The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-12-30

played tudt llIH0u WHICH SOuHltu DIS III
they had been composed expressly for
lovers to dance TO. In the midst Of the
Joyous triplets an under-tOne of pathOs
made itself felt; deep sentiment seemed
akin to sadness. Such music now re-
sounded through the room as st. Law
renee and Bertha hoated along together,
the beating of their hearts appearing to
keep time to the pleasant strains. On
they went, scarcely conscious of any
thing but the bliss Of the moment, till
the music stopped with grand crash
"Will you not come out for while?
The gardens are lovely in the moon
light. Are you afraid?" asked st. Law
renee.
"Oh, mol do not easily take cold"
Bertha replied.
A few groups were scattered about
the lawn, laughing and chatting. st.
Lawrence drew Bertha onward toward
the shrubbery, where the moonlight fell
in silver showers through the trees.
Here they found themselves alone. The
murmur of voices and strains of music
fell softened on their ears. They spoke
on Indifferent subjects as they crossed
the garden, and Bertha talked on, half
afraid of an avowal she yet ionged to
hear.
II must tell you such a singular Incl
dent that happened to-day" she said.
1--WE went to Magnus Square; Lord
Alphington wished Lena to give her
opinion about decorating the rooms
When we went into the library we were
both so startled. There was life-sized
portrait on one side of the fireplace
which | should have taken for;yOu.-
The likeness is something eXtraOrdi-
nary"
Indeed Whose portrait was it?"
"The portrait Of his unfortunate son,
Lord Alphington said. | suppose he
meant his youngest son, who went away
to America, Bertha replied.
mo doubt" st. Lawrence assented;
and then there was a pause. 1t was st.
Lawrence who spoke first.
you have no doubt heard what took
place between Mrs. Dalton and myself
the last time called?' he said.
Something heard, replied Bertha;
"but oh, Mr.. st. Lawrence, pray don't
think could believe anything that was
said.n
The tone in which she unconsciously
spoke went straight to her companions
heart. He stopped, and, taking her two
hands in his, looked down into her face.
He felt them culver with emotion; he
could not mistake the expression of
those shy, pleading eyes.
"Bertha!" he cried, as, still holding
her hands, he drew them to his breast.
mine! Is it so? Am | indeed so
blessed?n
Yes" said Bertha, sOftly-''yours, if
you will"
"Oh, my love-my love." he exclaim-
ed, drawing her to him altogether now,
in rapture, as he caught the murmured
words. "But think well of what you
are doing" he said, after an instant.
'Do you know that may never be able
to take the name that rightfully belongs
to me-never be able to clear myself
from spiciOn-that may even be OBJ
liged to 90 abroad again, hunted down,
though for no fault of mine?o
"Oh, Eustace,' Bertha whispered, as
her head rested against his breast,
what is all that to me?"
''Then let what will come. care not, "
he exclaimed, as he clasped her close,
and, bending down his head, he pressed
a long and fervent kiss on her lips.
How long they yet fingered neither
could have said, but Bertha began at
length to be aware that time was pass
ing rapidly.
ave ought to go in she said; 81 am
sure it is getting very late
Mrs. Dalton had missed her younger
daughter; supper was over and still she
had not appeared.
"Why, where in the world have you
been?n she asked. as Bertha at last
Joined her. you have been overhead
ing yourself, | am sure-you look quite
flushed"
"Do |, mamma?" Bertha returned.
isn't it almost time to go home"
That is just as Lena likes" Mrs.
Dalton replied. IF you don't get part
ners it is no reason why Lena's enjoy
ment should be cut short. You don't
know what congratulations have had
tonight regarding the marriage she is
about to make. l have had a proud
evening, assure you"
St Lawrence found an opportunity to
press Bertha's hand in saying good
night, but he did not hand them down
to the carriage that awaited them, UNI
willing to draw down any animadver-
sions upon Bertha until he had borne
the first brunt by making confession to
Mrs. Dalton, and begging for reversal
of judgment.