Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1885-10-14

uOWCNcl, WclCOulcu luc cASCCuluBiy,
and after few words, said:
"You have met my niece before, |
understand. Perhaps, however, a more
formal introduction would not be out
of place. Beatrice. my dear, allow me
TO present to you Mr.. Cyril Trevor"
My Lead reeled, my heart stopped.
as, in the radiant being before me, l
recognized my long lost wOod-nymph.
1t is impossible to recall what follow
ed. Everything was enveloped in a
rosy haze of blissful incredulity. When
| recovered somewhat We were sitting
together in a distant part of the room,
screened from the public gaze by rows
of plants, from which I conclude that
even at that trying moment my native
common sense had not entirely deserted
! Inc.
The time passed with terrible rapidity
Beatrice told me that her aunt had
come few days since to the villa, and,
after a long conN ersation with Mr.
Ross, had carried her off to Pau. Max
ing good use of my time, bond of
sympathy was binding us very closely
together when madame at last broke in
upon our solitude.
Really, Mr.. Trevor, | cannot per-
NIT you to monopolize my niece all the
evening. You may call to morrow if
you like, but l must separate you now.
Beatrice Miss Lucy wishes TO speak to
you about Lady C.'s ball. Are you
going, Mr.. Trevor?"
81 had not intended accepting the
ny u Ion IS =.
health" | replied; "but if Miss Ross
will favor me with her hand" /
stopped and looked at Beatrice.
81 am not good dancer" she said,
blushing. "You will be sorry for hav-
ing asked me, afterward."
''Neverl'' | cried fervently. sGrant
my request, and 1 shall be happy for
life.''
Madame laughed heartily at my ar
dor, and having obtained the desired
promise, took my leave.
''Hol hol" chuckled my uncle, when
l reappeared in his room. ''Shall we
go to Rome next week, Cyril? Do you
want bracing now, my boy?"
''The wind has changed, sir,'' an
swered gravely. "The journey will
scarcely be necessary on my account.
Had you any idea that Miss Ross would
be at her aunt's tonight, sirP" I in
qulred.
''Of course L had," chuckled my
uncle. 81 arranged the whole affair.
Got Madame B--te drive with me to
the villa one day. and had chat with
Mr.. Ross. The long and short of it is
that obtained his consent to your mar
riage with his daughter, provided he
incurred no trouble or expense in the
matter. A selfish old man, Cyril. You
do well to take the girl away from his
influence. But, my boy " he added
you must have the wedding soon. |
can't last much longer"
Don't sir, for PHYS sake, say so.
You'll live for many q long year yet,
please God," said L, brokenly,
''Ah, mol NV time is almost run,
he answered, sadly. "And I should
like to see you settled first"
took advantage of Madame BIS
complalsance with the result of falling
daily deeper In love. Beatrice compile
tely won my uncle's heart, and it was
very pretty to see her tender so.icitude
for him. In due course the day of the
ball arrived, and / sent Beatrice bou-
quet and wreath of flowers, but as yet l
had not dared mention the wedding
day. My uncle had been far from well
shat day, and toward evening alarming
symptoms began to appear. He was
very anxious that should go. however
declaring that he should rest more easi-
ly when he knew his dearest hopes were
consummated and was actually mar
ried; and grew so excited on perceivlng
my reluctance to obey, that at last left
the room, pledged to redeem my promise
to him before returning home.
Determining only to explain my un-
cle's danger TO Beatrice, and carry
back from her a single word for him. |
searched the crowded rooms and cor
ridors of Lady C--'s villa, and at last
found her seated in the conservatory
screened by large Towering plants from
observation, the very embodiment of
melancholy. On seeing me she sprang
up hurriedly, a vivid flush dying her
lovely features. 1t was not difficult to
guess who YVES the object of her con-
temptations.
Cyril thought you would never
comel l even heard some one mention
that your uncle was worse, and you
would most probably not be able to
leave him."
"And was this the cause of your sad
ness, Beatrlce?"
She blushed and looked down, with
all the charm of modesty that had cap
tivated me that very first day l had
seen her at the pool. This innate mod
esty was part of her nature, inseparable
as herself, as exquisite as, alas, it has
become rare.
Then 1 told her that my uncle was
indeed worse, and thought his end APP
preaching. [ added that his only re-
manning wish on earth was our mar
riage, and begged Beatrice to name the
day. At first she was pale and agita-
ted; but with all her modesty and SIM
pliclty there was an absence of coquetry
about her that before many minutes
we're over she had given me the requir-
ed promise, and named the day. Then =,
together with as much happiness in our
hearts PROBABLY as was ever given to
mortals, we went in search of Madame
B
That good lady was not surprised at
the news we brought; but while con-
graduating me, joined with Beatrice
in urging my departure, as my uncle
must require my immediate care. In
truth, my own eagerness was great to
hasten back to him. / bade them both
farewell. The servant met me at the
door.
'Mr. Trevor Is worse, SIR" was the
news that greeted me. "We were 60
ing to send for you The doctor says
there is little hope"
ran up stairs to his room. The
dear old gentleman was struggling hard
for breath, but he smiled and tired to
speak as leaned over the bed.
at is all right, UNCLE" l said, softly.
'Beatrice has promised to be mine in
month from to-day, but sent me back
to you the moment she heard of your
Illness"
He pressed my hand feebly in reply.
All through the sorrowful night l sat
beside him, distressed at the sight of
his SuffarjnOs which he l,0ra sO natiant-