The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-08-30

wordsF she muttered--oh, 30 reSret-
fully.
Very lovely did she look as she sat
there dreaming, with the sunshine light
ing up her golden hair, and making 1t
shine with more than usual lustre. Here
was an angels face, such AS may be seen
in the paintings of the old masters, or
in the fine engravings of Bartolozzi.
A footman brought in five o'clock tea.
Violet reused herself from her rever-
RE, poured herself out cup OF tea,
stirred the fire impatiently, and went on
with her novel; but her mind was evil
IDENTIFY not fixed upon its contents.
She read the same page over three
times without being the least aware OF It,
The little Dresden time-piece on the
manrlepiece struck five with silvery
chimes, and Violet closed her book with
a slam, and flung it down on the sofa
beside her.
Il DO wish he would come!" she NUT
tered to herself. as she languidly crossed
the room and seated herself by the piano.
He, be it known, meant Mr.. Denzil,
who was coming to stay with them.)
Violet played two or three little bits
from different operas, and then began
"Dreamland," now her favorite waltz,
but soon wandered off to
DO you remember the place where we met. long
long ago, long age?
All yes you tcld me you ne'er would forget long
long ago. long age!
Then to ali o,he's. my mile YOU preferred,
Love, when you spoke gave charm 10 each
word.
Still my heart treasures the praises heard. long.
long ago. long ago"
As her voice died away on the last
note she gave the keys an lmpatlent
crash and repeated aloud:
II do wish he would come! But Of
course he missed his train-men always
dol"
"Do thsy?' asked laughing voice be-
hind her. and Mr.. Den-il advanced to
the piano. "And, pray, are women ex-
empt from the fault?"
Violet crimsoned. He had heard.
81 did not hear you come in" she fall
tered. "Was not your train rather late?"
II believe SO; but, really, am not
sorry"
why" she inquired, quite innocent
because I would not have missed
bearing that song for worlds, and, with
a wicked smile, what you said after
singing it."
Violet, whom her aunt allowed to ride
without groom, on condition that she
should never leave the domain. was, one
lovely day few weeks afterward, enjoy
ing q gallop on Orion, when she sudden
ly came face with another rider, and that
other rider was Mr.. Denzil.
The girl, hIsitating as to the propriety
of riding with him unattended, suddenly
rene Ii bered that she ought to be ''prac-
ticing," and turned to leave him, but he
stopped her.
Don't go!" he exclaimed.
II must"
"No, Violet; don't!"
And in o moment, she never knew ex-
actly how, he had drawn his horse along.
side of hers, and she was i'll his arms.
understanding Violet"
And then, as if waking from dream,
she pushed him from her.
"Don't-oh, don't" she said piteously
and burst into tears.
"Oh, Violet" he said, 81 want you to
be my wife'
IT can'.," she walled, can't"
"Why? Do you dislike me?"
mo, nor she cried bitterly. II don't
want to pain you, Heaven knewsr She
paused, her face. full OF anguish, her
voice choked by the intensity Of her
emotion. Don't press me! Listen! A
few days before my fathers death he
called me to his bedside; he told me
that marriage had been arranged be
tween certain Lord Tressilian and my
self. He begged me to promise that l
would consent to it. I could not find it
in my heart to refuse. promised.
did not know them" she continued
hoarsely, raising her eyes, more lovely
than ever, to his, "what pain the keep.
ing OF that oath would be; for ! do love
you-oh, so much!'
The little golden head fell forward on
her horses neck.
In . moment his strong arms were
about her again.
"You do love me?" he cried. Then
do not regret your promise. ] have also
to confess something to you. have de-
ceived you. / knew, of course, Of that
arrangement, for my Christian
name, not my pstronymic, is Denzil. l
am no other than Lord Tressilian him
self !"
Seeking Nest. Eggs in America.