Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1885-04-23


lemma in which he found himself plac-
ed, he had fled like coward, trusting
that Isabel would hear the truth from
other lips than his. during his absence,
and understand her true position. Be
sides, was he sure, quiet sure in his
| own heart, which of the two he loved
best?
Isabel's manner to Sylvia was win
ming and gracious. In spite of it, the
latter avoided her. She could no more
have helped the instructive dis
trust and dislike that awoke in her
heart than she could have changed the
course of the sun.
The afternoon of the third day Isabel
sent message to Sylvia in her chamber.
Twill you come out with me for walkY
wish to see you alone"
The girl went. Isabel was slightly
pale as they turned into a shaded path
at some distance from the house. She
had the air of one who had nerved her
self for trying ordeal.
self, Sylvia" she said, pausing abruptly
beside murmuring fountain. you
are willing to listen?"
20, yes"
perhaps you have heard my story
already" turning a keen glance upon
the girls changing face. "Aunt Mar
garet knows. She may have told you
of my hopes and dreams. 1t would be
dreadful disappointment should any
thing come between them and fruition
dreadful"
Sylvia made no response. She put
out her hand involuntarily, clinging to
the marble basin for support.
MARX Castleton was my promised
husband long before you ever knew
him." she went on, speaking rapidly.
"A foolish misunderstanding separated
us for a season. But, now that am
back again, he loves me better than
ever. Have you not seen it?'
A single monosyllable fell from Syl-
Was parted lips:
yes"
"You must know, also, what he is
suffering at this moment. You are
breaking his heart and mine! Some
foolish words, spoken to you under the
impulse of the moment, are all that
keeps us apart. o, how can you stand
between us and happinessYn
Sylvia made an effort to control her.
self, but her voice sounded strangely
husky as she said:
You think should 90 away?"
Co, yes. IL WOlllu Dt DcIItI lOI us
all. You will be doing Mark favor by
leaving Ingleside before he returns, g
speaking in an eager, imploring tone.
I'm months time he will have forgot
ten all about YOU"
Just then step sounded on the grav-
ell. Isabel turned, uttering sharp cry
of surprise. A tall, hand ONE man
with dark complexion an bold, pas
sionate black eyes was coming toward
them.
manuel Kerston!''
The man quickened his step. A glad
light broke over his face, and he eager
ly extended both hands in greeting.
Isabel, L have found you at last!
Why did you go away without one fare
we'll word?"
The color was coming and going in
her lovely cheeks. She tried TO look
naughty and indifferent, but the at
tempt was failure.
"How dared you follow me?"
Because you are my fate" he an
swered, in low, impetuous tone. Il
would have gone to the end of the world
had 1T been necessary"
flush! You shall not compromise
me by such remarks.
Compromise? o, Isabel Once you
pretended to love me-"
She sent frightened glance in Syl-
Was direction.
"Hushl" she painted again. 'lf you
must say such things, come aside with
me. 1t has quite upset me, seeing you
SO unexpectedly"
She did look pale and faint. Sylvia
stood motionless until they had passed
out Of sight and hearing. Then she re-
turned to the house in state of pain;
full bewilderment.
1t did not seem possible that Isabel
could return this mans passionate love;
she had evidently been coquetting with
him. But the discovery of her periidy
helped Sylvia to form sudden resolu-
ton. No matter what came of it, she
would not leave Ingleside until Mr..
Castleton came back.
Isabel remained in the grounds an
hour or more. When finally she enter
ed the drawing-room, where Sylvia was
sitting with Mrs. Dalton, eyes and
cheeks were all ablaZe.
IAN old lover of mine-a gentleman
l met abroad" she leaned over Sylvia's
chair to whisper. Il was very angry
with him for presuming to come here.
But he will trouble me no more"
And with meaning smile she pass
ed on.
rT,o he Tan f,nysd1