Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-11-01

pered, as he placed his arm round her
with gentle pressure
Take courage-al viii be for the
best. | hope and trust"
There were several German waltZes
played that night which sounded as if
they had been composed expressly for
lovers to dance 20. In the midst of the
joyous trlplets an under-tOne of pathos
made itself felt; deep sentiment seemed
akin to sadness. Such music now re-
sounded through the room as St. Law
renee and Bertha fiOated along together,
the beating of their hearts appearing to
keep time to the pleasant strains. On
they went, scarcely conscious of any,
thing but the bliss of the moment. till
the music stopped with a grand crash.
"Will you not come out for while?
The gardens are lovely in the moon
light. Are you afraid?" asked st. Law
renee.
"Oh, mol do not easily take cold"
Bertha replied.
a few groups were scattered about
the lawn, laughing and chatting. st.
Lawrence drew Bertha onward toward
the shrubbery, where the moonlight fell
in silver showers through the trees.
Here they found themselves alone. The
murmur Of voices and strains of music
fell sOftened on their ears. They spoke
on Indifferent subjects as they crossed
the garden. and Bertha talked on, half
afraid of an aYOWal she yet lOnged to
hear.
Il must tell you such a singular Incl
dent that happened to-day" she said
1--WE went to Magnus Square; Lord
Alphington wished Lena to give her
opinion about decorating the rooms.
,.
bGtn SO startled. There was Iife-siZed
portrait Oh one side of the fireplace
which | should have taken for yOu.-
The likeness is something eXtraOrdi-
nary"
Indeed! Whose portrait was it?''
The portrait Of his unfortunate son,
Lord Alphington said. l suppose he
meant his youngest son. who went away
to America" Bertha replied.
NO doubt" st. Lawrence aSSented;
and then there was pause. 1t was St.
Lawrence who spoke first.
You have no doubt heard what took
place between Mrs. Dalton and myself
the last time | Called?" he said.
Something heard, " replied Bertha;
''but oh, Mr. st. Lawrence, pray don't
think l could believe anything that was
said"
The tone in which she uncOnsciOGsly
smoke went straight to her cOmDaniOn's
heart. He stopped, and, taking her two
hands in his. looked down into her face
He felt them culver with emotion; he
could not mistake the expression of
those shy. pleading eyes.
''Bcrtha." he cried, as, still holding
her hands, he drew them 20 his breast
Mine, Is it so? Am | indeed so
blcssed?'
Yes, "said Bertha, softly-'yours, if
you Will"
"Oh, my love-my love.' he excIaim-
ed, drawing ler to him altogether now,
in rapture, rs he caught the murmuTed
words. But think well Of what YOU
are doing" he said, after an instant.
DO you know that | may never be able
to take the name that rightfully belongs
to me-never be able to clear myself
from suspiciOn-that | may even be OBJ
ligCd to 90 abroad again, hunted down,
though for no fault of mine?n
ooh, Eustace,' Bertha whispered, as
her head rested against his breast,
what is all that to mc?n
Then let what will come, | care not"
lie exclaimed, as he ClaSped her close.
and, bending down his head, he pressed
a long and feryemt kiss on her lips.
How long they yet fingered neither
could have said, but Bertha began at
length to be aware that time was pass
ing rapidly.
We ought to 90 in, " she said; Il am
sure it is getting very late
Mrs. Dalton had missed her younger
daughter; supper was over and still she
had not appeared.
"Why, where in the world have you
bcen?" she asked, as Bertha at last
joined her. you nave been overheat-
ing Yourself, | am sure-you look quite
flushed"
do |, mamma?n Bertha returned.
isn't it almost time to go home?'
That is just as Lena likes.n Mrs.
Dalton replied. If you don't get part
ncrs it is no reason why Lena's enjoy
meat should he cut short You don't
know what congratulations have had
tonight regarding the marriage she is
about to make. | have had Il proud
evening, | assure you"
st. Lawrence found an opportunity to
press Bertha's hand in saying good
night, Dut ne did not hand them down
TO the carriage that awaited them. I'M
willing to draw down any anjmadyer-
sionS upon Bertha until hc had borne
the first hruut by making confession to
Mrs. Dalton, and begging for a reversal
of Judgment.