Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1890-02-22

offering me so much, must decline to
accept"
@Tut-tut boy, don't be so rash-l
dare say you will fall IN love with her
the moment you see her. She is such q
dainty, refined, sweet little creature
that you might hunt the world over and
do great deal worse But have invited
her and her father-in-law to visit us,
and my butler brought me word a few
moments before called you in, saying
that Lady Walden and her father-in-
law would call upon US this afternoon.
So be prepared to pay your respects
to these good friends of mine. Now
you may go, but think well over what ]
said, before you rashly throw away that
which will make you one of the richest
men In England"
After dinner, I thought I would take
stroll and try to compose myself for
the trying ordeal. AS was walking
through the shrubbery on the south
end of the grounds, caught glimpse
of woman's white dress through the
foliage. It startled me somewhat.
fastened to retrace my steps, when by
some unlucky move, I caught my foot
and was quite violently thrown to the
ground.
That was the last 1 knew until I felt
a cool, soft hand rubbing my brow and
bathing it in cold water. The fall had
only stunned me, it seems, and upon
opening my eyes 1 beheld-oh how can
1 describe it!-my Bessie's own darling
face!
As soon as I could command my
senses, I excitedly asked her how in
Heavens name she happened to be
here, whereupon she very reluctantly
informed me that she was Lucy Wal
don.
I had never ceased to love her, for
never during my life had I seen a face
more fair to look upon. But when
I thought how cruelty she
had deceived me, I felt Bit
ter and vindictive and demanded
an explanation of her treatment. With
tears in her eyes and sob in her voice,
she told me how she had married the
young nobleman with whom she had gone
to the theater that night long ago, as it
was her fathers ardent request, as he
was ruined man and they would be
obliged to seek shelter from the charity
of their friends.
Il never loved him, Eugene" she
sobbed brokenly," but consented to
sacrifice my happiness for that of my
father, ard if ever girl suffered for
her folly, I have suffered for mine.
Have pity on me, for I am not the
heartless girl you think me to be-"
my darling!" cried fervently, "set
your mind at rest. 1 love you as much,
if not more than in the days gone by,
and if you can forgive me for Judging
you so harshly, will try to make
amends. Will you be my wife now? I
need you, Bessie dear, and cannot live
without you"
For answer she simply lifted her
sweet, pale face to mine and kiss of
love was interrupted by a boisterous
voice in the shrubbery saying, "The
scamp, wonder if he has actually run
away. Just like him." But when we
came into sight, my uncle's amazement
knew no bounds for he dropped per-
fectly helpless into chair.
Immediately explained how I had
met and loved Lady Walden before I
ever came to England.
well, my dear children, you have
my blessing, and everything that be-
longs to me when 1 de-" said the kind
hearted man. But" he added, with
twinkle in his eye, as he looked at Bes-
sic, Il must tell you that not three
hours ago that young man"-pointing
to me- vowed he would never marry
you. Ha! ha! 1 know what a sweet,
pretty face can do"
A few months after Bessie and met
in the grounds, that eventful afternoon,
my uncle died.
We are so happily and comfortably
settled in our dear, beautiful old home,
so surrounded by sunshine and perfect
faith and love, that I almost Eless the
wretched night spent upon receiving
my Bessie's note.