The morning news., 1889-04-28
4LL RIGHTS REsERvEDl

broad path beneath the trees for nearly half
an hour.
Yet there was not a word exchanged be-
tween them that the whole company might
not have heard. But there was a subtle,
dangerous JOY felt by each, which they
knew, though neither Of them analysed Il,
that made these moments very precious.
A ID Audley's absence was also an inmense
relief to them both. He had forced this
poor girl to marry HIM, but he could net
force her to re gardh him otherwise tn IN with
shrinking dislike
At last, unwillingly, Ruth suggested it
must lie time for her to go in, and Selforth
saw that it only wanted a few minutes to s
O'Clock.
81 suppose" he said, smiling, "you will
have to go in to dinner WITT one of the big
guns"
My big gum" answered Ruth, smiling
also, us, believe, Sir James Hastings: so
Frances arranged this morning, at least.n
But you will keep dance for mem
Yes; | mean 10 dance very little. | DO
not care for it, YOU know"
THE first waltz, thenE
''Nerv well :" and this baving been settled
they walked together to the house, which
was now fully lighted and the drawing
room crowded.
Ruth went quietly in, and presently fat
little Sir James H 'stings approached Ter.
II believe that | am to have the honor of
escortinG you to dinnerp ne said.
Il think 50" smilei Ruth.
''Islal tell my little boy at home that
have seen you; ] assure you that you have
made quite conquest Of his youthful
heart" and Sir James smiled.
'He is a dear little fellow"
HE is Sc sitive and affectionate; yes,
yes, hope fine disposition
He told me bis father was Very good
man"
did he indeedm said the delighted Sir
James. 1T is astonishing how observing
childrel are, to be sure!"
But a movement now took place among
the companr, aud Col Ke won, with Lady
Hastings on his arm, led the way to the pa
WALTON, where the banquet was spread out ,
followed by the guests, Frances being es-
corted by Lord st. Clair, whose wife was
unayoidably absent.
In the pavilion wealth ana G ood taste had
made everythi lg al most perfect. The beau
tiful hostess and the kindly, genial host It
smiling among their guests, and presently
Lord s.. Clair rose up to propose Col.
ke1yon's health, and on THIS, the anniver-
sary of his birthday, to visa him long
Yeas Of life and happiness.
''Since last year at this time" went on
the whi Je-haired old nobleman, smiling and
turning to Frances with his courteous
manner, my frie ID, Col Kenyon, has
chosen a wife, to who any Of my poor
words Of praise must fail to do Justice 1t
will be enough the for me to add that the
name of the beautiful mistress of Sudley
should be joined to that of her gallant aud
distinguished hu,band Therefore propose
the health of Col and Mrs. Kenyon"
It is needless to tell that this toast was
re ponded to with the warmesi enthusiasm
And glow stole to Col Kenyon's face,
and tender light to his eyes, as he rose to
return thank for the good wishes Of his
friends aid neighborS.
Il heartily thank Lord st. Clair, and all
my friends" he said, in his clear, sweet
toned voice, for the kind word we have
nothing; | was born amongst you, and you
know ali my faults and fai.ings, of co Irse,
very well, - ard ne gave his genial laugh.
But of my young wife | must say a word
or two. She Is only a stra gec to you yet:
but hope the day will come when sac will
no longer be stranger, "hel You will all
look upon her as friend, and vel come ner
as gladly to your homes as She now heartily
welcomes you to her own. think tbat l
had better not say any more, lest | am
temp ed to say too much, but tbs l will aid
"A d / thank God that | am able 10 say it
this is CAe happlesl birthday # my life
Last year ! was a loGely man with few
Joys It not many cares; now | am happier
than deserve, and you know to whom |
owe this - ami again he looked at FraAces,
a d sat down. And Frances smiled and
cast her lrignt hazel eye BON her plate,
and then turned to WINS ser some pleasant
words T. Lori st. Clair b mind her fan,
This must be a proud moment to vou,n
said the supp Jsad rich widow, Mrs. D.Xon,
to Col Forth, who mad carried his atCea-
tions so far as to rake her in 10 dinner.
well, l suppose 1t ought to be, he an
swered.
And it was. he glance round the table,
and then at his daughters, and his heart ex-
panded with qualification 10 think how well
he had do 10 for them.
Col. K3nyo is an old and very intimate
friend of my own" be said; "and thus be
came to marry my daughter, aud | a very
wa satisfied with tie ma ch."
"indeed you have every reason; Col.
Kenyon seems a delightful man; they are
charming couple"
Mrs. Dixon apparently was a lady who
thoroughly believed hat every human jul
can be effectu Ally as allied by dattery. Sue
piled it on without stint all round, and she
left pleasing impression on Col. Forta's
miad. He had nos recs we'd very much,
poor man. all bis life, for e had never been
popular, and hIs daughters did not over
wh.lm him with soft words. And 50 agree
able did they now seem to i'm that when
tee banquet broke up and the c mpany
passed through tie gardens, all alight ow
with the pretty lamps that Arthur Baton
had helped to arrange, Mrs Dixon was
leaning still on Col. Forth's arm, though be
in wardly fels he was making rather an
exhibition Of himself, and would gladly
lave deposited the lady in some convenelt
seat
The dancing took place in the dining
room. W 4ica was prepared as ball room;
and tue openi x dance, qu-drllle, o-ins
over, kenard Seaforth went up TO Ruth
and cla lmed ner promise to dance The fist
waltz with him.
With a blush and a smile she rose, and as
the two glided gracefully rouad tGe room,
ST ange excitement began TO stir in sea
forth's breast: an excitement which made
him forget certain rules that be aad laid
down fCr his own guiua.ce 10 regard 10
Ruth.
LET us 60 out on the terrace for mo.
ment or Two, he said. as the dance finished.
1T is so hot ia here, isn't lt"
And Ruth went with hils, and they stood
together IN silence looking down at the
dark trees, cn which the twinkliag lights
shown and glowed in diverse cJl1rs.
Il was pret y sig {, aBd as Se1forth
glanced at the delicate profile Of bis com
panlou, sud- resolution entered bis
heart. aud bending nearer 10 her he said
quickly aad e1cltediy:
II can never understand, Ruth, why you
treated me SOP
He felt her band tremble on his arm, but
she answered him, almost steadily:
al kuoy Won can never understand il,