. Thus
her reasoning did not differ very widely
from that of her betrothed.
Some time elapsed, and the tr0usSedu
was in active preparation, when Lena
found an opportunity to express her de-
sire to have the antique opal ring imi-
tated Fancourt was willing enough
wish of hers, and appointed the follow
his brougham for Mrs. Dalton and
Lena, and take them to the jewelers..
where Lena might give her directions.
1t therefore happened on this afternoon
that Bertha was left alone, much to her
relief.
The more she saw of Fancourt, the
more thoroughly she disliked him. He
filled her with fear. She scarcely knew
how to bear the idea that the happiness
of one she truly loved should be intrust-
ed to his keeping. She was weary also
of the everlasting talk of clothes and
jewels and furniture, as if naught else
connected itself with this momentous
step in life. The girls slept in adjoin-
ing rooms, and it had been their custom
to meet in one or other of the rooms
while brushing their hair, to have a
sisterly chat about the events of the
day. But now Lena shut herself in,
and refused to talk under pretense of
being tired, so that Bertha. excluded
from her sisters confidence, was doubly
anxious, and also lonely, though her
taste and her active fingers were called
into constant requiSition for advice and
help.
Finding herself at liberty for an hour,
she opened the piano. Scarcely had she
struck few chords, however, when
Douglas came in. She sprang up to
meet him, glad look upon her face.
She liked him much, and had never felt
the want of little genial companion
ship more than at that moment.
hI1n | dict1rh Won ~ ho cai6 hpldino
the hand she held out to him.
''Oh, no, not in the least!" she re-
piled, with bright smile. II am so
glad to see you. have some new songs
here; you shall give me your opinion Of
them, if you like"
Douglas did like; he delighted in
hearing Bertha sing. When she had
ended, she turned round the music
him. After making some remark upon
the music, Douglas said:
s'Will you be very angry with me if I
ask question on a subject that seems
to be no business of mine?"
81 don't think am likely to be angry
with you. What is it?" inquired Ber-
tina.
.'As I came along I saw Mrs. and
Miss Dalton in carriage with Mr.. Fan
court. Is there anything serious in
that quarter?" Douglas looked grave
as he made the inquiry.
'Most serious" Bertha replied. II
don't think need hesitate to tell you
that my sister is engaged to Mr.. Fan
court"
Indeed! Has it come to thatp'' he
exclaimed; and his countenance wore a
troubled, perplexed look very unusual
with him.
"You frighten me, Mr.. Douglas"
Bertha said, in alarm; ''you know
something of Mr.. Fancourt?'
II know nothing of him personally
in fact have seen him but once before,
and that was when met him here by
accident few weeks ago; and yet
wish this had been otherwise, !" Douglas
returned.
Douglass tone more than his words
alarmed Bertha.
II am sure you know more than you
like to tell me-" she said. ''Pray speak
out"
Douglas arose from his chair, and
went to the window, as if to collect his
thoughts.
4 Il ought not to have spoken" he
said, as he came back and resumed his
seat; II have made a fool of myself be-
cause l cannot explain how matters
stand. A secret is involved that is not
mine. And now have frightened you,
and you will think me meddlesome
fellow with no more brains than Pinch
here" J" he added, pulling the ears Of the
dog, who had followed him into the
ROOM