Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1891-09-24

| particular mornings
They had gone out for a row on tn
lake, and seemed to be enjoying the SC
ciety of each other very much.
Looking at them now, as they are un
der the shade of the large trees whic
skirted the lake, it would be hard to fin
a more perfect type of physical beaut,
than each possessed.
Mr.. Mansfield was man of fine per
sonal appearance, and had all the cul
ture and refinement of true gentle
man.
Miss Forester was decidedly goot
looking; blonde in every sense of tn,
term, but not what is vulgarly called 81
washed-out blonde, for she had all the
bloom and freshness of country girl
accustomed to plenty of fresh air and
exercise.
That is 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 it was an old
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 to a young
gentleman whose name is Walpole. 1t
has been vacant for some time, and no
body seems to know anything about the
present owner"
That is rather strange history"
said he, "and it has aroused my curiosi-
ty. | would like to have look at the
old place some day if you will act as
companion and guide"
" / 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 if it is convenient for you we
will 90 tomorrow afternoon"
This arrangement, and few others of
a 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
for him to spend with Ella.
Company had arrived, and she was
obliged TO entertain them, although if 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 a 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
"Ah!" he thought, "what if it be but
l pleasant dream after all? Perhaps she
'ntertains nothing for me more than
mere friendship, and then all my bright
,isions of future happiness will be gone.
The air castle which fancy has built for
ne may be dashed to the ground by
ruel reality"
After walking some distance in quiet
houghtfulness he came to some definite
understanding with himself, and being
olerably well satisfied with his plans for
he future returned to the house and
Don retired for the night.
Next day Mr.. Mansfield reminded Ella
t her promise to visit Moonlake cottage,
nd shortly after lunch they set out to
torn Mrs. Jones CASTLE" as it was
allied since the old housekeeper had taken
Up her abode there.
81 think we shall have some difficulty
o convince Mrs. Jones that we are not
,oing to carry off the house." said Ella,
IS they came in sight of Moonlake.
eff So, he replied, "we must soften
Ter anxiety by rewarding the old lady
or her trouble. 1t is quite possible
hat Mrs. Jones has little of the weak
less which most housekeepers have un-
Ter similar circumstances.
In answer TO 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 ye 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 ye are thruly
welcome to it from top to bottom, and
don't be at all unaisy about the throuble.
Sure it's glad | am to be able to give We
liberty to go wherever ye plase, sir. "
"Thank you, Mrs. Jones; | am sure
your kindness is all we could wish"
Mrs. Jones was as good as 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, 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 n
beautiful view of the water, then seating
himself close beside her he revealed the
secret of the visit to this romantic old
place.
1t is needless to say by what process of
argument he won Elias trust in his sin.
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,
81 have 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. lpurposely concealed the fact OF