, 1890-12-11

tastes,
The de Fornys were of French eX-
traction, proud Of their lineage,
proud of their ancient name. There
was but one child, the fur Estelle.
There had been many noted beau
ties In the de Foray family, but
among them, Estolle was peerless.
Young, lovely and an helress, hor
hand was sought by the rich and
dlstin nguished. But monsieur and
my lady mother turned from them
all with proud disdain. This bar
barous country could not produce u
fitting mate for de Foray. one
appeared at length, however, In the
person of an English baronet, with
q long line of noble ancestors and a
longer rent roll. Royalty had been
domiciled within the walls of his
ancient castle, and royalty had fol-
lowed the chase over his wide do
mains. What matter then that he
was plain, elderly and lniirm.
But In sorne ill-starred hour Estelle
had met young Wingiield Bassett.
Handsome, dashing and brilliant,
admired and courted, it was not
surprising that her girlish fancy
was led ca ptive, or that her passion n
was reciprocated. In vain madame
ignored him, in vain she berated
her daughter, in vain she tried to
impress her with the appalling fact
that he was only q captain in the
beggarly Continental army; that his
father was but an English squire;
that all he could offer her was a
tumble.down farm house and n few
paltry acres. E.stelo clung to her
love, believing with the buoyant
hopefulness of youth that all would
be well in the end.
After the advent of the baronet,
however, madame took matters In
her own hands. The captain was
given to plainly understand that
his pretentions were Extensively pre-
sumptuous, and thereafter the halls
of the de Forays knew him no
more. But love, who laughs Mt
locksmiths, laughs also at prudent,
matchmaking mammas. Notwith-
standing madame's vigilance, Es-
telle aud her lover met frequently,
some times by accident, but oftener
by preconcerted arrangement. II
the course of true love did not run
smooth, its roughness was not un'
bearable while they were near each
other.
But stern duty finally called the
captain away and then Etselle began
knuAath lar iona
The baronet's proposal for her hand
had been formally accepted by papa
and mama de Foray, and at last
Estelle was subdued Into seeming
obedience.
The holidays were approaching.
The de Forays always held high
revel at Christmastide, but this
seasons festivities were to outshine
all others, for their only child was
to be betrothed with due pomp and
ceremony, according to French Gus
toms.
There seemed no way of escape
for the poor girl. The captain was
far away, and there We're no means
of communication. Was he true, or
was he false? Had he left her to
her fate? were questions that tor
mented her, till her gaiety forsook
her; her cheek grew pale and her step
languid.
1t was the eve of tho day set for
the betrothal ceremony. The de
Foray man sion was aglow with
warmth and light, while courtly
cavaliers, stately danes and youth
and beauty thronged the spacious
rooms, sounds ofmusic, gay laughter
and conversation floated out on the
silence of the wintry night. AS
the hour grew late, Estelle seemed
possessed 10y a strange restlessness.
Escaping from her mothers watch
full eye, she seized n long dark cloak,
slipped into narrow passage, and
through q side door out into the
darkness. With fleet footsteps she
sped down the avenue, keeping well
In the shadow of the hedge.
Near the gateway, screened by the
cedars, man was waiting and
watching. AS Estelle appeared she
was clasped in his arms.
"My darling" he exclaimed, ~
had begun to despair of your com
Ing. / feared my note had not
reached you"
tunity to deliver it till about an
hour ago. 1 think mamma sus-
pected something for she has
watched me 50 closely feared |
could not get away. But o, dear
love, felt l must see you If only
to say farewell forever"
Farewell forever! You can not
mean it, Estelle, you are my prom
ised wife, and until you ask to be
released, / shall claim you"
at is useless, Wingfield. They
have given Inc to the baronet; the
notary is here, the papers are in
readiness, and tomorrow will be
signed. There Is no way of escape.
o, my love, my dear one, can not
bear it.
"There is one way of escape,
darling, if you will. Fly with me
tonight - now, before you are
missed. NY horse Is near, | have
ridden him long and hard, but he is
strong and fleet, and can bear us
beyond pursuit. Then, before to-
morrow dawns, you will be mine
beyond recall"
40, Wingfeld, / dare not. My
heart fails me ut the thought"
"Yousdare not! You, the prom
ised wife of a soldier, talk of fear? |
did not dream of this from my
Estelle.'
Don't reproach me, dear. 1t is
no light thing to leave home, friends,
and all one holds most dear, even
for loves sweet sake"
"And rich and noble prospective