Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-04-19
caused by his own attentions, and was
.not nna whit dis nlan sal

caused by h.s own attentions, and was
not one whit displeased.
But suddenly the lovely blue eyes
frightened, the fair face flushed fever
ishly, and Miss Beauchamp, rising
from her seat, waved one OF her
little gloved hands half impcratively,
half entreatngly.
Instantly the invitation was answer
ed by Eberhard Leigh. who strode
through the little crowd to shake
hands with the beauty.
Sir Peter scowled; Leigh smiled.
The moment triumph was his, for Ell
vira's eyes were fixed on his with n
look which made his heart beat tu-
multuously; her little fingers chung to
his almost convulsively; needless of
the diabolical expression settling upon
the baronet's face as he thus saw his
rival preferred.
al want TO see yen so much, Mr..
Leigh. / want 10 speak to you. Will
you come for turn round the Park
with mep" Miss Beauchamp said hur-
riedly.
Eberhard's face lighted; he bent for
ward eagerly.
..Of course | should like it above all
things, but i am bound TO be at tho
barracks in half an hour"
He glanced at his watch.
"IIalf an hour! Oh, you have lots
of time! You can jump out at the cor
ner OF D street. Oh, do come!
You can't refuse me now"
10
glance, of course.
John, open the door for Mr..
Leigh the young lady said inpatient
ly, and the servant sprang from the
box and obeyed.
Leigh got in. leaving Sir Peter be-
hind like n veritable fury, and the lit
tie brougham whirled away.
But alone with her lover Elvira sat
mute and white, leaning back in her
corner as far as possible from him,
and gazing with troubled eyes out
upon the scenes they passed.
Leigh touched her hand.
Darling you had something to say
to me?"
She turned dazzling, bewildering
smile upon him.
mo; think it was only that
wanted to have you with me, Eber-
hard"
my darling"
He bent his head and impressed
passionate kiss upon the little gloved
hand. She let it remain quiescent in
his clasp, but replied nothing.
lis anything troubling you. SWEET"
he asked after pause, regarding
earnestly the pale face
The same old things; they always
trouble me-" she said with a sigh.
"But / will throw them of and be
happy"
She did not glance at him as she
slowly spoke, but her tone and It's
words thrilled his worry heart.
"You mean you arc going 10 accept
me and my love9" he cried rapturous-
ly.
80 am going TO accept your love-"
was the curious answer.
Leaning back in the little brougham
he put his arm round her waist, and
for some instants mis- heart boat too
fast for words.
His eyes devoured her exquisite face
with loving devoted gaze, but the girl
did not meet his eyes; perhaps she
feared that if she did so her lover
would forget time and place, and boz
come too demonstrative.
She rested quiet within the strong
encircling arm, but she kept her gaze
turned sadly, curiously, from the win
dow.
The sound Of a clock striking aroused
Eberhard Leigh from his dream of bliss
to remembrance of duty. He was
too thorough a soldier TO forget his
work at even so supreme moment as
this.
He got up and opened the carriage
door.
You need not stop the man, Elvira.
! can jump out easily here Goodbye,
my own"
One long passionate glance, one
pressure of lips upon the tiny hands.
IL shall see you at your dance to-
morrow evening"
And Elvira watched his tall figure
stride across the street, thon pulling
the check-string she gave her coach
man new orders.
Eborhard sat alone in his room in
the barracks as the next days evening
grew late.
He was dressed for the ball
ut the Beauchamps house,
and he had every intention
OF going thither as soon as the time
would permit,
please, SIR" his servant opened the
door with an unusual degree of eau
ton, "some one is enouiring for you,
Mr.. Leigh"
"Who is itp" in bored tone.
The servant came in and took the
precaution 10 shut the door behind
him.
'ISs two OF 'em, Mr.. Leigh, and l
don't like their looks. They were
here after you this afternoon. but you
wac really out then, and / told them
so. If you'd like now just 10 slip out
the window way, sir, ! can keep 'em