Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-02-12
mas much.

| great buttons" he said. as she endeav-
ored with trembling little fingers to
| unfasten his ulster.
Having divested himself of his sever
| al wraps-there being no solemn, state
ly butler now to aid Numbering fol-
lowed Bell into the breakfast-room,
| and finding they were alone he took
her into his arms and whispered ten
derly. BLESS you, my dearestl l am so
awfully glad to be with you again; but
it makes a fellow deuced miserable to
see the changes here. How do they
bear it?"
Very badly, dear, and you will see
great difference in them all; but hush!
here they come"
And she rose from her comfortable
resting-place, and stood by behring's
side.
AT that moment Lady Cyril and her
son and daughter entered, clad in the
deepest mourning, and dquietly welcom-
ing their guest, they took their seats in
silence.
After some time Lady Cyril spoke.
Bella, of course you and Captain Der
ring will go to church this morning and
hope that Cyril will do so too. You,
Ethel" she said, turning to her daugh-
ter, L request to remain at home, as l
am not sure at what hour Sir Desmond
will arrive"
Ethel did not reply, but for one mo-
ment raised her sweet eyes pleadingly
to the cold, handsome face opposite to
her; but seeing no sign of relenting she
bowed her head in silent acquiescence
to her mothers wishes.
Breakfast being over, Captain Der
ring, Bella, and Cyril retired to prepare
for church, while Lady Carlingford
went to her own room; and our poor
little heroine, being left alone, Hstless-
ly gathered up some crumbs for her pet
robins, walked slowly to the hall-dOOr,
and there, finding a crimson wOolen
shawl, she threw it over her head and
shoulders, and stepped out into the
crisp, bright morning air.
The warm sun tempting her, she
sauntered down into the shrubbery and
deep in painful thought, she did not
heed the footsteps behind her.
Ethel"
She turned, and for a moment fear
made her speechless and feeble, and she
leaned heavily against tree for sup
port. AS she did so her shawl, falling
from her head, disclosed her weary,
woful face.
Ethel, my darlingl Oh, my darlingl
have you forgotten Desmond Vane?
His voice reused her, and the hot
blood rushing to her cheeks, she tried
to evade his embrace.
Not needing her weak efforts, he held
her firmly, tenderly, while he spoke.
Child, do not leave me now. Surely
all is forgotten and forgiven in year?
We were mad to have parted, Tor you
loved me even then. Come, own it, my
little onel"
And over his stern, troubled face,
spread a sweet, proud smile of convic
ton.
Slowly the graceful head dropped on
to his breast while turning her face to
meet his. The truthful eyes spoke what
the trembling lips almost refused to
say.
"Yes, Desmond, I did love you then,
but not as love you noW," she said, at
length.
"Oh, happiness" he murmured, with
something like sob in his throat; and,
bending, he pressed passionate kisses
upon her quivering mouth.
But as his lips touched hers she start
ed from him as if in acute bodily pain,
crying, in tones of bitter anguish,
"What have I said?-oh, what have I
said? Forget-forgive it all; for, Des-
mond, there can be no love between usl"
"Why not?" came the curt, cold ques-
ton.
Because I last night promised to be
Sir Desmond Lesie's wife"
Again the man spoke, so calmly, so
deliberately, as if all love had died out
at her command.
"If that be the case, I will press my
suit no further. Allow me to offer you
my congratulations, and wishyou good
bye"
The, raising his hat, he left her as
| suddenly as b had appeared.
AS if in a dream, Ethel turned and
slowly retraced her way to the house.
On the hall steps she met Bella, who
said, Il have changed my mind, dear,
and am not going to church. Sir Des-
mond has arrived, SO look your best,
and come with me to the library, where
he awaits you"
Oh, Bell, give me little time-just q
| few minutesI" pleaded the poor girl, as
| she staggered to her friends side.
Slipping her arm round her waist,
Bella said, kindly, Courage, dear, it
will soon be over; and if you object to
him kissing you just yet, do not sup
pose he will press you, for in spite Of
his long le-I mean ugly face-he is a
gentleman"
On entering the room Ethel saw her
mother seated by the fire, and, to her
utter amazement, at her side Desmond
Vanei But nowhere could she perceive
the unwieldy form of his uncle.
you here?" she gasped. "Oh, what
does it all mean? Do tell me-" she en-
treated, piteously.
Going to her side, Vane took her
hand; at the same time, with his other
one, he drew from his breast-pocket a
small gray glove, saying, Look up, my
| darling; you have promised to be Sir
Desmond Leslie's wife. / am he, and
am here to claim my own. VIII you
still keep your promise to your mother?
or, better far, viii you remember your
own sweet VOW, made a year ago to-day,
that you would give all the world to
| the one who returned you this?" And he
placed the long lost glove in her hand.
! MY little one, you are all the world TO
me. Can you, will you, give me your
own sweet self?.
@Of course she VIII, and only too hap-
pyl" laughed incorrigible Bel, as she
re-entered the room, accompanied by
| Charlie and Cyril.
After congratulating Ethel, the mer-
" girl explained to her that while she
was down in the north she had heard Of
| Sir Desmond's sudden death abroad,
and of Desmond Vane being left his
| heir, provided he took the name Of Les
| lie. She Immediately wrote to the pres
! ent Baronet and to Derring, not to COM
municate the news to the Mani. House
| until they heard from her. At the same
time she kept up avigorous correspond
ence with Lady Carlingford, urging the
great necessity for Ethel to give up all
| idea Of Desmond Vane and marry DeS-
| mond Leslie, thereby leading all to sup