The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1884-09-19

move your heart. have touched youl
life so lightly that, were YOU never te
see me again, you would not bestov
upon me one regret"
''Indeed, you wrong me" interrupted
the young lady, earnestly. "Elino,
Garrison never forgets q friend-and
who has been a truer friend to the or.
phan than you, my brother2"
Gordon raised her dainty hand tohis
lips, with reverential gesture. "I &C
cept the title, dearlove, he said, grave.
". If I may not be more to you, al
least Twill be your brother, ever ready
to care for your interests, loving yor
with all my might. yet hoping for moth
ing in return"
A slight blush stained the pale cheeks
"You are too noble, Arthur. You de.
serve more. Forget me, and find an.
other upon whom to pour out such dis
interested affection. ~
"The world holds no other for me,
he answered, tenderly, beautiful
smile illuminating his frank counte.
nance.
Meeting those clear, gray eyes
Elinor felt that here was a man to be
trusted. Why could she not care fol
him as he desired? Rich, handsome
upright, what more could woman de-
mand? She sighed.
"You have heard the latest, of course,
Ellie?" gaily inquired q pretty girl, as
she tossed aside her gloves, preparatory
to spending an hour or so with her
friend.
"No," answered Miss Garrison.
why, l made sure he would have
told you, himself, SO / ran over pur-
posely to hear all about it."
"Of whom are you speaking?" was
the quiet response.
"Of Arthur Gordon. His engage
ment to Miss Marion Hepworth, of
Boston, is just announced" watching
Elinor furtively as she answered.
The latter appeared courteously in
terested-nothing more, as she resumed
the etching which Olive Lindsey's en-
trance had interrupted.
"You are not mistaken, Oliver" with
great assumption of Indifference.
Certainly not" with some spirit, as
the young lady drew tiny package Of
rick-rack from her pocket, and began
to work, nimbly. Brother Frank
heard it ut the club last eve. You
know, Ellie, I never repeat a story un-
less very sure of its truth"
Miss Garrison smiled. II was not
doubling you, Ollie" she said, soothing
". II know you are not bit of COS
sip" A moment later. Have I
shown You my new spring SUIT ?" adroit-
~ turning the conversation.
Once fairly launched on this fascinat-
ing topic, Miss Lindsey forgot to refer
again to Gordon's engagement, and af-
ter q half hour, that seemed intermin-
able to Elinor. took her leave.
$50, thought Elinor, while her red
lip curled half-scornfully, "this was the
end Of all those protestations of indy
ing fidelity"
1t was a disappointment to find him
no different from other men. Her
heart quickened at the recollection of
his last words:
"The world holds no other for me. /"
"Ahl" whispered Elinor, triumph
antly, "he loves mo only. I wish Miss
Hepworth joy of her prize"
Ina village, ones private affairs are
common property. Every one knew of
Gordons long devotion to Miss Garri-
son. All were anxious to see how she
would stand her knights desertion.
But none were able to read her real
feelings, though many were the sur
misses,
Gordon was away on business. At
the close of fortnight he returned,
and sought Elinoris house the first of
any.
Her greeting, though free from en-
and perfectly courteous,
yet had something indefinable, which
struck the gentleman.
"Ellinor", he said softly. and his melo-
dious tones thrilled the dormant heart
of the woman, you ore not like your
self. Have you forgotten our parting
compact, little sister?" silky mustache
her averted cheek.
THAT agreement is binding no long,
erp she cried, Indignantly, her usually
gentle eyes flashing. ''Do not dare to
touch me, Mr.. Gordon!"
Excitement lent an added charm to
the mobile face. Gordon gazed at her
admiringly. His love restrained for
years, would no more brook control. In
an ecstacy of longing, he caught her in
his arms, and kissed her madIy, over
and over, until the scarlet hue of the
beloved countenance warned him to de-
sist.
II will never forgive you" she pant
ed, breaking from him,-..neverw tears
rolling swiftly down. "Leave mel"
"What have I done? I have lost her
respect, her friendship" thought lie
regretfully. Yet the bliss of that SUI
preme instant, when he had held her
close to his throbbing heart, moro than
repaid for the self-denial of the past.
And Elinor? Bewildered, frighten-
ed, aroused from Der calm apathy, to
consciousness OF the truth, she buried
her burning face in the sofa pillow,
sobbing. The impassioned, uncontrol-
liable ardor Of the man had in one mo-
ment swept away the barriers of cold
ness and pride. Elinor Garrison knew
that she loved. But alas! the knowl-
edge came too late. Walking home
ward, Gordon received so many con-
gratulations upon his engagement that
he began to feel annoyed. "Simply be.
cause I visit her first, they must needs
link our Names" he muttered. It is
well she does not hear 1T II only wish
it were So" smile playing around his
fine, firm mouth.
"Well, when is it to be?" called Miss
Olive, saucily, as, obeying reckoning
finger, Gordon drew near her open win
dow.
"Now do not pretend ignorance, she
continued, "for I want to hear all about
her. Is she beautiful, rich, etc. ~
II shall be better able to answer Won
when ] hear the far ones name, !" was
the laughing reply. g
What An a6tor you wonld haye msdel
The lady lives Ii Bnston, whence < Ger
tain gentleman In INT rsturned Il
e :ass; ~ .: Il =, 8 Sc s;a = z