The Sunday morning news. [volume] (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1886-1891, 1890-02-09

first time.
It was one of the show places of the
county, with its grand avenues of noble
oaks, its dense copses, its knobs and dells
and lovers walks, its wide expanses of
lawn like verdure.
The house itself was worth a journey
to see.
It seood on the summit of a long, slop-
ing hill, overlooking in front an undu-
lating expanse of greensward, with trees
dotted here and there, and exquisite par
terres of flowers gemming its beauty
Behind it, and on both sides, were
dusky woods-or what seemed to be SO;
though when entered it was possible to
wander at ease through interminable
paths, cool even in the hottest day of
summer.
The L Estranges were one OF the proud
est families in the county.
They could claim an unsullied descent
from ancestors who in the good old times
had done good service to their country,
and never did it seem less likely than on
this pleasant June day that shadow
would fall upon the honor of the old
house.
They were lovers, these two who were
now out ON the almost waveless water,
and were to be married in week
He was handsome, rich, the owner of
L'Estrange Park and estates. She was
an heiress, young, beautiful, the ward of
Mrs. Raymond, of the Lodge, the grounds
Of which sloped down TO the lake side,
which here formed the boundary of the
property.
May was girl of whom any lover
might be proud.
She was only just past that most beau
Hful Of ages, ssweet seventeen" bright
with girlhood that was womanly now
IN It's rounded contours and maturity.
Her large, laughing eyes were Of q
deep pansy hue, and capable of express
ing deep emotion; her lips were curved
and ripened, her complexion bright. her
hair golden and clustering like am aureola
round her well shaped head.
Her form was beautifully shaped: the
shoulders and bust perfect: tender
grace seemed to pervade her whole per-
son.
She was, as we have said, the ward OF
Mrs. Raymond, Of the Lodge; an orphan,
she had no one to defend her from the
storm, save this weak woman and Guy
L'EStrange.
Her father had left her large fortune
entirely unfettered.
Even at her present age she could dis
pose of it as she pleased.
But it was not OF riches they were
thinking now.
They we're basking in the delights of
3Dve's young dream, never guessing that
any cloud could cross the path which
seemed so bright.
They had been hours upon the water.
Time had passed with lightning speed
IS the boat drifted on: she lying in his
arms, gazing up into his love lit eyes as
he pressed kisses on her soft lips, or
whispered to her of sweet delights in
the future, when neither day nor night
could bring to them the sorrow of part
ing.
How could they think of evil?
He suddenly, however, rouses himself,
sitter one long, lingering kiss, and took
the oars.
May laughed gayly.
why, what is the matter. GuyY" she
cried. "What sudden resolution has
made you discard me in this manner"
my dearest" he said. 81 must answer
you in the words of the poet With thee
convefsing forgot all time"
.sBut you are not business man"
pouted May, prettily.
MY love, I am today. must 90 over
70 Dorchester today" he said, as he be-
gan to row towards shore.
''How lovely the day is. tool" she cried.
at is simply delicious out here upon the
water. Must you 20 over todayg
Yes, little one, cried Guy L Estrange
gayly. 1T is a matter Of business which
must be settled. don't want anything
of that kind to bother me when my bird
has flown to her nest. sha'n't be long
away, and if Mrs. Raymond win only
put up with me, intend spending at
least q couple of hours at the lodge to-
night
He helped her ashore as he spoke, and
fastened the boat to the mooring post.
You know you are always welcome, "
said May tenderly; butch, Guy, what
q strange mark that is on your right
arm! never noticed it before"
She had taken hold of his white mus
cnlar arm, and was gazing intently on a
strange tattoo mark, skiIlfully wrought
1.-The mark OF an anchor and dagger,
kind Of Spanish stiletto.
A dark cloud seemed TO pass over his
face as she spoke, but it vanished as
quickly as it came.
Some within Of my parents" he said.
Fl only wish could get rid of it. But !
cannot without disfguring myself, so
am forced TO let it remain"
oh, 1t does not matter" said May; .'is
b no Disagreement in itself, is it, Guy?"
And as they moved along towards her
home she chung TO his arm In childlike
confidence and love.
Tow could she imagine the Thoughts
which mad entered his mind as she spoke
OF those simple marks?
They talked and laug&ed, and other
wise acted as lovers will do as they APP
proached the house, ignorant Of the dark