The National tribune., 1884-05-29
low. and felt il from time to Time to assure her

low, and felt it from time to time to assure her
self il was not dream.
At length, towards morning. she fell into a
peaceful slumber from which she was awak-
ened by the maid bringing her cup of tea.
Florence started up as her new-found happi-
ness flashed upon her. A letter lay on the
tray. She snatched ii up, scarcely waiting for
the maid TO leave the room ere she tore it open.
Yes, it was from him; she saw the well-known
cipher and motto. The sound of wheels
grating on the gravel reused her. She ran TO
the window, and peeping from behind the cur
tain saw Captain Chichester drive away. lie
was gone, but he had left a letter, and she sat
down to read it. But the happy, tender smile
with which she opened it was suddenly sue
ceeded by a look of amazement, then by almost
incredulous horror and despair. She pushed
back her hair from her face and turned the
letter over wildly, as ii in hope OF dis
covering something to give her comfort. But
no! The words were not to be mistaken.
MY DEAR Mss MoIYxEUx: 1 scarcely know
how to write 20 you There has been some great
mistake or some one has cruelty contriyed plan
to give US both great pain. Believe me feel 1t
most deeply when tell you that never wrote
the letter to which you allude. nor any letter
10 you. 1t must be a forgery. For your
kind expressions towards me, which il has drawn
forth. 1 can only offer my sDcerest thanks, Tor
believe me value your good opinion most highly.
You not mistaken IN supposing that admire
and esteem you beyond almost any woman have
am, la honor bound TO another thought this
was understood by Lady Brandon, but fear have
! been 10 blame, and that have caused you pain
III you have got the forged letter, will you be so
kind as to forward il 10 me al Wildwood? have
no doubt shall discover its author and he or she
snail not escape punishment. have but one more
word to add. My dear Miss Molyneux, know you
are sensible and brave; let one know what has
occurred. This vile trick must be the work OF some
one at Brandon Hail. Do not let any one know 1t
has succeeded. and we shall yet battle and disarm
enemy. Icould say mach more, but IT Is better
not. Believe me, VITA The slneerest regard ana
esteem, yours, faithfully, l.. CHICHESTER
Florences mind was in such tumult of con-
fused thoughts that she could scarcely COM
prehend what had happened. She flew to
compare the handwriting No they were not
the same, though there was some resemblance.
The envelope bore the same initials and motto.
J Who could have done so cruel an act? Jane
Morris 1t flashed upon her like conviction
/ but could it be possible? Could one girl act so
basely by another3 She inclosed the fatal letter
/ TO Captain Chichester, and then wrote to her
mother, begging her TO summon her home on
any pretense.
SO some months passed away, and Florence
heard nothing Of her friends; she felt forgot
/ ton, forsa5en; but one morning she was awak-
ened BY letter from Ada Brandon, ANNOUNCE
| ing her approaching marriage with Lord Stone
/ leigh, and aGectionately inviting her to be her
1 bridesmaid. At first Florence shrank from the
bAbNElits Blb hAiG4 cEC GC&u ei4S pOStSCA1I'b3
i suppose you have seen Lady Ida's marriage in
the paper she resolved TO go to Brandon Hall.
Ii is all over" she said; she is married. l
VIII 60 and enjoy the happiness of others. y
But ii was with a sad heart that Florence
/ found herself driving mp to the well-known
entrance of Brandon Hall. All how different
it all was now, she thought as memory carried
i her back 10 her former visit There was no
one waiting TO receive or welcome her, and
with a blank feeling she followed the servant
| into the draWing-room, which was deserted.
| AS the door closed behind her she heard the
sound of quick footstep on the grass without,
I and mans figure darkened the light as he step
ped in through the open window. Florence's
heart gave great leap, and the blood flew to
I her face. She turned tc fly, but her limbs were
7 trembling so she could not move, and then some
one caught her hands and spoke her name,
and looking up she met the gaze of Captain
I Chichester's blue eyes.
Florence" he cried, forgive me! have ]
/ frightened you? have come here to see you,
to speak you, TO tell you ] love you.
Oh, no, no! " cried Florence, drawing back.
Let me gol" You-you are married! Ada
told me-"
NO, MOI" cried Captain Chichester laughing
l am not married TO Lady Ida. l am free.
| never loved her, nor she me. It was only a
family arrangement. She is married to Lord
! Layton. l have never cared for any one but
you"
But-but the letter." cried Florence. at
i is because said -
No, no." he said quite gravely now.
When bliss Morris stole my note-paper and
forged nay handwriting she only told you halt
/ what / felt. Florence, Florence, my darling
! don't cry; you love me, DO you not2" Flor
enee made no answer, but as she hid her face
upon his shoulder she forgot all her doubts and
ssorrows in the rapturous knowledge Of his
1 loye.-Home Chimes