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

The old housekeeper answered him by an
| affirmative nod, and turned away to hide
her tears.
With final goodbye, away they whirled
Miriam viewed an affcctionate adieu with
her handkerchief as the turn Of the road
| shut them forever from the park and the
fearful Peggy at the wicket.
"Och hoon! and me ould heart Is broke
intoirely,n moaned she TO the silent land
| scape, while the clouds lifted and ray Of
sunshine shct athwart its dullness.
The bram6les and the heath by the way
side were tinged with beautiful flush Of
autulnnal scarlet, and leaves tinted with
the faintest gold went flying hither and
thitner In the breeze The sunshine which
struggled through the gray canopy and
cast ray Of promise across the day for
Peggy, lay glinting on tbs sea for Miriam
| and her lover as they neared Hastings.
Through the lanes, past the hedges
where the blackberry briars formed a
dense barrier, with their browning leaves
| and luscious clusters, all familiar
hooks and Oh friends, who seemed TO say
goodbye! good-byei' past all these they
had come, and the downs, the sea and the
cliffs were uncommonly beautiful in the
setting light. The sea-breezes blew up
across the country, refreshing and sweet,
the wind-mills on West Hill were whirling
their great arms, and the Old castle near
by caught the western glow with a peace
ful contentment, which seemed TO say: ~
am glad to be left 10 picturesque ruin and
forgetfulness."
The quaint little church at Fairlight was
the destination, but they mad taken a cir
cuitous route To avoid trouble, did the mas
ter of Heatherleigh determine on following
them.
Miriam's heart went out to the gray
haired, feeble father whom she never ex-
pected to see again, and with whom she
never could be happy. She revolved the
possible scenes Of wrath and, perhaps,
sorrowful regret that would transpire
when he should be made acquainted with
her flight. Then her thoughts turned af-
fectionately to Clarkson, who was SO sde-
tarmint to heip the childer away uube-
knownst," and her heart ached for the old
housekeeper when sue should fall under
the interrogative vengeance Of her master.
And great many other things connected
with the Hall foated before her mental
vision; some Of them coming like reproach-
tul reminders, while others were so dis
tasteful that she drew sigh of relief 70
find them really turning like bad chap
ter in the history Of the past.
She looked about her. Ali would she
ever stand here again and look far away 10
High Wickham and the sea! They were
passing gaunt, grim MINUS rock now, and
the sea lay dark strip in the distance with
the faint sunset light showing purple-tinted
on the sky above.
For answer the breeze swept by with
low, mournful music, and died away In the
dusxs OF eventide
Arthur, partly divining Miriam's specula-
tions by the pensive loo k on her sweet face.
drew her TO his heart with fond caress.
saying: "Neyer nina, tearest, | will try
Aard 10 make all tbs up 20 you. Be happy.
See we have LETT the clouds behind as"
and as in happy emphasis the last rays of
the setting sun CLEANED brightly from be-
meath cloud and seemed the seal OF
promise.
Yours was a beautiful home,n he con
tinued, as she looked up with a smile Of
trust and confidence, "but you were not
happy-perhaps never would have been
within its fateful doors"
''NO,n she answered, in positive tone,
shat think were impossible, but shall be
happy with you"
Then the dreary weight left her soul and
a wave of happiness, as bright as the circlet
of western gold, swept aside all misgivings
and the JOY of assurance beamed on her
face.
Behind them were desolate Beechwood
Terrace, which might never more welcome
the one, and ivy-crowned Heatherleigh
which could not, would not ever again open
its doors to the other. Before them was the
quiet, unpretentiOus webbing ceremony in
the little chapel Of All Saints; near by also
Uncle Earle Fairfax. who was to serve a de-
lightful little dinner Just after the wedding
and just before their departure for their
future home in his pretty villa over there.
Was that all that was before themi No
not by great deal. There lay beautiful
sea Of happy sailing for the two hopeful
hearts, but beyond its narrowed limits
broke the pillows of dark and moaning
flood Happy for them, as for us all, the fut-
ure is vailed from our iuquisitive hearts;
else we would go down into the depths of
despair sometimes ere the battle of life
should begin.
But with hope for the anchor and love at
the helm, their ship had spread sail for the
untried waters, which looked fair and Sc
rene in the offing.
Ali here was the chapel at last, in the
dusk and silence, open to receive them.
Uncle Fairfax and few friends waited
them in the dimly-lighted chancel.
Miriam paused a moment in the sbadowy
porch for little whispered prayer and
then passed down the narrow aisle on the
arm of frien5 &c where Arthur and his
uncle awaited her. A soft, sweet light
shone from her C.iri eyes, ami III marriage
service was responded 70 in low, clear
tones, without hesitancy
On the arm of her newly-made husband
Miriam left the chapel. but there were none
to strew flowers in her way. All was ST.
lent and gloomy without, and the dream Of
the previous night required TO the bride as
she crossed the church yard. The head
stones CLEANED through the darkness like
mile-stones of the past, and Miriam Fairfax
hid her face on her husbands shoulder and
shuddered. He noticed it and asked
"What is it, dearestP'
"Nothingr she answered, only this is
gloomy wedding night. Nature seems 70
have put on mourning for us, Arthur"
"Why why, little WIFE" he said Il am
80 happy l do not seem 10 remember
aught of shadows. AS to the gloom, dear
est, had not thought 1t. Surely you do
not regret
"Hush Arthur, that were impossible,
when love you So"
But the light and warmth and happy ro-
ception at Uncle Fairiax's superb home