Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1884-04-11

stopped to remove 1t, and In the change
of position his eyes unexpectedly met
mine.
l took refuge in instantaneous fight,
but was too late. He had seen me,
and sprang to his feet. But the hall was
only lighted by the red stream of bril-
lance from the blazing logs, and had
the advantage of being thoroughly ac-
quainted with the premises. If l could
once hide away behind my great-great-
grand-aunt's picture in the garrett
But even as this possibility flashed
across my mind, l slipped ON the lower
stair, a sharp, needle-like pang of pain
shot through my ankle, and sank help
less to the floor.
My captor hastened to the rescue.
care you hurt?" said he, with solici-
tude.
"Yesm 1 cried out, sharply. 81 have
sprained my ankle"
But beg your pardon!" he SAID.
"I-I don't quite know who you are, nor
how you came here"
81 am Barbara Battersiey!" said l. de-
family.
"lfy cousin2" with a sudden bright
ness in his face
eyes, I suppose sop I ungraciously
admitted.
"What can 1 do for you2" he ques-
toned, earnestly.
"You can let me alone" I cried, con-
tracing my brows, as fresh spasm of
pain thrilled my nerves.
He looked at me- half smiling.
81 could I suppose" said he; "but
don't you think | had better help you
in by the fire, and then go for the nearest
doctor, if you will kindly direct me to
one?'
His manner was kindly, although a
little satirical, l was heartily ashamed
Of myself
81 beg your pardon," 1 said. "You
couldn't help my clumsiness, and you
cannot prevent the pain, But"
At this moment there came volley of
laundering knocks at the door. 1t was
Simon, come to see what on earth had
become of me.
''It'o raining like the deluge," " said he,
"and the tide is up, and--hello! who is
this2-and why are you SO pale2 Is any
thing the matter2"
don't know what happened just then.
believe tainted.
When l came to my senses, mamma
was there, and the doctor, and cousin
| Battersley's Italian servant, who knew
exactly what to do in every emergency
And my ankle was bandaged up, and
they had made an impromptu couch for
me with two old packing-boXes and q
scarlet plush railway rug
And mamma was crying and declaring
| that she did not know what she should
have done if it had not been for Rudolph
Battersley's kindness and presence of
mind
We stayed there all night, because of
the rain and the rising tide. We stayed
there during the next week, because Ru-
dolph declared that he never could get set
| tied without my taste and woman's adj
! vice, and Simon's help.
And we concluded to remain there for
ever, because Rudolp ph-who was only
! the grandson of the cross old old kinsman
who had sued us and was since dead-as-
sured us that he saw our shadow Of right
in his grandfather's claim, supreme court
or no supreme court; and that he should
return at once to Switzerland, if we didn't
agree to live on there, just as if there never
had been any lawsuit.
''There!" cried Simon, laughing
"Baby has always been signing for a here
Of nomance, and l guess she has found
him at last"
But when Cousin Rudolph told me,
just six months afterward, that he coul6
not be happy unless l would promise tc
become his wife, l could scarcely credit
my own ears.
'It's because you want to settle the
family dissenslons," said l, almost in
clined to cry.
"No, it isn't" said he; otis because
love you, Baby"
''But how can you possibly care fo
me2" said l, with a sudden burst of hui
mility.
He turned me gently toward the mirror
which hung close by.
Look in the glass, Baby, " said he
"and see2"
So we are to be married, and my wed
ding is to put an end to the quarrels whicl
have rent the Battersley family for mor'
than a generation. Helen Forrest GraOeS