Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1889-09-18

and violence, did he but guess the,
truth. When Leo sought his deliv.
erer, and, grasping his hand, poured
forth all his gratitude with heartfelt
emotion, Standish experienced + sensa-
ton that was not pleasurable.
a lew days later Stella's husband
made 9 formal demand for her hand OF
her uncle and aunt. The good people
were delighted. Mercifully for Stella,
Leo had gone yachting with a friend
for three weeks. Mrs. Grey could not
make out why the girl was not over
joyed at her wonderful fortune.
Standish was lover in ten thousand;
his settlements, his gifts were prince
~. He did not trouble her with much
love-naking-he could afford to bide
his time; but no wOma:. could have
had more tender thought and consid-
GRAFTON shown her. He was SO kind
that wild hope flashed across her
that perhaps alter all, he would set
her tree, for of late the fond affection
she had formerly felt for Leo had
grown into madness of love that wac
eating her hoart out. Suddenly one
evening she turned to Standish, and in
an agony of tears implored him to re-
lease her. He bit his lip; a dark red
flush came into his face. 49,, j.
What you ask is impossible, even
if I we're willing" he said; and then,
in a tone which was quite low, and yet
which terrified her, he added: do
you know that you are mine now, and
that | could take you away with me
this moment if chosep" ~ -
As yet Leo was ignorant of Stella's en-
gagement; she had made it point
that he was only to be told by her own
lips. All! what a terrible telling it
was on the evening when he came
back, joyous and radiant from his
cruise! The quivering aspen leaves
which had listened to their former con-
fidences, had sad tale to tell after
that night-of wild sobs, and impreca-
tions and agony. Stella, his Stella, the
wife OF Standish! free only at this mo-
ment by his forbearance!
The cruel days kept on, Leo and
Stella trying hard to hide their wretch
edness within their own hearts. Leo
never met Standish; he was not to be
at the marriage. His parents under
stood that he felt little sore, bat
thought with light hearts that he would
soon get over it. The night before the
wedding came; it was supposed that
Leo had left London, but again the
rustling leaves sighed over the sor-
rows of those two poor breaking
young hearts. Their lips were pressed
together in an agony of farewell; it
was an agony in which no JOY mingled,
because there was no hope.
'Swear!" whispered Leo with wild
intensity. ''Swear!'
And she answered, in voice
strangely like his: Il swear"
Never was bridegroom more tri.
umphantly glad than Standish, as he
put his wife into the carriage that was
to take them away for their honey.
moon. A friend had lent him lovely
place in Surrey for fortnight.
Stella had borne up during the cere
mony, had smiled, had accepted and
| returned the embraces of family and
friends. But no sooner was she in the
carriage than the reaction came, and
she sank back white and exhausted.
! Standish was forbearance itself He
made every allowance for her. As he
| was strong. he was merciful. She
scarcely spoke dozen words during
the long drive, and when they reached
their destination she complained O.
fatigue and went to her room.
Dinner had been waiting half al
hour. Standish felt delicacy in dis
turbing his wife. At last he sent TO,
her maid. The woman said she hac
knocked several times without receiv
ing an answer. Standish ran up
stairs, knocked loudly, and after :
moment burst open the door.
Stella lay asleep on the sofa
asleep, yes, forever. She had KEEP
her vow to Leo in a Way that he, poo
lad, had never dreamed of !-Londo,
| World.