Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-12-05

-al. 0IdnI! she aSheu, diter pause.
The voice did not sound like hers He was
used to her abrupt ways, and yet he found
himself keenly scanning her.
He had thought, at times, that she lacked |
womanly dignity, but he did not think so
then. In spite of her young face and innocent |
girliSh ways there was an unmistakable at |
mosphere of high breeding about her, and a |
certain royalty OF look and attitude
Il believe that l have nothing more to say |
at present, he slowly replied. Tomorrow |
can explain the accounts, especially those |
which refer to uncompleted operations"
She rose to her feet, and their eyes met. |
There was yearning, wistful look in hers
that be had never seen there before.
He cares little for Wildermar, and less for
me-" she thought as she left the library, her
lips quivering, a throb of pain at her heart.
All she didn't know! 1t was hard to John
Grant to leave Wildermar, with its extensive
grounds, its lordly mansion, and its luxuri-
antly furnished rooms, and it was harder
still to leave the sweet, bright young girl
whom he loved with fervor that had some
thing Of idolatry In it
II offended her in some way" he thought,
his brows knit the lines around his mouth
growing stern. ''She does not seem very
exuberant now that she is in possession of
Wlldermar. The sense of proprietorship
does not overwhelm her. never saw such
dissatisfied look on her face. don't under
stand her, and I'm afraid Mr.. Delisle doesn't.
She tempted me fearfully, but cannot stayI
No, cannot stay l must go where can
forget!n
That night he was awakened by the sound
Of wheels upon the drive. He looked out Of
his bedroom window. 1t was moonlight, and
he saw, much to his establishment, the family
carriage standing under the trees.
The horses were paving restlessly, the
stableman was talking to them now and then
in an undertone, while another male servant
staggered into sight with a large trunk
which John Grant recognized as his wards.
why, what does this meanF' he asked
| himself, puzzled and alarmed, and hurriedly
| dressed himself
As he stepped into the wide hall he saw the
dim outline of shrinking form, and heard
depressed breathing.
SIS that you, Valeriaf' he demanded, in an
authoritative tone,
| YES she answered in dismay, her voice
scarcely louder than a whisper
John Grant struck a match, and lit the
chandelier. There stood his ward, equipped
for travel, Hurried in her manner, her face
expressing vexation and chagrin.
This is a strange proceeding" John Grant
said, ixedly regarding her. Goodness, you
were not going to run away with Mr. De
lsslef
NO." she simply said swift pallor cross
ing her face.
Nor can you possibly be running from
himr
NO. she said with an appealing gesture,
one hand pressed against her heart. Il am
running away from myself. am running
away from you, John Grant That IL the
truth, however much it humiliates me to
say it."
She shrank closer to the wall. Her lips
were tightly drawn, Her hands were
clenched in a spasm. There was q movement
in her throat like the struggle of imprisoned
words. A CLEAN of intense yearning shone
in her eyes, and then the lids fell modestly
over them.
John Grant was dazed He rubbed his
temples, as If to aid himself to think with
clearness. The light that broke across his
face was like the play OF light upon dusky
cloud He took her hand and led her to one
of the easy chairs in the hall.
''Valeria,n he chokingly said as he stood
over her his gaunt frame trembling, do
your words admit of more than one interpre-
tationf'
For reply she buried her face in her hands
and burst into tears
Don't DEAR he gently said. 1T dis
tresses M cry much, Can it be possible
that have Jeen so blind. Ealeria. | have
loved you for years-ievotedly passionately,
wildly. / was afraid to tell you-afraid
even to have you suspect it, supposed the
knowledge would have made you miserable
you are SO sympathetic In your nature The
difference il our years, your wealth, and al
that, sealed my lips; and now that know
that my love is returned, MY joy robs my
speech Of its fluency; | blurt out just Nha,
comes arst to my mind. And are you no,
fond OF Mr. Delislei"
Mr.. Deislel' she repeated between hel
sobs Fond of him Mr.. Grant, l love yor
a thousand times more than do him You
never would have known it only you-you-
drove me into admitting it"
He could not tell whether she was laughing
or crying. He smoothed her hair and i'm
pressed a kiss of betrothal On her cheek.
IN tell Amos to bring in your trunk" h,
said.
''Yes, please
''And I'll stay TO manage Wildermar."
"And me,n added Valeria, her face sutfuset
| with bushes, her eyes radiant
Eyes, my precious, he said, ''or no, if 20,
like that better Frank &. Stauffer in De
troit Free Press.