The morning call., 1891-02-10

castically.. ''as you think so much of her;
and you KNOW" significantly, that her
fortune is enormous"
what do you mean?" asked Temple
colby, turning very pale.
AS an heiress she must naturally be at
tractive to a man like yourself, who seeks
the society of rich women"
Miss HelstoneP exclaimed Jack indig-
nantIy.
You need not pretend to be indignant"
she cried, growing angrer and more emphat-
ic. heard all about you."
Who has been slandering me?" queried
the Idol, turbulent light cleaning in his
eyes. " Is 1t your great friend. Captain
Jonesp he might save himself the trouble
OF lying about other fellows. We all envy
him his good luck in being your favorite,
and are ready 10 congratulate him. Is it
Jones? %
Il shan'ttell YOU" cried Agnes. "How
dare you speak in that way! Aud let me
tell you that your attentions to me excite
comment. I find it unpleasant Be good
enough to alter your behavior, and"
Keep away from YOU" interrupted the
Idol in husky tones. 81 will obey your
commands. You shall not have to complain
OF my attentions again." and lifting his hat
Jack turned and walked away without a
single backward glance.
Ihey did not meet again until autumn had
given place to winter, and Jack Frost had
laid his iron grip on the land.
80 severe was the weather that the river
was frozen over and skating was going on
apace. Mrs. Gabriel gave toIch-IighJ
party, and Jack, fearing to offend by another
refusal, went 10 1t. The moon shone bright
ana cold in clear blue sky, aud the torches
threw ruddy light on the dark frost-bound
water and the white banks aud the crowd of
laughing, chattering, gayly dressed folk.
Jack soon tired of 1t. for Miss Helstone
was there, dressed in a bizarre costume, and
escorted by the Colonel of a hussar regi-
ment that was CHARTERED ct c., and he
skated away to a Quieter and more solitary
part, and was cutting figures of eight and
twisting and twirling in a marvellous way
Wien suddenly he was startled by an omi-
nous crack, and then another and yet
another, and, wheeling round, he was going
to make for the shore when slight gIrlish
hgure flew past him, and in an instant he
recognized Agnes by the remarkable white,
fur-trmmed dress.
Turn back-turn back" he shouted. SIT
is not safe"
But she took no heed, only flew on in an
utterly reckless, needless fashion, and he,
| realizing that she was going to her death,
skated after her, going like the wind
His greater strength told, and the dire an
Xiety under which he labored. In minute
or two he was at her side and caught her
arm arreStInS her progress.
" The = ice - is = cracking" he painted.
Turn back at once"
absurd" she rejoined contemptuously.
How dare you stop me?"
Because L will not have you risk your
life" he rejoined, firmly.
"Pshawl ridiculous! Colonel Hammerslev
mas bet ME dozen pairs of gloves wont
skate to the island and bring back a spray
OF mlstletoe. aud mean to do it," she said,
dehantly.
You shall not" and Jacks grasp on her
arm frightened.
81 shall"
But even as she smoke an ominous creak
Ing was heard, and the ice seemed to culver
under their feet.
In one moment, with a terrible heart-sick-
ening throb, she realized the awfuiness of
their position.
Grim Death was looking them in the face
they might never reach the banks again,
One false step and they would SINK beneath
the ice to die mSerably.
on, Jack, save me-" she walled. shud-
derlnS up against him in her terror
Will do my best, dearest" replied the
young man, throwing one arm r0uni her
waist and leading her cautiously toward tho
nearest bank, though the agony of fear he
was enduring on her account was almost un-
bearable.
Slowly they advanced over the slippery
surface, gently treadng when they saw
long cracks in the ereaking ice, and at last
Wern within few PAGES of the bank.
here II was sloppy and wet, and Jack.
With glance Of despair and a sudden For
give Inc, took her up in his arms, and with
a mighty effort, threw her clear on to the
bank, which was nearly flush with the ice.
owing 10 The 1ull state OF the river from the
autumn rains.
She WAS safe, but the exertion was fatal
to him. a hole yawned under his feet and
down lie went fortunately only a little
above his waist. and, stimulated to sRper-
human efforts by her shrieks, he struggled
TO the bank, and with the help of her strong
young arm At last stood safe on terra firma
On! Jack, Jack, she moaued, clinging
your life"
And your own, which is of more conse-
quence." he said quietly, not wishing to take
advantage of her agitation now they were
out of danger.
Not Of more consequence to me-" she
murmured, twisting a button of his coat
round and round rs she leaned against him
agnes, don't say that unless you mean
II, he SAID passionateiy, clenching his hands
to repress the desire he felt to her in his
arms.
Il do mean it. Oh, Jack! will you make
me say il? Don't you know love you?"
He took her in his arms then, SAYING
No, didn't. l thought you hated me ?'
But he altered his opinion after that leng
cllnslng kiss, and forgot everything save
that his first and only love was clinging to
him with fond, confiding tenderness that
made him forget all about her money and
his pride, and long before they had reached
Mrs GaDTlefs villa Agnes had told him that
NV AiNc NlluOul llIu, IUaL Sn6
hated Jones because he had slandered her
idol, and admitted. on being pressed,
that she had refused him at the tennis party,
and was mad with Jealousy of Miss Pope,
while Jack told her that if she had c0ntin-
ued 10 snuO him he meant to leave the army
ana 90 out to sheep-run in Austalia.
80 the Generals nephew did as his uncle
wished Id the end, aud the latter was well
pleased, knowing that Jacks bonnie bride
would often brighten the dear old rooms at
Flas IONS with her sunny presence and
bring joy TO his life, too.-SeIected.