The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1885-01-08

doSeHt Why d Shoit lluic'
She passed into the cottage without
knocking.
Celina heard glad cry of joy from
within, followed by burst of sobs.
Suddenly a quick firm step sounded
forth from the darkness, and the next
moment the girl started back with an
exclamation of surprise, as a tall form
confronted her, looming giant-like in
the gloom.
1t was Gilbert SEYMOUR
Tell ME. " he cried in a husky whis-
per, laying his hand on her arm. ..was
that not Lenore, my promised wife,
who just passed through yonder door?"
The startled maid could form no re-
ply, but her looks were sufficient
The young man, panied expression
upon his face. turned and was in the
act of departing, when his steps were
arrested by series of joyous exclama-
tions that came through the half-open
window of the cottage.
"Ah, Lenore! | knew you would
come. My precious-my wife! | knew
you could not desert me entirely
1t was mans voice, and betokened
great physical weakness, overcome for
the moment by transport of ecstatic
joy.
Mr.. Seymour caught but one sylla-
BILE.
"Wife!" he echoed hoarsely-' wife'
And tomorrow was to have been our
wedding-dayH'
Celina, despite her terror and bewil-
derment, had presence of mind suf1i-
cient TO realise that he must discover
nothing further
Selling his arm, she drew him rapid
ly away towards the bridge spanning
the brook.
why are you here?" she demanded,
when once they were out of hearing
from the house. "Why did you follow
us?'
Il did not follow you," replied Gil
bert in calm but saddened tones. Il
assure you | am nospy Chance it was
that brought me hither at this time.
No." he quickly added, with sudden
yehemence, mot chance, it was Provi-
dence. God willed that my eyes should
be opened"
Without another word he strobe rap
idly toward the village, his form soon
disappearing in the darkness
In quarter of an hour after, the cot
tagedoor opened, and Lenore came
forth. As she slowly closed the door
behind her, she heaved deep sigh.
Come, Celina," she said, and her
voice was sorrowful and tremulous,
''let US get away from here quickly. /
will be 50 glad when we get home once
more-so glad!'
So really detected did she appear that
the faithful girl resolved that, for the
present, the fact Of Gilbert Seymour's
knowledge of their visit to Manson Cot
tage must remain a secret. What the
result might be, time alone would dem
Onstrate.
They re-entered the house as quietly
and unobserved as they had departed,
and repaired to their respective apart
mentS. Their StIanSo ---i~~i~--
l---c-----L, e,,d no one was cOgnl-
SAINT of it.
No one? He alone, who of all others
should have remained in ignorance of
it, had seen and heard all!
On the following morning, while the
preparations for the coming wedding
were going on in the house. Leuore sat
in her room quietly reading.
There was knock, and Celina en-
tered with package.
The young lady slowly laid aside her
book and received the package into her
hands, but became interested at once
as she recognised the handwriting of
her lover upon the back Of it.
Quickly cutting the cord, out fell a
heap of letters-those pure dainty epis-
ties she had written from time to time
to her lover-and the few books and
souvenirs she had given him.
Lenore started, changed color, and
gssped for breath.
IL don't understandr' she uttered
brokenly.
The package and brief note which
it contained comprised Gilbert Sey-
mour's farewell
The bewildered young lady did not
cry or faint. Throwing the fatal note
from her, she clasped both hands to her
forehead.
"My God!' she cried in anguish; :;
''this is inexplicable. What does he
what can he mean?"
Il think can explain, Miss Lenore,"
said Celina.
And then she briefly related those oc-
currences of the preceding night, of
which her mistress was still in ignor-
ance.
When she had received this explana-
ton, the heiress, instead of being over
come by shame and confusion, uttered
a cry OF joy.
.'Oh, Heavensr' she exclaimed. Then
with a sudden decision: Come, Cell
na, there is yet another mission before
US"
Where are you going?' wondering
ly enquired the astonished girl
Come and see. Heaven grant it may
rot already be too later'
Scarcely waiting for her bonnet, she
hurried down the stairs, along the
gravelled walk, and into the street.
She walked rapidly on, followed by Ce-
lima. wondering at this sudden freak of
her mistress.
In few minutes commodiouS man
sion, surrounded by an extensive park,
came into view. This was Mr. Sey-
mour's country seat. A carriage stood
at the door, with a gentleman just step
ping within.
Lenore uttered cry, and ran quick
ly forward.
'Oh, Gilbert" she cried, don't
gor'
At the sound of her voice he turned
quickly. When he beheld who had
thus accosted him, panied expression
fell upon his countenance.
Don't leave me-" she continued
earnestly. ''At least, not without grant
ing me chance for an explanation.
You have misjudged me. 1t is all a
terrible mistake. Come with me to
Manson Cottage, and the secret shall
be made plain. God knows l wish to
conceal nothing from you!'
The cloud passed from Mr.. Seymour S
brow, and the joy of new hope BEAM
ed from his eyes.
Il certainly will co. he replied, add
ing: 1T is now not necessary, howev-
er. Your word is sufficient, love. and
know feel-that all is well. Had
not been mad. should not have acted
in this manner without granting you an
opportunity of explaining. Thank