Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1882-11-09
ngly explain all; but unfortunately, am

consideration for my feelings. After what
witnessed this evening have right to demand
a full explanation. and will accept that or
none" Saving which, she reared her head
with the dignity OF queen and left Capt Dal-
rymple alono to ponder over the unforeseen
dilemma in which ne found himself placed
The flush of anger still fingered on Vars
cheek as she re-entered the room. md Mrs.
Maitland, noting it with her watoncul eyes,
smiled maliciously as she said to herself: II
score the first points in the game"
Val awoke the next morning with dull
aching pain at her heart, the cause Of which
she only too soon remembered. OF trouble Of
any kind she had hitherto had no experience,
and she felt quite overwhelmed at the dreary
prospect before her should she continue her
quarrel with Vernon. Why not put an end to
it, she asked herself. aud trust him, as she
had been so ready to declare she could do I'M
der any circumstances? Then the thought
that he had a secret with Mrs. Maitland, ,whiCn
was unshared by her, obtruded itself, and she
grew obdurate again.
She remained in her room till summoned by
the breakfast bell and then slipped into .
place at table which hid her from Vernon's
sight
Hubert Dalrymple was Of the party He
was certainly very handsome, with dark eyes,
which wore languld, sleepy look in them
very well suited TO his style. For all that, he
was observant, and could see as much with his
half closed eyes as most people with theirs
utes at table ere he perceived something was
seriously wrong with his brother and his be-
trothed.
Breakfast! over. he approached Val, and
said with smile wonderfully like Vernon's:
Come for stroll with me, will YOU? As
we are 80 soon to be related, it is only natural
l should wish to be better acquainted with
you"
Val was fain to consent. She was only too
anxious 10 escape from Vernon's presence; the
trNf hn.,N. II.
from him was more than she could besr.
After wandering about for while, Hubert
making vain attempts to amuse Val with his
light talk, they seated themselves on shady
bench, and the former said without further
preface:
what is there wrong between you and YER
nou?"
Val flushed crimson. 81 don't understand
you" she said.
Don't you?" answered Hubert in his lazy
tones l should have thought my meaning
pretty clear. I'm not very clever fellow,
Miss Charteris, but it did not require very
bright wits to discover there was something
amlss."
Val made no rejoiner; in truth she was ex-
perlencing some difficulty in keeping from
tears
Il think it such pity for people to fall ont
about trlfies, proceeded HILBERT 'for, knowing
Vernon as dc, I can't believe he can have given
you any real cause for complaint There's not
better fellow breathing than he; i. as his
brother, ought to be able to give An opinion on
the subject"
Still Val sat SILENT she felt half inclined to
be angry with this officious young man for his
interference IN her private affairs. but some
how. in spite Of all, it was so sweet to hear
Vernon praised
"You won't be offended with me, hope, if 1
tell you | think you are very lucky to have won
his Love-" continued Mr.. Dalrymp!e, in no way
dlscomposed at having all the talk to himself.
"fernon's not like me, you know. l can't help
spooning every pretty girl l come across, but
with him you are just the first woman he has
ever loved or spoken to of love"
Val turned to him eagerly: care you sure
quite suro?"
Mr. Dalrvmple laid his handsome head back
against the tree, and surveyed her from under
his half-closed lids with an expression of
amusement. 81 think see light at last" he
unused; 1.-The little girl is jealous-I fancy I
know of whom"
Quite sure" he said aloud; "but that has
not prevented many women being in love with
him. There's 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 I'M
happy through her," said Val, casping Ter
hands together with a pathetic little gesture.
her gray eyes full of tears.
Tell me all about it," responded Hubert
tenderly, and to Vale surprise she found her
self detailing her grievance to this young man,
who. all hour ago, had been unknown to her
As she concluded, she was somewhat taken
aback at Mr.. Dalrymple's giving vent to a
hearty fit of laughter.
''How deep the little widow is" he said, ssbut
l see her game She thought to make q quar-
rel between you and Vernon, and perhaps gain
his heart in the rebound. Valerie, you really
n tIA
contidinS 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" calculated VAL
"Not mpossible-unusual, 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 to-
gether at some house-she spoke out pretty
plainly" .....
flow ever do you know?" asked Val
because l, by chance, interrupted the in
tel esting tete-a-tete, and guessed from the
lady's agitation what had taken place. When
l taxed Vernon with it afterward, he could not
deny it. but naturally, on her account, he
would think himself in honor bound never to
mention it. for she must have been verv genu-
lnely in love with him to go such lengths
Wasn't it awkward for him?" wound I'D HUI
bert IF 1t had happened to me, should have
accepted her. for can never refuse woman
anything"
Val caught his hand impetuously in hers.
How can I thank your" she said, the
happy smiles playing again around her
lips.
Il was so angry, so miserable, did not know
what to think, and now everything is delightful
again. Vernon said should like you, and do,
tremendously"
Thanks" returned Hubert, laughing. "I
am glad to be able to return the compliment
And now don't You think you had better make
your peace with Vernon, or you will have q
certain fair lady carrying tales to him about
the violent filtration we are indulging in?"
A few minutes later Vernon, sitting alone in
the library, apparently engaged in writing let
tiers. but with preoccupied air that BODIED ill
for his correspondence, felt two soft arms steal
around his neck, and Val's sweet voice said in
his ear:
Can you ever forgive me, dear, for being
such a horrld suspicious wretch? I was so
wrong, so very wrong, but punished myself
more than any one."
Vernon's face frightened as he drew her
tenderly to him.
You have made up your mind to trust
me in spite of appearances, Val?" he asked
She hid her glowing face on his shoulder.
81 must tell you ALL" she whispered, ''and
don't despise me very much, dear" And she
proceeded to recount her conversation with
Hubert
Tout comprendre, o'est tout pardonner-
eh. Val?" he said with a slight smile; "but
there, won't tease you, dear. 1t was hardly
surprising you were vexed, and wanted to
know all, and l think 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 size could pardon
Mrs. Maitland and all her misdoings, since it
was love for Vernon which had prompted her
to them.
Grand Forks Wants the surveyor General.
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Gently, Senator O. D. Conger of Michigan, who
is taking great interest in North Dakota af-