The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-11-04
BERYL'S ELOPEMENT.

You certainly are very pretty
girl. Berry, and it is only natural all
the young fellows in the town should
be in love with you. but there is no
reason why you should be in love with
one of them.''
Beryl gave disdainful toss of her
curly head. and looked at the speaker
with eyes in which defiance and GER
tain veiled anxiety were mingled.
'1s there any reason why l should
notp" she questioned, shortly.
Gilbert Leigh smiled, and moving
nearer to his ward, laid his hand upon
her shoulder.
You are so young, Berry; you can
not possibly know your own mind"
81 suppose know it little better
than you do" she retorted. Any
how, I love Walter Conisby. and l
mean to marry him."
Providing give my consent"
Beryl shook herself free from his
light clasp, and stood before him with
red cheeks and sparkling eyes.
with or without your consent"
she replied, flashing him another pro-
voking glance. you may manage
my money as you like. Mr.. Leigh. but
l intend pleasing myself in the choice
of husband"
A shadow of pain darkened Gilbert's
brow, and for a moment he found it
difficult to speak. Then, with the in
dulgence one would have shown to a
spoiled child, he said:
'And SO you shall. dear. when the
time comes. You are sensible enough
to see / am right in not letting you en-
gage yourself for another year or
two"
Beryl compressed her lips closely,
and an expression of deep determina-
ton settled on her small features.
Presently she reused herself, and
moved slowly towards the door.
Where are you going, Berryp" he
asked.
She tossed her head. but did not an
swer until he had repeated his ques-
ton.
Skating"
"AloneP Would you like me to go
with you?n he asked, and Beryrs ear
was not quick enough to detect the
eager ring in his voice.
Thank you. no. she responded, the
color deepening in her cheeks. ''Wal-
ter promised to call for me-"
Every we'll, child; and if he should
speak any more nonsense to you just
tell him what | said"
Beryl hurried off, without listening
to the end of his speech. Left to HIM
self. Gilbert signed rather heavily,
and the shadow on his brow grew
more perceptible.
II hate to thwart her," he muttered.
''But she does not really love him; if
she did I should be the last to stand
between them. Her happiness must
always be my first thought"
Meanwhile Beryl. dressed in her
pretty furs and velvet. and carrying
her skates in one hand, was fastening
towards the frozen lake, with Walter
Conisby beside her.
Very Young and handsome did they
both look; he tall. strong limbed, and
of Saxon fairness; she, small and
dainty. with hazel eyes, wild-rose skin.
and silky, nut-brown curls. The cold.
which would have made many shiver,
seemed only to exhilarate these two,
Frightening their eyes and deepening
the carmine tint on Beryrs cheeks.
81 have had scene with the profes-
sor to-day" she remarked, after ar
unusually long silence.
What about? What have you beer
dong nowp" Walter asked, looking
admiringly down into her eyes.
1T was your fault. Wallie. she
said, with a pout. He was cross be
cause said loved you"
Walter laughed, and pressed the
hand lying upon his arm with more
warmth than gentleness.
ssWhat did he say? 1t was awfully
brave of you. telling him that"
Especially as he was dead agains
you He declares l am too young tt
marry, and must not engage mysel
for long time to come. b"
A change passed over Walters face
it grew very glum. and his eyes gaze'
at her in doubt and trouble.
lis that SOP" he exclaimed, uncon
l sciouslv, slackening his steps. But
' my darling. you know you have prom
ised to marry me. and I'm not goin:
10 let you take back your word"
t You must have poor opinion o
, me if YOU think / should want to Civ
YOU up. Wallie," she answered. an in
i dignant light flashing from her eyes
"Whv, my guardians opposition onl
i made me the more determined to b
D your wife,"
Walter caught her in his arms. an
i passionately kissed the fair, fushe
J, face appraised to his.
"My own precious love. l kne'
YOU would be true. But what sha
It we do, dearest. if Mr.. Leigh remain
8 obdurate? He has power to separat
8 u.s."
y .:Not unless we like, darling" Berry
y answered. nesting her cheek to hi:
:, ''If he will not consent to our marriag
q we can take the law into our ow
n hands and elope."
He strained her closer to him an
rained several kisses on her lips an
brow.
"a happy thought" he whispered
'Would you really elope with MI
Beryl, if / made arrangements for
y clandestine marriageP"
II should like it, she responde
with sparkling eyes; lit would be
romantic"
VERY well, then, | will see about
at once," Walter said, and as. after
last embrace, he released her. thu
both laughed with almost childi'
mischievousness.