Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1883-08-12

As soon as this was settled, Arthur
nerved himself to 8 painful task. None
had been more unremitting in their
inquiries than the Blounts. They had
called several times and een Lord
Seabright, but had never succeeded
in seeing the young man.
But now he determined to visit
them and thank them for their solicit
tude.
Nc one had seen him since his terrible
accident except bis medical attendant,
his nurse, bis uncle, and Charles Blount.
Ii was q long time before, Arthur could
bear his former friends toSsee how fear
fully changed he a +.
His splendid, refined, and classical
features were scarcely recognizable for
the deep scars left upon hIs face, and
his finely moulded form and figure aud
elastic gait weIe changed into an in
durable lameness.
1t was TO even the best balanced
mind a strong and fearful shock, hard
10 bear even with an outward indication
OF philosophy. ,
But Arthur, through his long and
trying illness had thought much and
deeply, and be was scarcely less chang
cd in body than in mind.
Still it was a sore trial to his stoicism
and equanimity to enter Mrs. Blount's
cosy drawing.room, where an armchair
awaited him, and where he caught q
glimpse Of himself in the same mirror
which in days gone by had 20 often re-
flected the graceful figure of handsome
Arthur Stanley.
When the door opened and May
entered, he for p moment felt that he
could sink out Of sight. A faint pale
hue was on the girls. usually, of late,
rather COlOrless cheeks.
She gave one quick glance at the
young man, and then advancing took
his hand in both hers, and said In y
frank, earnest, kindly tone, that went
to Arthur Stanley's heart.
IL am indeed very glad to see you
here again."
There WAS no attempt at c~Ondolsnce,
no allusion to his accident or his illness.
She did not avoid looking at him, but
spoke and smiled with love and kindly
act as il nothing unusual had hap.
pened.
All Arthur's dread and. embarfass-
ment faded away, and he soon warmed
into something of his Owf1 style.
Once, however, when he vas engaged
i'll talking with Mrs. BIount, did be
catch a fleeting glance OF Mays eyes
fixed upon his cOuntenance, with u
fearleesiy deep expression.
lie thought, with a thrill, though ne
was not sure, that her blue orbS were
moist with tears. Perhaps, had he
have been certain, he might not have
gone OH that continental tour.
He stayed a long time, lunched and
went away certainly happier than he
had often beeni in the days of his bright
ness and gayety.
What May thought Of her old lover
could not be known. She said little or
noliIDg, but that night the old church
clock struck one before she composed
herelf to slumber.
A great change was coming in the
life Of May Blount. The aunt, Mrs.
Langtuu, who befrieuded Charles, iu-
listed on introducing her to society.
She Was IL, slngularly beautiful and
attractive, and would have a fair share
f the worlds goods. Besides, she
Sould come out under the auspices OF u
rich widow, who, though no longer
young, was still fashionable.
Ample means were provided for her
outfit, and the matter was the talk of
the whole house and of the numerous
very dear friends.
May was the least elated and excited
OF all. Ii seemed not to concern her in
the least.
Sill she looked forward to the change
stupendous one in her quiet life.
In due time she started and wasduly
installed in an Old.fashiOned home in
Harley street.
She made quite a sensation, her style
OF beauty being of a stately order, with
q slight halo of melancholy which
added zest TO the natural a~ttractiveueSS
of her DatuTe.
She was invited everywhere, and
among other places to the great ball OF
the season at the Countess OfI--'s.
She had danced several times, and
tired somewhat, had seated her.
self in an obscure corner to escape OBJ.
s~ervatiOn, when SOME u dropped into
q seat.
Lifting up her head she started slight
~ as she recognized Stanley.
"IOu scarcely expected to see me
here. Miss Blount," lie said u little
sadly; "but my uncle insisted on my
accompanying him. He declared |
must not take a too gloomy view Of
things, but should remember that |
have still duties TO perform"
"And he is right, Mr.. Stanley" re-
Piled May Blout, warmly; "a man who
has rank and wealth has also response
bllitiee."
And so they drrfted into friendly and
pleasant conversation. May at once put
him at his ease, and they spoke like the
old friends they were.
Arthur SANKEY'S temperance in
society caused the usual nine
days wonder, and then sub.
sided as some other excitement
arose. He was a very much altered
man; his abundant spirits had all gone,
and of course he could no longer join
n the May dance in which he had
blown as II great light in days OF yore.
He was courted still by mothers, as
nothing could make him other than
heir to a wealthy earldOm; but he was
reserved and silent, and manifested no
preference for any II more than
another.
The young women were civil enough
TO him, though many passed with but a
slight nod of recognition or an audible,
Poor fellow, how handsome he once
wasp
Arthur had, as We know, grown
wiser through suffering, but still it is
not in the nature OF man to be pitied,
and the young man began to tire Of the
looks and comments which he could
not avoid noticing.
He gradually, under pretense of i'll
health, withdrew himself from society,
and at last his visits were restricted to
Mrs. LaDgtOn's, May Blount's aunt,
where there were often quiet evening
parties.
There he met with a simple welcome,
without any obtrusive coincidence oil
altered looks.
Meanwhile, what was going on in the
mind of May Blount? She, too, WAS
very much changed-not outwardly, a.
he was, but in her own heart. Love
under the guise of pity had stolen in
there unawares.
In the days of her youthful glory aud
triumph she had been utterly indiffer.
eut, but when she saw him pale, feeble