Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-09-19
CHAPTER TX

So it happened that after having sought
her father in last hope of reconciliation
and failed, insomuch that the ending proved
to be but stormy interview and wrathful
parting, Miriam stole quietly out through
the park to meet her future husband.
The dull gray afternoon seemed sur
charged with an oppressive silence, and an
evil seemed lurking in the very air; or was
it but nervous fancy lending a miserable
intiuencei
Miriam put her hand on the wicket open
ing out toward the highway at a quarter to
three o'clock with sigh, and found she
was little early.
Her face had been white and drawn with
grief and pain, and her beautiful eyes had
In their depths such q wild, despairing look
when Peggy Clarkson met her in the hall
directly after the interview with Sir Ru-
pert; but now her face glowed with salts
faction, and the fine ~yes had pleasant
light as she stood bidding a silent adieu to
CAe dear, familiar grounds.
Ali what an iron will upheld the fair
girl; truly she had the indomitable spirit
of the Percivals.
A sound of wheels coming slowly toward
the chase, and her heart throbbed wild
ly with expectation. She stepped outside
and crossed the common. "Yes, there he
comes" she said, and in futter of delight
she flew back to the place of meeting.
Dear Arthur" she murmured, II have
never known but two friends, mother and
you She has been taken from me, and
have only you left" and the pearly tears Of
memory dropped on the trembling hand on
the gate. ''POor motherl'
But the carriage drew up and Arthur
Fairfax alighted, smiling happily TO find
his beloved Miriam punctual. He kissed
her where the tear-stalns showed plainly
on the fair check why these tears, dear
estf" he asked, tenderly.
II was thinking of--Of MOTHER she an
swered, and he understood, for hiss vision
was misty vita emotioa as IL held her for
moment ia silent care -.
Peggy Clarkson came up with numerous
bundles and faltering step. This was to her
sorrow greater than tnat she felt for the
dead mother.
But she bore up bravely for the sake OF
the beautiful girl before her and whom she
loved as her own. Her ownl Ali yes f;
away across the channel, in the mother
country on the shores Of Killarney, resting
peacefully, was Teddy. Dear little Teddy,
who closed his blue eyes to this world in his
third year, and was laid away forever,
with his fiaxen curls clinging 10 his white
baby brow.
Poor Peggy Many sorrowful days had
gone over the cycling arc for her, but this
one seemed 10 her the hardest to bear. She
wiped her tears away as she came up with
her bundles and tried 10 appear cheerful.
Ali unconscious of treachery, Sir Rupert
was taking his accustomed afternoon nap,
and while his only child was leaving her
home forever and caring but little for his
gray hairs, he was doing the hours away In
his quiet apartments.
Perhaps father may relent,n ventured
Miriam, as her lover handed her into the
carriage.
'Oi doubt II, me darlint," sobbed Peggy,
wiping the tears away from her dim old
eyes in order TO get a last sight Of Miriam.
| ''oi doubt il, but may the blissid Vargin pro
tect ye. anyway"
DO not feel so badly, pray, Mrs. Clark
son. said Arthur, "if Sir Rupert never
forgives US. Surely you can trust Miriam
with me, and feel that she viii be happy,
and that is more than she win be here"
sAn' you're Twin roight, me mon. OF kin
thrust the childer wild yc; an far be il
from me TO help ye on in yer runnin' away,
sir. If Oh couldn't"
Thank you kindly" replied he, taking
her tremblin g hand l. a last goodbye.
''Cheer up; you shall hear Of Miriam fire.
queBtly. Have care, Peggy" lac added. in
| a lower tone, that Sir Rupert doesn't eyer
dream Of your being mixed Up in this leave
| taking. or that you were aware Of Miriam 5
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