Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-12-20

She trembled, although thrill OF hap
py ecstasy was trembling through her
veins.
beatrice, my life-my love, CONF
to met! Stewart said yearningly, and
he held out two loving arms.
Come TO me-"
a great wondering sob broke from
the girls lips, her eyes filled with sud
den glad tears. Answering that APP
peal as her heart dictated, she made
one step forward, and let herself be
caught in that passionate clasp.
"My darling, you knew that loved
you-you knew it!' he whispered ex-
ultingly, kissing her cheeks and lips
over and over again.
II was not sure, but thought you
did," Beatrice answered, too happy to
remember her former doubt
Il meant to have told you before,
but waited until l felt more certain
OF having "a better position TO share
with YOU"
-Then you have had good news to-
day?"
Tho best Of news, Beatrice, my
sweet darling, have never even asked
whether you cared for me at ALL Am
l right in taking your love for
granted?n
"Yes; you must have seen how
much | really loved you. All, Stew
art, think it would have broken my
heart had you loved another"
He drew her closer to him, and
pushing back the fair clustering hair
from her brow, gazed earnestly into
her eyes. They were so tenderly blue,
so radiant with shy happiness, no
wonder he felt his heart stirred with
rapt ecstacy.
Bending he kissed the half-tremulouJ
lips smiling to see how swiftly the rosy
flush swept from brow to chin.
The girl rested silent for several
moments, her head lying trustfully on
his breast, her pretty hands twined
about his neck. Presently she looked
up, and shy laugh broke from her.
Meeting his loving gaze, she whis-
pered:
Hoy strange it il! After all the
VOWS we made 10 the contrary, here
am really engaged TO marry a poor
man.
"A poor mcn. darliug?" Stewart
answered, little puzzled at her
words.
Yes: you are only poor struggling
artist, and the girls and | declared we
would all marry rich men. How quick
ly have changed my mind"
,,O,, do racrra+ cwaat-
heart? You are not sorry?n he asked
tenderly.
Sorry" Beatrice repeated softly,
and involuntary her arms frightened
round his neck. mo, / am glad
glad-gladw
What makes you think / am so
poor?"
because you wouldn't live here il
YOU were rich. know we shouldn't,
when you first come, we all thought
you had lost money or sonnet hing"
Very kind Of you to take so much
interest in me-" Stewart remarked
smilingly.
"Oh. but you don't mind, do you?"
Beatrice added eagerly, seeing cloud
on his brow. Artists are not always
poor and unhappy"
Not unhappy wien they have won
the love OF the girl they think dearer
than all the world. You were quite
right, Beatrice. 1t was loss of money
which sent me here"
II am so sorry, poor boyn' the girl
murmured tenderly, and, moved by a
swift impulse, she laid her soft lips
against his OF her own free will.
"Will your mother give her consents
VIII she be willing 10 receive such g
good-for-nothing SOM" he asked pres
emily.
"Yes. She knows I should be mis-
cradle if she refused. Besides, she
likes you already"
Dearest. when ] awoke you just
now you had been crying; will you tel
me why?" Stewart asked, the memory
, of her tear-stained face rising before
him
J ut was nothing-really," she fall
tered. 81 felt a little dull and tired
but that was ALL.
J you mustn't cry any more. TearS
are not for your sweet eyes" no said
kindly, and bent to press his lips &c
her hot cheek.
They talked lovingly for a long
while, needless Of the gathering twi
light. Presently, with a start, Bea-
trice awoke TO the fact that the time
was passing, and she must 90 in.
ood-night, Stewart; they will
wonder II | remain out longer.
They won't wonder when to-mor-
row comes, and the truth il known
Goodnight, my dearest one"
Many fond kisses and loving words
passed between them; then Beatrice
moved from the circle of his arms and
ran swiftly TO the house.
She entered the half-darkened cor
ridor. and glanced timidly around
She did not feel inclined TO meet any
one just yet. and sincerely hoped they
were all safely gathered in the little
drawing room.
a light shone from under the door
and as she slipped noiselessly past she
heard the subdued sound of voices