The Sunday herald., 1886-08-29

eyes," said he. "I have seen him, and
my heart stood still as looked, not In exul.
tation, Lispenard, as God Is my witness,
but In pity and sorrow, on the man who had
stood between me and happiness. learned
all about II. They had been gambling and
drinking all the evening. There was no
quarrel simply misstep and death-to
him."
".
When Mrs. Ransom learned of Clayton's
generous proposition to provide for little
Belle she declined IL with great grace and
dignity, yet firmly and positively. This
was after the funeral. Clayton respected
the conventionalities, even while he did not
believe the lady to be inconsolable, 80 he
paid no more visits for time TO the modest
little house on - street.
"I might have foreseen IL, Iispenard," he
said. "Her pride dictated the refusal; but
love her all the more for IL. II seems hard
to give her up"
II was his last day but one in Washing
ton. lie called on me quite early, and
perceived at a glance that there had been a
wonderful change In my Nevada client.
Whatever his future plans might be, cogi
tated, he has put that other folly behind
him, and we'll hear no more OF II.
"Jump in, old fellow" said Clayton, "1
won't keep you long to-day. It's my last
around town, you know, and we must make
the most Of IL. must see her before go.
But l can't trust myself. You know you
promised TO see this adventure to the end
and the end ia very near"
will own had misgivings, as we pro
ceeded, that something would happen to
overcast Clayton's horizon. But he seemed
so bright and buoy ant that dismissed them
When We arrived little Belle Huttered be-
fore us like vision In the hall. Clay toms
meeting with Mrs. Ransom was not rs de-.
monstrative as I had expected. After the
| customary condolences he became rather
thoughtful, while she sat pale and silent,
the fair hair framing the soft oval face and
contrasting strangely with the widow g
4 weeds. Belle, however, was not burdened
with sorrow, secret or otherwise, but chat
tered at as great a rate as ever. Finally,
Clayton abruptly broke the oppressive
stiffness.
"My friend Llspenard, has told you tina,
am going away 2"
She looked up through her deep eyslsshes
and nodded lightly.
II Is time," he went on. ~ have closed
my business affairs and there is nothing to
detain me now. want to apologize II !
offended you In doing what l did. I only
meant to assure you of my-my friendship
after had gone,and TO do something for this
darling here, little Belle, you know"
Feeling in the way during the explanation
was moving over by the window.
"Stop where you are, Lispenard," or
d-red Clayton. He spoke more clearly now.
81 haven't any secrets from you, and II Mrs.
Ransom doe sn't object I certainly don't"
And turning to the lady he resumed: 81 am
not an adept at speech making, and this,
| To 4, ID sha 1n v,Io far
such things; but wish to say this" aud
taking the ohild's hand in his he crossed
over until he stood beside her. Gas any
gift to Belle was not to your liking, will
offer substitute. Suppose you and Belle
together take my home ont there In Nevada
and myself with II. II has never had q
mistress. No child has ever played in it,
quiet rooms or around its doorstep. l wan,
to take you both away far from here, where
you will leave your troubles behind, that
may pass my whole life making your lives
happy. want little Belle for my daughter
and you for my wife,"
Was there ever such an awkward wooer
And yet, hearing II as did, and seeing
il, do not deny that there was a certain
rough eloquence in it. At all events lover,
} are seldom critical. II they were what
matches might not be broken ere they wsr,
awkwardnesses might not be rsvealsdf Wha
fairly madef
, Mrs. Ransom dropped back in her chair
pale as the window curtains that hung be-
side her. Then, in moment she flushed
rosy red. Clayton caught her hand, bent
over 1t an instant, and then knew thei
lips met. tried heroically to interest my
self in something that was going on in thu
street outside.
There is little more to tell. In May ther
was quiet wedding, and then l lost sigh
of Clayton and his wife for a whole year
They then returned from Europe TO ssttl'
down to domestic felicity on his fine prop
srty near Carson City.
Among my wifs's household goods thsr
! is one thing she prizes pre- eminently. II i,
beautifully wrought service of pure Nsvad
silver. virgin from the mine. 1t is only dis
! played on rare occasions, and then, afle
showing her guests the simple inscription
"From Little Belle to her friends" sh
, never fails to call on me to tell the stor
Of the strange wooing of the man from NJ
+, vada.