New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1883-11-28

covering ulhJ Sne nau lOSL a letter re-
ceived that morning from her old
home.
1t must have been dropped in the
painting-room, and without one mo-
ment's pause or reflection, she rapidly
retraced her steps.
Keith had mentioned having call to
make before returning.
She was admitted by the man who
had charge of his rooms. There lay
the letter. Ethel had just snatched it
from the floor where it had fallen, when
the sound of voices and footsteps SEEM
ed to echo on the wide marble stairs.
They were those of st. Clair and the
Count dc Remini, an italian nObleman,
enc OF her numerous suitors, who had
not only been discouraged by her, but
rejected.
Ethel would have preferred death.
rather than to discovery by this man,
yet to make her escape was impossible,
and in very desperation she took refuge
behind the picture, now yelled by It's
green curtain.
Keith seemed to be urging his COM
panion to leave him, saying they would
meet in another hour, and Ethel trem-
bled in her retreat as she listened to
the counts suave tones declining that
proposal.
''Ah," said he, glancing toward the
picture upon its easel as they entered,
'.you have there the portrait of tho
charming Miss Vane. Allow me to see
it,
81 cannot, count; it is not mine, but
the property of Mrs. Hastings. You
may view it when in her possession. -
''Then will not only see it, but kiss
those beautiful lips. Yes, and before
leaving this spot The original has re-
pulsed me, but the portrait will be less
Obdurate.
''You shall not. l will defend it
with my life from your sacrelegious
touch
The Italian str0ve to thrust his oppo-
nent aside.
A brief though fierce struggle en-
sued.
The glitter Of a poignard in the
counts uplifted hand caught Ethel's
eye.
Her own discovery was uncared for
when Keith's life was in such peril, and
the next moment she had left her hid
ing-place, and dashed the weapon from
De Remini's hand.
81 do not war with women!' was his
remark, as he lifted it from the floor;
$50 adieu, M. St. Clair, and receive my
congratulations upon having the socie-
ty of fair lady to. cheer your soil
tude.'
Cannot wife have access to her
husbands studiop But. my dear Ethel,
were you not weary with waiting for
me?"
'.Your wife?''
eyes, count, my wife! and in her
name | demand that you apologize for
thus alarming hcr!''
pardon, madame! | wish you all
happiness.
And with salutation, whose mock
homage spoke less of respect than ma
Lightly, he left the room.
With one passionate cry Ethel fell
into her lovers extended arms.
'Will you indeed be my wife, dear
est?' he cried, 'and make the sun
shine of a poor artists home? Will
you accept my deep love in lieu of
wealth? Stay your sobs, darling, and
answer me-
''That man! that man! with his
glance of doubt and scorn!'
1t was all she could reply.
''Oh, we will circumvent him, and
this very day have the quietest and
most private bridal"
''No, no, Keith St. Clair! 1t cannot
be!'
''In Heavens name, why not? for /
feel assured you love me, even as l
love YOU
"And more. But It's Ethel Vane
ford!'
Evelyn, whose hand I rejected
Evelyn, who if she will accord me her
forgiveness, shall be the guardian angel
Of my future life"
ut was Mrs. Hastings plot, Keith.
She won from me a promise to act my
part, and l was SO unhappy in the
thought that had everything, and you
no share
"A most interesting de,souen1ent ~
exclaimed Mrs. Hastings, who, with her
husband, had come in search of their
long-absent charge.
Evelyn was seated in a chair, and
Keith kneeling at her feet.
Love-all-potent love-had triumph
ed over art! The artist had found his
ideal.