The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-02-29

ture of the errsnd that had brought
him to seek her that day had been.
His answer reached him couple of
weeks later after he had Joined Harold
in Rome. II was written upon paper
whose edge was deeply bordered with
black, but its contents were not SOM
bre, and should have filled Guy with
the liveliest delight.
But they did not. for within tho re-
cent fortnight events have happened
that had made an entire change in tho
destiny Of the man who read the sweet
innocent avowal of reciprocated affec-
ton.
For one day legal communication
had come to MIN informing him Of the
death oil q distant relative, who had
left to him the half of his large fortune
upon one condition--that he would ask
the hand in marriage of a young lady
the testator's adopted niece-wholn
such union would mako co-heiress
with himself. In case the specified
marriage should not take place, the en-
tire property was to revert to the lat
ter. trfr i.
The deceased had been an entire
stranger TO Guy, and his surprise was
great as he perused the lawyers letter.
Beyond all other qualities in Guy Hart
ington's character, ambition had al
WAYS he'd the foremost place.
His mother had married u poor man
against her family's wishes, and had
been cast off by them, and thus it had
been only after hard struggle with
adverse circumstances that Guy had
gained his present foothold upon Fort
une's ladder.
But what of the love that had created
itself an abiding-place in his hearth
Should he drive it forth and sell his at
fections and every honorable instinct
for the sake of goldP
The conflict between greed and con-
science is sharp; but it is BRIEF and the
former conquers, and letter goes
forth to Daisy that brushes for time
al the sweet hopes that have made
garden within her breast.
But after a while her bright head
raises itself bravely once more, and
feeling of intense thankfulncss blends
ilseil with the regret with which she
thinks of the dear adopted uncle, who
had been the beneficent genius of her
Life. and even in dying had rendered
her an inestimablc service.
When she had spoken to.him of Guy,
their romantic meeting and subsequent
friendship, and of his attentions and
evident regard for her. she had learned
with surprise that he and her adopted
uncle were related.
Soon after, feeling dissolution near.
and wishing to try Guys disinterested-
ness of purpose and nobility of charac-
ter. the old gentleman had made his
eccentric will.
A week later Guy starts for England
to visit for the first time. his late rela-
tive's home and his own prospective
inheritance, and to make the acquaint-
ance of the young lady who already
figures in his mind as the future Mrs.
GUY Harrington.
His destination reached, his eyes d.
late as they take in the extent and
magnficcnce of his late cousins state
ly home.
A pompous butler leads him through
the wide tiled hall, to the drawing
room. A lady rises as he enters.
For once in his life, Guy Hartington's
sclf-possession deserts him, and well
it may, for in the graceful form and
sweet face of the beautiful girl before
him, whose eyes meet his so coldly and
haughtily. he recognizes Daisy Wes-
ton!
She meets him calmly. 1t is Guy,
upon whose crimsoned face chagrin
and embarrassment sit plainly visible.
His punishment fOr his mercenary
spirit has truly been swift, and Guy is
only too glad to escape as soon as he
can the scornful glance of those lovely
candid eyes, without the slightest at
tempt at extenuation or apology, which
he knows would be futile.
But if he expects to find sympa-
thizer in his friend. Harold North, he
reckons wrongly. l' aa
''You say fortune has played you
scurvy trickp say she has served you
right" he exclaims. "You threw away
!. prize to gain one of her glittering
bubbles, and 10! it melted into thin
air."
keep your moralising," says Guy
impatiently.
A few days later the two part COM
pany.
1t is four years before Guy again
leaves his native soil. He has changed
since we last saw him, both outwardly
and inwardly.
Once more he is in England; in Lon
don, its queen city. One day in an art
gallery, whittier he has gone to while
away the time, he overhears the fol-
lowing:
''Have you seen the picture every
one is raving about by the new Ameri-
can artistP" some one near him asked
another.
mo; where is itp''
There, where the crowd is. IL is
portrait of his young wife. 1 can as
sure you she is queen of beauty and
grace. Come and see ii"
His curiosity aroused, Guy follows in
their wake, to find himself before the
painted semblance of the one being
whose loneliness has been SO indelibly
impressed upon his mind and heart,
that no endeavor has ever sufficed to
drive away its haunting memory.
IL In noiou baroaf r,x,ralx, faiv ard