The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1889-09-28


check in the handsome eyes of Allan Per-
cival dropped down his cheek and he
heaved sigh while the glad light came
stealing back into his countenance
'''Tis well,'' replied the old uncle. "'Tis
well there is no mistake in SO grave and i'm
portant matter. Your life has been very
dark, my dear niece. I am glad for you,
because think you have chosen wisely, and
am happy to hear that you really are in love
with your af6anced husband"
THANK you, UNCLE" Miriam said, in re-
ply. II really and truly love Allan; never
fear On that point, as 1 confess that should
not care to live without him.
Allan touched me on the arm and with
drew. I followed him into the sitting groom
II am happily relieved" he said, as he
drew deep sigh. Il noticed such strange
ook on her face yesterday; and to-day she
refused to ride to the city with me, pleading
she was sorry she had hidden me come"
''But that is all over" interrupted, Joy
fully.
eyes," be answered. his eyes lighting
up brilliantly with the sweet certainty.
"Miriam loves me for myself and I am
glad.' He looked out across the garden
and off toward the sea for some moments,
lost in deep thought. s'Poor DEAR" he re-
sumed, with uuaver in his voice; chow
she must have suffered! Dashed the poison
from her linsl Oh, Godl only to think Of
how near lay darling was to the gates of
death!"
Allan's voice died in q whisper of emo
ton, and he shook as with an ague. said
nothing, but now knew why she grew so
white and nervous when she learned that
Earl Fairfax was in Allan's company She
was afraid that ''inadvertently,H as she had
said, the old gentleman had revealed that
hour Of anguish to her lover, and perhaps
told him of her VOW. This, doubtless, she
imagined would prove disastrous and drive
Allan from her side.
SIT is BEST" said l, upon reflection, ''that
Miriam never knows we heard this. She
was driven to the rash vow, and the suicidal
attempt as well, by terrible and pressing
sorrow, and as she had tided the days Of
anguish safely over at last, it is wise never
10 disclose word of what we heard at the
library door,"
Certainly he replied; s'the secret is
ours, and my darling will never know!
Could not live without ne,'' he repeated,
looking up brightly. ''That little confession
is worth more to me than the whole world,
even thought did hear it caves dropping.
Now no more shall my life be sad and
lonely; neither will hers. think we are
coming out from under the shadows OF
Heatherleigh."
1t is a week later. We have had a quiet
wedding at Bay View cottage, and hence
forth tits a house with a romance. The neigh
bors all look upon me as one of the favored
few in having such wealthy, aristocratio
friends, but feel lonely and deserted in q
great measure.
Allan Percival and his proud, queenly wife
have gone to their beautiful home on the
Hudson. A magnificent country seat some
few miles from New York suited their fancy,
and they have left me for little happy
world Of their own. a happier, handsomer
couple believe never had the fortune to
see. Allan's beaming face and Miriam's
Joyous countenance will long be remem-
bered, as / saw them fade into the distance
this morning. Earle Fairfax goes with them
as far as the city Of New York, and from
thence for England in 9 few days. .4
The kind old uncle that he is, gave away
the bride for the second time, he officiating
in that capacity in the little church Of AL
SAINTS on that never-t "a. be forgotten, cheer
less wedding night that SAW Miriam and
Arthur united s. their clAndestine mar
riage. s5 $E3s Al
But this wedding was tar different. No
ceremony 81 the deep shadows of . dimly-
lighted church; ~ going ont across the
lonely chtroh-y ord. uast tho silant;