Nevada County picayune., 1888-03-21
llLLlAh'S LOVERS.
Bi Mis F.. BURKE COLLINS.

''ii' h'''u Icl neaV. alU her shy brown eyes met those of the speaker A dangerously handsome man. Lloyd Middleton knew how to Use his DOW. er, and the childish little creature whose soft eyes dropped before his gaze, was a woman worth winning.
 For Lillian Raleigh was the onl, child of q very rich man. who fairl, worshipped his motherlcss daughter and Lillian had never known care, or wish unqualified. But her guar dian angel must have trembled to see her so completely in the tolls of the man at her side. ! It was pretty scene. A long stretch of sandy white beach: the 1 dancing waves of romantic South ern lake rolling in at their feet as they sat beneath the shade of wide spreading oak tree; while the old. old story was told again"
 You love me. Lillian:"
 A vivid crimson flew into her fair cheeks. She turned her head away. but her small hand trembled. Lloyd Middleton raised it to his lips. as she faltered timidly:
 "les.
 My darling.'' he whispered, in his eyes look of triumph.
 There was no room for doubt. Ev- cry look and action betrayed Lillian Raleigh heart. She loved him with all the strength of first loye-wild. unreasoning-and she would love him until death came. or that which is worse than dcath-disiluson.
 He bent his head. and the bold eyes gazed into her face.
 May 1 speak to your father, Lil- lian, and beg him to give me his treasure" the soft. seductive voice went on.
 \ rather tinge of crimson over spread the girlish face. but there was consent in the soft brown eyes which met his for an instant. then dropped again. He stopped and kissed the sweet red lips.
 Heaven bless you. darling," he whispered
 And Lillian went straightway to paradise. and remained there half an hour perhaps, which is more bliss than most mortals are permitted to experience.
 The awakening came in the shape of pretty boat, which bounded over the waves like q white-winged bird |; it's sole occupant, man of some live and twenty years, with thoughtful face. and kindly gray eyes. Those eyes fell upon the pair beneath the oak tree. and he began at once tack ing for shore.
 Lloyd Middleton frowned darkly.
 "Confound the fellow" he nut tered behind his heavy black mus tache. Turning to Lillian, he "h- served. with assumed carelcSsncsS:
 ..rherc's Tom Hunter coming 'o land. Lily, he does not like me he never did, Don't let him come between us. my darling'
 One quick. impetuous glance from the big. brown eyes, and Lloyd Mid- dleton was satisfied.
 She loved him, and she was aStrue as steel,
 The boat drew near. and Tom Hunters clear voice called gayly;
 .,Come. Miss Lillian. l want to toke vou for q sail You know you promised me the pleasure
 Again that frown darkened LloN" Middleton's handsome face
 Go, if you wish it, Lillian he said in low tone. "l can trust vou For I know that he is going to try and prejudice you against me- You will be trueE
 Till l die"
 His eyes flashed with q steel sn'' 1 ter.
 The boats keel grated upon the sand. Tom Hunter assisted Lillian in mon a cushioned seat,
 Lloyd Middleton touched his hat
 rWill you come. Middleton ask ed Tom.
 No. Thanks. very much 'oo"' bye, Lillian. Don't remain out too long. ol
 He turned away and saun'ereo