Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-01-01

found it in a state of excitement, conse.
quent upon Miss Mary's approaching mar.
rage. He was received with reclamation
by old and young, and was taken into
the many preparations as a valuable as
sistant. So busy was ne that he had
scar lely moment alone. Mr.. Boutwell,
had informed him, with peculiar ring
in his voice, that Esther had gone with
her mother on visit to Scotland.
One evening at sunset he stood on the
beach, musing sadly. At last, with sn
impatient sigh, he turned homeward. As
he descended the hill he saw figure com.
ing toward him. His heart seemed to beat
the words, 1T is Esther" Powerless he
stood in the shadow of the trees and
waited. She came along, swinging her hat
by its ribbon. 1t was really she. a mo-
ment sufhced to take him to her. She
looked at him moment, speeches. with
joy, and dropping the hat extended both
hands, with the words MIR. Wyndhsm,
Llewellyn Thank God you have kept
your word"
He did not answer. He took her hand,
and then picking up her hat placed it on
her head. His eyes were full of tears Els
Their looked at him and threw herself into
his arms. Only a moment they stood, and
then went to the house together.
Esther was strangely gay that evening.
She chatted and laughed as she had never
done before. Mr.. Boutwell, noticed her and
asked, "What makes my little one so
happy !" As for Wyndham he was more
miserable than ever. How could he tell
her?
1t was quite late when Mr. Boutwell, said
to him, "Come out on the beach with me !;
there we can smoke and have quiet chat.
They passed out into the garden. "What
ails you, my boy There, no contradic.
ton you hardly seem the same person
that brought home with me two months
ago. There's no gainsaying me. l did not
sit on the same form with your father in
school to no purpose"
There was a pause. Gas well now as
any other time" Wyndham broke ont
"you are kindness itself to me, and de-
serve my fullest confidence, Mr.. Boutwell,.
| love your granddaughter Esther more
than all the world beside, butt am
pledged to marry another "
1.-THE devil calculated the old gentle
man. "Whst piece of folly is this, Lie
wellyn Wyndham ,"
" You have called it by the right name
Mr. B)thwtl, l exp ate a piece of folly
of a kind far different from anything you
guess. But would you, could you, tell
Esther all my story, and how her loss is
more bitter to me than the most cruel
death ?" There was pause; it seemed to
Wyndham that the old gentleman was
strangely unconcerned.
"No, Wyndham; tell her yourself
she will comfort you, l am sure, if any one
can. But let US 60 in. There's light in
her room yet shall l say to her that you
will take her for a sail in the morning
Then you can tell her ALL" Wyndham
nodded.
AS he waited for her in the beautiful
morning sunlight, life somehow seemed to
grow brighter. There she was now in her
pretty sailor costume, that became her
we'll. There was something SO happy in
her manner, as she greeted him, that his
head sank again, for it could not respond
to her gay humor He, silent and con-
strained, took the oars; in spite of her
good spirits she too was silent, and taking
her place opposite him, clasped her hands
on her knees and fell into reverie.
"Where shall | row you, Miss Esther %
he asked, to break the pause.
Wherever you please, Mr. Wyndham, "
was the short reply.
Over the shining morning sea the boat
glided slowly. Esther still sat dreaming.
Poor Wyndham was trying to gather cour-
age for his hateful task, but every moment
his heart failed him more and more. Un-
consciously he heaved deep sigh. Esther
looked up suddenly.
"What maze you tell grandpa that you
wanted me to go sailing with you? Here
| am, and you do not even speak to me, -
she said.
He stared at her obviously. al suppose
I must tell you what you were going to tell
me you Will probably necer do it -
The words sounded go courageous, but
the voice trembIed and she clasped her
hands tightly together. Wyndham held
the oar suspended and listened spell-bound
as she went on
" Since that evening in the chapel,
have known that you love me no IN
stinct warned me that 1 mist not let you
see-why do l hesitate to say it?-that l
loved-you in" here her vJice failed.
Dropping the oar, he rushed over and
kissed her hand. Esther, say that again ?
he cried
"No!" gathering courage now, " l have
said it once too often | fear. You never
told me you were not free. Even when
you went away, you said nothing, but let
me know that | was dear to you. How
did 1 feel, tank you, when l discovered
the truth"
Like school-boy reproved, Windham
sat there and had no word or look with
which to reply. Esther leaned over the
boat side and dabbled in the water. With.
out looking at him, she said softly
know the girl to whom your troth is
plighted."
All the wrath and anger and hatred OF
his nature seemed to gather, and vented
itself in his words: ITO perdition with
her; will not hear about her !"
E,tltr sat upright and met him, blaz-
ing "Do not be too hasty, Llewellyn
Wyndham ! What if she were a noble
minded girl who, touched by our misery,
yielded all her right to your love?'
81 would bless her all my life l would
throw myself at her feet and pray her par
don for all my unjust thoughts OF her. She
might ask of me any"
{" Very we'll, Mr.. Wyndham prepare at
| once to DO those things-ycu will never
have better chance. Perhaps you have
seen this before? p She held toward him a
letter letter to Mile. Danvers.
We shall not describe the journey home.
As they stepped upon the beach Esther
said Llewellyn, pardon me for having
kept you so long in suspense. l wanted to
punish yol a little and it was so nice to
find that what you said to me, with your
eyes, that evening en- the hillside, was all
true"
Grandpa had been in Esther's secret, and
was waiting impstiently for their return.
When Esther caught sight of him she ran
to meet him. Goa Did l not tell you
that the little girl would find way to
comfort you? For an unwilling bridegroom
you look uncommonIy happy, Wyndham.
But, perhaps you are willing now? On,
this recompenses the past. My little girl
and Llewellyn Wyndham's son Now,
Mary must wait till you are ready the
year is almost over, and for you it has not
been entirely year of mourning, Besides,
you can wait Esther is yet child,
1.-The Rookery" was not quite deserted,
! A wear after the tragedy all about the cas-.