Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1891-10-08

H~ttI AAtA& b'AA' Vut LII q INV VA tAI
lake, and seemed to be enjoying the so
ciety of each other very much.
Looking at them now, a. they are un-
der the shade of the large trees which
skirtcd the lake, It would be hard to find
a more perfect type of physical beauty
than each possessed.
Mr.. Mansfield was a man of fine per-
sonal appearance, and had all the cul-
ture and refinement of true gentle
man.
Miss Forester was decidedly good
looking; blonde i'm every sense of the
term, but not what is vulgarly called "a
washed-out blonde" for she had oil the
bloom and freshness of country girl
accustomed to plenty of fresh air and
exercise.
THAT is a decidedly old-fashioned
cottage" said Mr.. Mansfield, as they
came in sight of Mr.. Walpole's place;
"do you know the history oft, Miss For
rester?"
"Oh, yes" said she, "but don't sup
pose it would be of much interest TO YOU
belive the man who built 10 was an old
English gentleman who took fancy to
the situation and bought the place. 1t
was said that he lived a rather reckless
life and killed himself by high living
The property then descended from one
to another, and now it belongs 10 young
gentleman whose name is WalpoIe. 1t
has been vacant for some time, and no.
body seems to know anything about the
present owner"
"That is rather a strange history"
said he, "and 1t has aroused my curiosi-
ty. would like to have look at the
old place some day if you will act as
companion and guide"
Il think would make poor guide"
said Ella, " but will go, nevertheless, if
it is any pleasure to YOU"
Thank you" he replied anything
in which you are concerned cannot fail to
have an interest and pleasure for me /;
therefore ii it is convenient for you we
will go tomorrow afternoon"
This arrangement, and a few others of
similar nature being amicably settled
they returned TO the house, and were sur
prised to find the family waiting supper
for them, as it was long past their tea
hour.
That evening was rather an unpleasant
one for Mr.. Mansfield, as there was no
opportunity for him TO spend it with Ella.
Company had arrived, and she wars
obliged to entertain them, althoughif the
truth must be told she would much rather
have been otherwise employed.
Mr.. Mansfield being thus thrown upon
his own resources went out for quiet
stroll. The night was fine and bright,
and as he walked along his thoughts were
of the beautiful girl who had been the
bright star of his life since he came to
Moonlake.
"Ah" he thought, "what if it be but
pleasant dream after all? Perhaps she
entertains nothing for me more than
mere friendship, and then all my bright
visions of future happiness will be gone.
The air castle which fancy has built for
me may be dashed to the ground by
cruel reality"
After walking some distance in quiet
thoughtfulness he came to some definite
understanding with himself, and being
tolerably well satisfied with his plans for
the future returned to the house and
soon retired for the night.
Next day Mr.. Mansfield reminded Ella
VI DiOnilSO W NlHlL NlOOllttkt COllttRt,
and shortly after lunch they set out to
STERN MRS. Jones CASTLE" as it was
called since the old housekeeper had taken
up her abode there.
II think we shall have some difficulty
TO convince Mrs. Jones that we are not
going to carry off the house" said Ella,
as they came in sight of Moonlake.
"If So" he replied, 1--WE must soften
her anxiety by rewarding the old lady
for her trouble. 1t is quite possible
that Mrs. Jones has little of the weak
ness which most housekeepers have un-
der similar circumstances.
In answer to a loud knock at the door
Mrs. Jones made her appearance, and
greeted the strangers very cordially.
Mrs. jones'" said Mr.. Mansfield,
"have you any objection,to allowing us
the privilege of spending an hour in your
cottage? We have quite curiosity to
see the place
"Oh, sure We are heartily welcome, sir,
and the young lady, too. Indade / am
only sorry that the house is not cleaner
than it is, but such as it is We are thruly
| sre,eosass 90 Sc FROM Top 60 bottonns ufsI
don't be at all unaisy about the throuble.
Sure it's glad | am TO be able to give we
liberty to go wherever we phase, SIR"
Thank you, Mrs. Jones; / am sure
your kindness is all we could wish"
Mrs. Jones was as good rs her word,
and they had ample opportunity to see
the house under her supervision. The
droll manner in which she entertained
them while opening the several rooms
for their inspection was, indeed, u treat
in itself, and they left the house per-
fectly satisfied with Mrs. Jones and the
rest of the curiosities of Moonlake cot
tage.
After leaving the cottage they wan
dered through the grounds, chatting gay
ly about the scenery.
But Mr.. Mansfield had not suggested
this excursion merely for the purpose of
seeing the old cottage. He conducted
Ella to quiet little summer-house which
was close TO the lake and commanded u
beautiful view of the wnter, then seating
himself close beside her he revealed the
secret of the visit to this romantic old
place. se'.-s--u
IT isneedIess to say by what process OF
argument he won Elias trust in his sim
cerity; but in very short time she was
folded in the arms of her gallant and
truthful lover.
And now, my darling Ella" said he,
II have a surprise in store for you. My
name is not Mansfield, as have led you
to believe, and trust you will forgive
the deception when / have time to ex-
plain. / purposely concealed the fact of
my wealth, that might win a woman
who could love me for myself alone.
This property belongs to me, and am