The Forrest City times., 1890-05-24
CHAPTER III.

A few minutes silence follow ed mothers fearful speech; then the trag- ic calm was broken by the most incongruous and out-of-place sound possible, nothing less than Dicks bright, boyish, irrepressible laughter
 Mother responded to that irrever- ent laugh with shuddering sigh. and looked round at my unsympathetic lover with reproachful eyes; but he was not in the least abashed, only favored me with an encouraging nod and smile, and came over to mothers side.
 '.Now look here, Mrs Gerrard--we must not go making tragedy out of all this, he said with practical air .'I should not have laughed, admit; but really the joke was little bit too good. Mir. Gerard has managed to turn the tables upon us with ven- geancc, has he notpn
 .'0h, it is cruel to make us the laughing stock of Ludleigh now, after having deceived us like this for so many years. For myself l would not mind; but Irene. my poor Irene, every one will pity her"
 l chanced to look up and meet Dicks bright glance just as poor mother made her helpless lament. and somehow found myself smiling too. If l had been not only deprived of my much-talked-of heircss-ship, but turned out of house and home, l do not think l should have considered myself a very pitiable object
 .sDo not fret for me, mother.n l said cheerily, and without the least effort; 'and do not grudge poor uncle Archie the happiness that has come so late in life.
 .'Happiness!n mother echoed. with scornful sob. You are talking like child, Irene. He does not deserve to be happy, and will not be; of course he has been duped by some clever adventures one of the dreadful creatures that abound. I am told, all over the Continent; and, depend upon 1t, he will soon soc her in her true colors---will soon discover the horri- ble blunder he has made. But, in the meantime, he will bring her home to the Hall--I shall see her where have hoped to see you. Irene. Oh. it is of no use talking. child--I can find no consolation in the whole affair."
 s'But can; and so will you. by- and-by, when you have got accustom- cd 10 the queer idea" observed Dick, nftb IA tas4fa tofn .fs.f ness that was oSercoming oven mothers indignation and sense of in~ jury Ut last. .You arc sensible woman, Mrs. Gerard. with plenty of pride and pluck to keep you up; and. though no doubt you feel bit sorc ut first. you will soon get over that, and join Irene in welcoming her uncle's wife.
 '.Nover--ncvcr!" murmurcd mother, turning her face away. but the words were uttered in listlcss manner, So that there seemed but little finality about the protest; and Dick was not disconcerted at all--- even ventured to parody her phrase.
 Yes, soon---s soon--I am true FtVRA9ts u1AtSNG 4St FOT my own part" he went on with swift change of tone, s.I am delighted Ut the turn things have takcn---delightcd and re- liovod aimee they clear great iitiicul- ~ out of my way. You do not know. Mrs. GerrArd. what terrible and ap- paiing p0rson the Squire's heiress was b me long after I had given Irene Gerrsrd my whole heart More than cncc--nay moro than dozen times--- ! vowed t0 myself that must conquer mylove and give up all hope of vim ming her.
 Daar Dick--dear. brave, generous Dick k--how noble and handsome hc looked, with that bright flush on his bronxed check, that eagsr sparkle in his eyes! l could hardly see him for my tears--tears Of purest joy and pride and gratitude. seomed then. for the first time. to understand how great my triumph had been--how Overpowering was the force of that love that had conquered his pride and drawn the sweetest tenderest words a woman ever listened to from hls re- luotHnt lips. And there wese people 4Ao would pity me---even ny own
 TT nathcr was disposed to think me
 -ees& sa4 worth> ' eomnisera atlon