The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1889-02-02


she had only spoken in anger, and would
come again sting for forgiveness and ask
ing to be reinstated in her heart; but tho
winter was half over now, and though they
had often met, he had merely bowed his
head in grave greeting, and his eyes gave
no sign Of the torture which was gnawing
At his heart.
The snow lay thick and white upon the
ground, when the great sleighing froic was
proposed, and Alice was ready, as she was
ever ready now, to drown forgetfulness in
any new thing which offered. -...
They were to drive twelve miles over to
Farmer Whites, where grand dance was
promised before the ride home by moon
light. It had come to be rather settled
thing as to whom Will Arden should escort,
go no one was surprised when Alice, de-
clining all other invitations, said she was
already engaged to go with him.
It was about four o'clock when Mr.. Arden
drove up to her fathers door. and the hand
some little cutter drawn by its spirited
horses, with its robes warm and tempting,
made q pretty picture, but it was lncom~
plete until Alice filed the vacant seat. when.
with her cheeks flushed and sparkling, her
eyes bright with some Of their old mcrr1-
r1ent, her chestnut hair catching the sum
shine, she gave to it the last needed touch.
But the old farmer, even as he watched
her with look of pride, shook his head as
he glanced at the sky.
81 don't altogether like the looks OF il"
he muttered, "but hadn't the heart to
disappoint her when 1t all seems 80 fair"
But the two young hearts, in their joyous
youth, thought only Of the present sun
shine as they sped rapidly over the slippery
path to the music OF the silver bells.
1t was sunset when they reached the
farm, and they were met with q shout Of
welcome, and soon, with horses housed and
fed, were the light and life Of the party.
John Harding was here tonight, and ne,
too, entered into the frolic with his old
earnestness. Once he met Alice's eyes.
Something in their look seemed to call
him to her side. but with the softening OF
the moment came the memory OF her bitter
words, her rnmored engagement with
young Arden, and he met the appearing
look with one hard and cold and turned
away.
But, to her arnazement, as the clock
with their preparations for departure, john
Harding CAME to her side.
"you will forgive my suggestion, Miss
Alice, but All afraid MIR. Arden is not ex-
actly in the condition to manage those spir-
tied horses ead, for your parents SAKE, II
you will accept q seat in my sleigh SHALL
be very happy to- offer it to you"
ssYou again seem to 5orget my parents In
trusted me to MIR. Arden's care. Therefore,
with many thanks for your extreme kind
ness, 1 must decline"
But when, III hour later, they had BE-
como separatea from the other sleighs, and
she realized her resorts hand was un~
steady, his head scarcely clear, and the
snow hegan falling in thick, feathery lakes,
while the cold penetrated even under but-
faio robes, 8 scusation Of uneasiness crept
oyer her which made her shiver.
care you cold?' satd her companion.
'sDraw the robes closer. Is ltpo* time we
were out Of this woods"
Great Heaven! Had they lost their way!
For q moment the bare possibility thrilled
ogerv nerve; then the young heart took
courage snd steeled itsen to the worst. On
aud on they dashed through tine white,
binding SNOW, natil the horses maddened,
plunged and snorted, struggling to get
free. The hartda which held the reins were
growing nusa,e, and thc brain which was
guiding thea becoming more and more dis
traueht, VIXEN 10 Alice ca1ne the realization
that for her foolish pride must she pay the
forfeit Of her life.
Grasping the reins as the horses dashed
into g. mad Kun, she vainly strove to guide
theu They scarce knew 3 hand was on
the lines. It. Was but a moment ere the
struggle was over, and when Alice opened
her eyes to consciousness she found her
self upon the snow for her bed, the help
less form of her campanion beside her. he
seemed unhurt, but strpetled with the bit
ter cold and, protecting him as best she
might with the robes thrown from the over
turned sleigh, she wrapped herself i'll one
remaining and lay down to meet the END.
Ahi il only once she could meet johns
eyes again; could tell him how see had SUI
Tered all these months for hex Wiufulness,
how gladly she would bend her pride; how
willingly sue to be taken back into that
great, warm heart, to feel she held there
once more the old, old place. then die con-
tent.
"Johu John ~ burst in one piteous cry
from the cold, trembling lips; then tho eye
lids fluttered and closed IN sleep-a sleep
from which, if not soon aroused, there
would be no waking.
But succor was near. Full well the roan
who would have given his life for her knew
tho danger into which she was so recklessly
plugging. Unknown to her, he had deter
mined to follow and guard her; and when
the horses ahead Of him broke into that
mad run, he uttered but one prayer-that
he might be in time to save her. He feared
that in the binding storm he had lost them,
when to his ears was borne that piteous
CIV, which came to him like voice FROM
Heaven answering his prayer.
In moment he was by her side. Gather
ing the helpless form into his strong arms,
he rained passionate kisses upon the cold,
upturned face, and held her closer and
closer till he felt life and warmth were
struggling back for mastery. Then placing
her tenderly in the sleigh, and lifting in her
companion, he soon was on his way to home
and safety.
It was many days ere Alice recovered
from the shock and exposure of that fear
ful night; but when the color crept back
into her cheek, and she knew by whom her
life was saved, her pride had gone; and
when next John came, he listened to plea
for forgiveness which was all unneeded,
but which was very sweet to his ears, for
he knew how well Alice must have loved
1;u, "a houA r,ofesaed 40 much But when