Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1883-04-27

"Bscause-oh, because I have been
very unhappy through her." said Val,
clasping her hands together with pa.
thetic little gesture, her gray eyes full
of tears.
Tell me about it." responded HUI
bert tenderly, and to Val's surprise she
found herself detailing her grievances
to this young man, who an hour ago
had been unknown to her. As she
concluded she was somewhat taken
aback at Mr.. Dairy mPle's giving
vent to hearty fit of laughter.
Glow deep the little widow is" he
said, "but I see her game. she
thought to make quarrel between
you and Vernon and perhaps gain his
heart in the rebound. Valerie, you
really deserve to know the truth, espe-
cially after confding in me. Listen to
me. A year ago, Mrs. Maitland, re-
versing the general order of things,
made an offer to Vernen of her hand,
heart and very ample fortune"
"Impossibie!" calculated Val.
"Not mpossibie-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 alter him IN
the old fashion, and last year-we were
all staying together at some house-she
spoke out pretty plainly"
However do you know" asked Val.
Because l, by chance, interrupted
the interesting tete-a-,e, e, and guessed
from the lady's agitation what had tax
en- place. When taxed Vernon with
it afterwards 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
very genuinely in love with him to sc
to such lengths. Wasn't it awkward
for him?" wound up Hubert. "If ii
had happened to me, should have
accepted her, for can never refuse q
woman anything"
Val caught his hands impetuously in
hers.
"How can thank you," she said, the
happy smiles playing around her lips
WAS SO angry, 80 miserable, die
not know what to think, and now ev
erything is delightful again. Vernon
said I should like you, and l do, ire
mendously."
Thanks" returned Hubert, laugh
ing, 81 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 certain fail
lady carrying tales to him about the
violent Irritation we are INDUCING in. ,
A few min ltes later, Vernon, sittins
alone in the.library, apparently engaged
in whiting letters, but with pre-occu
pied air that BODIED ill for his correspon
dence, felt two soft arms steal rounC
his neck, and Walls sweet voice said il
his ear:
"Can you ever forgive me, dear, fol
being such horrid suspicious wretch
l was SO wrong, SO very wrong, but
| punished myself more than any one.
Vernon's face frightened SIS he drew
her tenderly to him.
"You have made up your mind tt
trust me in spite of appearances, Val
he asked.
She hid her glowing faco on hi
shoulder.
"I must tell you ALL" she whispered
and don't despise me very much
dear" And she proceeded to recount
her conversation with Hubert"
"Tout comprende, c'est tout pardon
ner-eh, Val?" he said with Sigh
smils; " but there, / won't tease you
dear. 1t was hardly surprising you
were vexed and wanted to know all
and think need not ask you to keer
silent on the score of what you have
heard"
81 PROMISE" said Val, feeling in hel
newly recovered happiness that she
could pardon Mrs. Maitland all bel
misdoings, since it was love for Vernon
which had prompted her to them.-Al
| the Year Round.