Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-12-03

Fividly than all of Derwent's words tn
position and wealth of the people wit
whom his good fortune had associates
him. As he passed the equipage on tn
Paseo. Derwent could not bnt smile a
| the expression Of his mothers face a
she lay back on the softly cushi once
seat regarding with look Of perfec
satisfaction the brilliant scene of which
she was a part
He was not surprised that. when thel
met at dinner. Sibyl's enthusiastic ad
miration overfowed all verbal bounds
''She is simply the most beautiful crea
ture that | have ever seem she said
referring to Zarifa II really did nothing
but stare al her. for she is a perfect
picture of loneliness, And when her
eyes light up. and she makes that fas-
cinating little Mexican salutation with
the fingers, she is utterly bewitching.
Geoffrey. If you We're TO swear until you
We're black in the face that You did not
fall in love with her when you were out
at their place. ! shonld not believe yon.
"There is no need for me to subject
myself to such an unpleasant test. then,
Sibyl," answered Godfrey calmly. But
| may be allowed To remark that it
would be as sensible for me to fall in
love with a royal princess as with Dona
zarifa. She is the greatest heiress in
Mexico. and will no doubt make great
alliance
There is very hackneyed proverb
which it strikes Inc might have an APP
plication in this case. said Halbert,
1--WE know what is said of faint heart
and fair lady The fair lady is here.
May not the faint heart be alsog"
Il really do not see. observed Mrs.
Derwent. why it should be supposed
that Godfrey would hesitate 10 offer
himself to any woman. even if she is
great heiress No one who knows him
could suspect him of an interested mo-
tive. and he has sufficient fortune of his
own
MY dear mother" interposed Der.
went, with a gallant attempt TO laugh.
the matter has not reached the point Of
even contemplated proposal have
the honor to admire Dona Zarifa exceed
ingly. but beyond that my presumption
does not venture.
II am unable to perceive where the
question Of presumption comes in. said
Mrs. Derwent majestically
Derwent did not reply for he was in
deed partly amused and partly irfitated
to perceive that his mother. having been
disappointed in her long cherished hope
Of seeing him marry Sibyl Lenox. had
now conceived the brilliant idea OF an
alliance with Dona Zarifa She would
have shivered at the Thought Of Mexi.
can marriage before coming to the coun.
Try, and especially before Dona Zarifa's |
wealth ard beauty had dawned upon
Ter, but now her imagination was eager |
y at work. The romance as well as the |
old advantage of such a match allured
Ter greatly. and it was evident that she
vould not readily relinquish an idea so
fascinating. Derwent. who felt too sick
t heart with the hopelessness of his pas
ion to argue with or laugh at her. |
trove to avoid the subject. and Sibyl |
Who was soon keen enough to perceive
his, kindly seconded his efforts
When they parted after their drive,
Don Maurizio had said to him: Come
0 see me tomorrow morning. | would
ike to speak with you ON a matter Of
,usiness.r And Derwent lost no time
he next day in keeping the appoint
nent. More than ever now his resolve
vas set on replacing Sibyrs fortune in
IS entirety, and he knew that if he per.
evered in the intentions with which he
anne to Mexico no ore could better d.
ect him toward the means necessary for
is end than Don Maurzio.
"Mr. Derwent." Don Maurizio said.
then they were both seated. II have
confession to make. MS preface
} Il business proposal, ana | win be
mite frank in making it. Briefly.
zen. when You recovered from your
'ound in my house. and when
,und that the stranger had succored
) matter of charity proved to be
entlenan and person Of whom one
light wish to make friend. remem-
cred prudence. and felt that before
Uniting you to friendly intimacy
iould know something about you as
on are known at home. This does not
fend you. hope?"
ION the contrary. answered Derwent.
it is what ! should have desired: for,
aturally, a man who has all his life
coupled "A distinct ard unqueStioned
'cial position is not anxious to appear
! the light Of mere adventurer Of for
Inc. And that. as am well aware, is
hat seemed to you. Welln-he I
niled slightly suppose you made
me inquiries about me-
Eyes. | wrote to an old friend. man
the highest position in New Orleans.
nd this. may remark in passins. did
ot because needed assurance myself.
ut because 1t was an absolutely neces.
ny step if was to help You in bust I
sss point of view. Well. my friends
ply was so fattering that some day 1
III show it to You. Only one thing in
S letter puzzles me a little. After :
'eaklng of your social position an,l your