Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1888-09-16
CHAPTER XXI.
A DAUGHTER OF EVE.

| DAUGHTER OF EVE.
After Sal had vanished into the house,
Brian sank into chair beside Madge, with
q weary Sigh. He was in riding dress,
which became biR stalwart figure well, and
looked remarkably handsome-but i'll and
worried.
"What on earth were you asking that
girl ahout?' he said abruptly, taking bis
hat off, and tossing it and hisgloves on the
floor.
Madge flushed crimson for moment,
and then taking Brian's two strong hands
in her own, looked steadily into his frown-
ing face. >,
in quiet tone.
"But il is not necessary that / should"
he answered modify. "phs secret that
Rosanna Moore told me on her death bed
is nothing that would benefit you TO
know"
SIS it about me?" che persisted
"Itis, and it is not" he answered cpl.
dramatically.
81 suppose that msans that II is about a
third person and concerns me" che said
calmly, releasing his hands.
well, yes" impatiently striking his
boot with his riding whip. ''But it is
nothing that can harm you Is long as You
do not know it, but God help you should
any one tell it to yon, for it would embitter
your life"
my life being so very sweet now, an
swered Madge, with liRhtssneer. you
are trying to put out a fire by pouring oil
on it, and what you say only ma kes me
more determined to learn what it is"
"Madge, implore you not to persist in
this foolish curiosity. tell you caudidly
that did learn something from Rosanna
Moore, and il concerns you, but only indi.
rectly through third person. Bat it
would do no good to reveal it, and would
ruin both our lives"
She did not answer, but looked straight
before her into the glowing sunshine.
Brian fell on his knees beside her, and
stretched out his hands with an entreating
gesture.
ooh, my darling, hc cried, sadly, "can-
not You Iust mt? The love which has
st6 cd such test as yours cannot fail like
this Let me bear the misery Of knowing
it alone, without blighting your young
life with the knowledge of it. / would
tell you if l could, but, God help me, !
cannOt-I cauuot," and he buried his face
in mis- hands.
Madge closed her mouth firmly, and
tonched his comely head with her cool,
white fingers. There was a struggle going
on in her breast between her feminine
curiosity and her love for the man at her
feet--the latter conquered, and she bowed
her head over his.
"Brian," she whispered softly, "let it
be as you wish. l will never again try to
lssrn this secret, since you do not desire
it."
He arose to his feet, and caught her in
his stroug arms, with glad smile.
"My dearestn' he said, kissing her pas
sionately, and then for a few moments
neither Of them spoke. I'VE will begin a
new life" no said, at length. I'VE will
pot the sad past away from us, and only
think of it "a dream"
"But the secret will still fret you," she
murnured.
at will wear away with time and with
change of scene" he answered sadly.
"Change of scene" she repeated in a
startled tone. care you goiog awsy?"
"Yes; have sold my station, and will
leave Australia forever during the next
three months"
"And where are you going?" asked the
girl, rather bewildered.
Anywhere" he said, little bitterly.
~ am goiog to follow the example Of
Gain, aud be wanderer on the face Of the
earth"
"Alone?n
"That is what l have come to see you
about" said Brian, looking steadily a.
her. IL have come to ask You If you will
marry me at once, and we will leave Aus
tralia together"
She hesitated.
81 know ii il asking q great DEAL" he
said, hurriedly, ito leave your friends,
your position, andn-with hesitation
"your father; but think of my life without
you--think how lonely shall be wander.
ing round the world by myself; but You
will not desert me now l have so much
need of you-you will come with me and
be my good angel in the future as you
have been in the past?"
She put her hand on his arm, and look
ing at him with her clear, gray eyes, said
-"Yes!'
"Thank God for that" said Brian, rev.
erently, and there was again silence.
Then they sat down and talked about
their plans, and built castles IN the air,
after the fashion of lovers.
81 wonder what papa will say ?" observ-
ed Madge, idly twisting her engagement
ring round and round.
Brian frowned, and dark look passed
over bis face.
81 suppose l must speak 10 him about
liz ?" he said at length, reluctantly.
''Yss, Of course J" she replied, lightly.
at is merely o formslity; still, one that
must be observed"
"And where is Mr.. Frettlby?" asked
Fitzgerald, rising.
"In the billiard room," she answered, as
she followed his example. "No"' she cor
tinued, as shs saw her father step on to the
veranda. "Here he is"
Brian had not seen Mark Frettlby for
some time, and was sstonished at the
change which had taken place in his
appearance. Formerly, he had been
as saraight as an arrow, with stera,
fresh colored face; but now be had slight
stoop. and his face looked
old and withered. His thick, black hair
Was streaked here and there with white,
and the only thing unchanged about him
were his eyes, which were as keen and
bright rs ever. Remembering how old
his own face looked, and how altered
Madge was, now seeing her father, he
wondered if this sudden change was
tracsable to the same source, namely, the
murder of Oliver Wbyte. Mr.. Frettlby's
face locked sad sud thoughtful "a he came
along; but catching sight of his daughter.
smile of affection broke over it.
my dear Fitzgerald, he said. holding
out his hand; ''this is indeed surprise!
When did You come ovef?'
"About half an hour ago." replied
| Brian, reluctantly taking the extended
hand of the millionaire. 81 came to see
Madge. and have talk with you"
"Ab! that's right" said the other, put
ting his arm round his daughters wsist.
$50 that's what brought the roses TO your
face, young Lady," be went on. pinching
ber cheek playfully. s'You will stay 10