The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-09-23

careless and happy as the children
themselves. a . 49,.
Then Mrs. Beaman found them out
She was dreadfully angry, and would
have discharged Lois upon the spot,
but for a wholesome dread of the con-
sequences. 49,, 80 ,bis sho
said, quite fiercely. you ought to be
ashamed of yourself. An engaged man,
too! Mr.. Castleton is to marry Marcia"
Poor Lois turned pale and faint.
Was it true--what that cruel woman
said2 The mere thought that Louis
Castleton was betrothed to another
made her very miserable.
But the walks ceased From that
time forward the children were re-
quired to take their exercise within the
grounds, and the young governess de-
voted herself to them more assiduously
than ever
One day Mrs. Beaman encountered
Mrs. Waugh Unexpectedly in one Of the
corridors. The old lady stood beside
the great bay-window at the end, turn
ing small, glittering object between
her fingers. Her yellow face looked
ghastly--she was trembling from head
to foot.
"What is the matter, dear aunt?m
cried the startled lady. Are you III"
Mrs. Waugh turned slowly, and after
moments hesitation held up some
thing in the vivid light.
Il picked this up where stand, " she
said, in quivering voice who could
have dropped itY' m
Mrs. Beaman strained her eyes. What
she saw was simple old-fashioned
brooch of fine gold.
1T is one gave Gertrude more than
twenty years ago" half-sobbed the old
lady. II recognized it at a glance. On
the back is the very inscription | had
engraved there--'L. W. to G. W"
It was well Mrs. Beaman's wits were
keen; in this emergency they served
her well. Of course the brooch had
been dropped by Lois, but it would
never answer for this fact to become
| known.
"IIow very strange!" she calculated,
drawing deep breath The brooch
is one purchased of pawnbroker in
the city, noticed the inscription, but
never dreamed of associating 1t with
you or Gertrude"
Mrs Waugh touched the ornament
caressingly, her eyes full of tears.
MAY keep it, Esther"
Certainly. 1t is of no value to me.
am glad to be able to restore it."
Nevertheless she could not stitle some
secret misgivings, Lois might see the
brooch at any time, and lay claim to IT..
She felt like one walking on bridge Of
glass. 1t would be necessary to carry
matters with high hand if she hoped
to succeed.
The next morning, when Lois took
the children out for their daily airing,
mans tall, shapely figure rose up sud
denly before her as she turned an
abrupt angle in the path
Louis Castleton, an eager flush on his
handsome facet Lois had not seen him
for several days. She would have fled,
them fast.
"Why do you avoid me so persistent
ly?" he asked. IF you knew how Gag
erly have watched for your coming,
you would not have the heart to do So
Her face changed, but no words came
to the trembling lips.
AT first fancied you had selected a
different hour for your walks. Iester-
day stood at the gate from dawn until
dusk. This morning | climbed the
fence, and invaded the grounds, " -
20. why did you do Pr
he looked into her face with a con-
scious laugh,
Because | was resolved to see you
at all hazards. l was about going to
the house to ask for you when you APP
peared. o, Lois, do not try me so
again"
AT the utterance of her own name in
that tender, pleading tone she started,
and sprang away from him.
Don't speak to me like that"
"Why not?n he painted, following her
up. Lois, listen to me. There is
something | wish to say to you---",
keep away Do not touch me-"
The words seemed to pierce him like
knife. While he stood motionIess,
staring at her with pale, dismayed
face, she fled past in the direction OF
the house.
30, how could he trine with me?"
cried the miserable girl, shedding the
bitterest tears of her life. lie is soon
to be the husband of another, and-and
Il love him"
Late that night poor Lois was awak-
ened from troubled dreams by the sound
Of suppressed voices underneath her
window. She looked out, but could see
nothing in the darkness. PerpleXed
and distressed by vague forebodings,
she hastily drew on her dressing-gown
and slippers, and stole silently down
stairs.
The drawing-room window stood wide
open; Just outside she saw the outlines
Of two figures standing close together
man and a woman. Involuntorily
she fell back, and caught her breath.
you love me, Marcia?" the man SAID,
in voice of liquid music.
"Yes, Rupert, - was the answer,
"Why, then, do you hosltatef Fly
with me tonight. We will come back
at the end Of a week, and penitenty
throw ourselves at the feet Of your pa
rents. They will forgive us, Of course.
All will end happily. Only consent,
darling, and you shall never regret it,"
band, Rupert"
Yes, yes. Do not doubt me. You
yield Heaven bless you, Marcia. We
will 60 at once. Where is your shawl.
You are shivering with cold, and must
not leave without it. Let me get it,"
II threw 1t across one OF the chairs IN
the drawing-room. y
He leaned forward and touched his
lips to her forehead.
do not stir, darling" he whispered.
~ will be back in moment"
Lois saw him coming directly toward
her. She understood all. Marcias lover
was Rupert Dane, a handsome, stylish