The Forrest City times., 1891-07-31
one ground for hope, in the disincIin-


 As Clifford finished speaking, he be- came aware that his companion was quietly weeping in manner most hopeless to witness, and his love for the gentle solitary orphan girl, left to the care of such a stern unnatural guardian, grew deeper and more fer vent still
 Walking up and down before the old gateway, he soothed her with many re-assuring words, until, just as the church clock chimed the quarter to nine, they both started at the sound of brisk even footsteps advancing toward them. They drew back within the shadow of the arch. but did not re- main unseen, for a cheerful voice cried out
 Give ye good even, sir! I'm late on my way from market, and there's others behind me; the moonlights bright, and tells more truths than one at a time;" and. with curtesy, Il buxom woman, with basket of gro- ceries on her arm went on her way to the village.
 Clifford responded to the womans s greeting; but Lena remained silent, striving to regain her composure. When she was able to speak, she beg ged him in tremulous voice and with terrified air. to let her return home.
 "l will not keep you any longer, dearest. for l know that good Mrs. Topping conveyed some warning in her mysterious greeting, and we might be discovered but, Lena, my mind is made up. am my own master. and 1 will not, cannot have you exposed to such life of cruel restraint, which is wearing away all your energy and crushing out your hope in tears lest you should be forced into marriage with Dumasque. whose character is well known to every man of our set as that of one utterly unworthy the name of gentleman.
 "l am certain he is dreadful man" :" returned Lena with Il shudder, flor he brings with him such terrible con- panions, some of them of the very low est description. l wonder aunt Juliet. who is so proud, allows the house to be disgraced by them. For one reason alone do feel grateful to Gustave. and that is he avoids my company as much as possible when he is at home. l am full of dread now, for every day l expect to hear that he is coming. Oh, Clifford. Iwish you were not obliged to go!"
 Shn 1rovv t,, !, ,;,,,i i,,l l.N,, ,,,ri+n tion; and he stopped moment to draw her cloak more closely round her slender form, as he said firmly
 Il will return at the end of week, or ten days at the very longest. In the meantime, my Lena must take hope and be brave; for when 1 return the old gateway shall witness our final love-tryst. There we will meet for the last time; for you shall leave it's friendly shadow 10 be made my wife. Remember that Mrs. Topping Is our faithful adherent. and do not fear to seek her aid should any unforeseen cir constance urge you to do so. All you have to do. my darling. is to remain quiet and patient until am able to re- turn and release you from your miser- able position. I would do so this very night, with Mrs. Topping's aid; but you know am rich man, with many responsibilities upon my shoulders, and must see my steward and arrange for long absence from home"
 "Ies," replied Lena with deep sigh, T know l am poor, faint hearted, silly girl; but I am so afraid of Aunt Juliet and Judith, her maid They seem to exercise fatal influence over me. one which I am utterly DOW erless to resist. But, Clifford, shall be looking forward day by day for your return, and, whatever may hap pen, l will be brave; I will not let aunt Juliet see that fear her
 Well spoken, my brave one'" re- turned her lover fondly. Be certain that 1 will remain true to my word and hasten back with all possible speed to claim your promise After all, we shall soon meet again; there fore we will put aside our miserable apprehensions and devote the minutes left us to forming some plan to be car ried out on my return. It is Wednes- day evening; 1 shall return here on Saturday week. On that evening meet me at our usual rendezvous at eight o'elock--will you, sweetheart?"
 II will. Clifford. unless aunt should prevent me. But how will you know that? You may imagine me after all unfaithful, untrue to my word;" and she looked up at him wist- fully.
 Never" he said earnestly Trust to me for finding out all about your movements. Do not fear my desert ing you, dearest; and remember that Mrs. Topping loves you. and would serve you to the utmost of her ability. She detests Madam Dumasque, who is not popular in the village-I have found that out in the short visits have made here from time to time; and as 10 her nephew, believe the people hate him."
 My aunt and Gustave have always been regarded as interlopers." rejoin- ed Lena. ''although my father ap- pointed his sister as my guardian, and must have placed the fullest conti- dence in her. But hark-nine o'clock is striking. l must hurry, or I will be discovered.
 The two lovers had reached the great chestnut-avenue. and there they bade each other farewell. Clifford to re- turn to the village. Lena to run to the house and the seclusion of her own room. whence she descended to the