Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1889-07-19

you Will always De WelCOmC VISITOR
at MOntfOrd manor"
THANK you" he replied; "but do not
be disappointed if | do not avail my
self of the opportunity which your in
vitation allows me-"
IL trust you will change you decision
before the season is over" she said,
with vain attempt to smile.
Next week shall sail for India"
he observed gravely.
"You will not forget me?' she said.
with sigh.
Forget you!' he exclaimed. "Think
you that too, am false? No, Agnes
Templeton, shall never forget you;
but | shall strive until | have utterly
subdued the deep love that | now bear
you"
They quietly exchanged partings.
and with long. sad clasping of hands.
and tremulous ''Good-by" on her
part, calm, sad one on his, they
separated.
After Mr.. Arbuthnot had departed.
Agnes threw herself upon sofa, and
gave vent to her long-restrained feel
ing in flood of tears.
For some time she remained SD,
weeping silently, and bitterly regret
ting the irretrievable past.
At length Lusette, reused her, and
announced the arrival of Sir Guy Mont
ford.
Agnes hastily arose, bathed her tear
full eyes. brushed out her luxuriant
ringlets, and was soon ready to meet
her future husband.
One month subsequently they were
married with great pomp and splendor.
and Lawrence Arbuthnot had sailed
for India, in hopes that among new
scenes the narrowing past would be
forgotten.
1t was a mild delightful afternoon.
and the balmy air was cooling and ex-
hilarating.
In the pleasant apartments of Mont
ford manor sat the Lady Agnes Mont
fort, attired in partly mourning
dress.
Six years have passed since her un-
happy marriage. but the latter three
of those years have been passed in
silent widowhood.
Time has not deprived her of her
beauty. and she is still the fascinating
and enchanting crcaisrc she was when
she captivatcd the heart of Lawrence
Arbuthnot
Il wonder what Lawrence iinds so
interesting in Eifie?' she murmured to
herself. For Il month he has been u
guest here. but nearly the whole Of
that time he has devoted himself en-
tirely TO my step-duHrhter.
mo. no. he does not love her; he has
more sense than tn fall in love with
Ellie, who is scarcely more than u
child. But why is he 40 attentive to
hera"
Lady A-a1s s..aS interrupted Z. acr
soliloquy by the sudden entrance of
her son. handsome boy of some 5
summers.
We'll, Guy" she said. fondly. lay
ing her hand caressingly upon his
dark brown curls, where have you
been"
Out upon tic lawn playing with
Carlo" answered the boy. Mamma,
where's Etiie?" he asked. after short
interval.
.'She is taking a ride with Mr..
Arbuthnot"
mere lutt ART ibW, SpiHIHe up tu0
avenue" suddenly exclaimed the boy,
glancing out the open window and be-
holding the two eguestrians. who were
SLOWLY cantering their horses in the
direction of the house.
They dismnunied when they reached
the door. and Ellie Montfor,i immedi-
atcly sought her step-mother's apart
ment, while Lawrence Arbuthnot re-
tired To the chamber which had been
assigned to him while he remained n
guest of Lady Monlfort. Lady Agnes
looked up with au affectiuuate smile
rs the lovely Eli. entered.
Did you enjoy the ride, my dear!'
she inquired, pleasantly.
Yes. mother" replied Ellie. seating
herself upon an ottoman, while vivid
blush stole Ia her cheek.
Mother" she continued. averting
her ilushe, face. MIR. Arbuthnot has
asked me to be his wife"
The rich color slowly rece,lcd in an
icy tide from Lady Agnes cheeks when
which blasted her long cherished
hopes. and her face became cold AS
marble. aud pallid hue overspread
her features like that of death.
With a wild cry Ellie sprung for
ward as if to sustain her step-mother.
but Lady Agnes motioned her away.
aud in low but perfectly calm, voice
she asked:
What answer did you give him?"
81 told him that could give him no
definite answer until had acquainted
you with the proposal"
What did he then say?" inquired
Lady Agnes. in the same cold, clear
tone.
He asked me if loved him
What was your reply?"
Mother, I told him the truth
told him that loved him."
well. my daughter. since YOU love
him, shall not withhold my consent
to your union"
Lady Agnes had now regaiDed per-
feet con,posurc. and as she uttered
these words she kissed her step
daughters fair forehead.
Etfie little dreamed aS she felt the
cold pressure of those ruby lips that in
their owners bosom there throbbed u
torn and blighte,l heart.
When Christmas came Lawrence
and Ellie were quietly married. and
took up their abode at Leverin2 hall,
an estate which Mr.. ArbuthnCt had
purchased, and which joined Montford
manor.
Lady Montford never married, but
continued to live in lonely widowhoOd
at the manor. She knew that her
punishment was just, but nevertheless
it was very hard to bear.-NeW YORK
Weekly.
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