The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-01-26

faced each other. George did not look 70
more than a moment, however, into Diana s
/ face; he glanced at 1t merely-then look d
aside. His brow was knitted, and he had
the air OF a man who was suffering paiu.
Diana's facs, also, had changed during the
last few minutes. Her brilliant color had
| faded little, and light seemed to have
passed out o. her eyes. Tut hes lips curved
with half-amused, half-scornful express
sion, and her dark eyebrows arched them
selves lnquirlugly, as she listened to
Georges words and apparently reflected on
their meaning.
You are not particularly lucid" she
said at length, still smiling, "but woman
Is supposed to have great powers of pene-
tration where her friends secrets are con-
cerned. l am beginning to guess yours,
George. You have fallen in love-
be gave her one swift glancs--was it of
resentment or reproach?-and dropped his
eyes again. But his silence answered for
him.
would it not be better, Diana went on,
IF we spoke out frankly and looked mat
rather unusual positions, George. and
think we may dare to speak in rather an
unusual way
81 do not know that there is anything I'M
usual in our positions" George said, "but
frankneSs-where it is possible-is Away 8
best, am sure"
He looked down so darkly as he spoke
that Diana at once felt sure that in his own
case he did not think frankness possible at
all.
II myself prefer it," she said lightly,
land therefore, with your permission,
George, l will use il. You know as well as
do'-she spoke bravely but her cheeks be-
gan to glow-"what uncle Harry's plans
| have always been for US. You know why
he even sent us of together to look at the
forcing houses in this marked manner. Our
| oaly way of combating his designs is not to
ignore them-but to show him that they
are impracticable.n
You have thought them impracticable,
Diana" said George-perhaps a trifle too
eagerly.
81 quite think them impracticable,n she
answered, with such brilliant smile, that
he did not notice the change of tense, which
made a certain difference between his mean
ing and hers. And, therefore, think we
had better steal a march on uncle Harry
aud outwit him just a little bitl"
You are cleyerer than /" said George,
whose manner became easier as Diana
| spoke. 81 should never have thought
there was any way of outwitting the COL
onel."
81 have thought of way" said DIANA
Then, somewhat abruptly, "You will not
think me unwomanly for suggesting itP'
II am sure you will never suggest any
thing that is not as wise aud right as it is
generous"
THANK you. lam afraid we must put it
into very plain language, cousin George.
| Uncle Henry would like you to marry me,
that is the fact, is it nots"
"He has frequently expressed himself to
that effect. Diana, don't mistake me. 1
love and honor you almost more than any
woman | ever knew--but-n
"The but and the almost make all the
difference, do they mott" said Diana, smil-
ing little sadly. ''Uncle Henry cannot
bear any disregard of his wishes. If you
refuse, you place yourself in very awk-
ward position with regard to him; he will be
angry, and he is not always quite just when
he is angry. Well, George dear, what
would suggest is that you yield TO his
wishes-that you, in short, ask me to
marry you-I promise you that will say
| NO. and there will be an end of the mat
ter"
"You forget that his anger will only be
diverted; it will fall upon your
81 do not mind that"
'But l mind it very much. | could not
possibly allow it. Uncle Henry is, as you
say, hasty and arbitrary and unjust"
'I did not say all that"
"You meant it, nevertheless. Think
| q
and not only yourself but your mother.
No, Diana, if | have the--the misfortune
not to love you as much as you deserve,
must bear the blame Of that cannot
allow you to make the old man angry with
you"
"But you know, George" she said gently,
81 would not have you il you asked me.
| You are like q brother to me, and would
not marry you for the world. Let me
soothe the way for your happiness. You do
| love some one--is it not sog'
George made O. sign of assent But he
sighed heavily as he made it. He certainly
did not look like a happy lover.
"Uncle Henry will soon consent TO your
marriage with her when he knows that /
will not marry you. Dear George, don't be
proud and obstinate. You may safely
ask me, you know. 1 would not marry
you, although you asked me a thousand
| times.
Sand as she said the last words in her
peculiarly clear and vibrating tones,
George started and made-but in vain-a
warning sign; for at that moment Col
Eastwood's invalid carriage came rapidly,
but almost noiselessly, along the garden
walk.
fro RE CONTINUED