Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-03-27
CHAPTER v.
THE VALENTINE.

upon the grass but was turned TO moisture
by the first rays of the sun. The birds chirp-
ed in the wood, the lark sang in the mead
ows, and the cowboy wh,tled cheerily as
he plodded across the park
"a bright, "a beautiful morning 10 make
one glad" thought Ruth, as she opened her
window and looked forth; but Basil is
away, and there is no sunshine for me-
His absence and his silence were TO her
incomprehensble. If detained at home
there were messengers to send. If detain-
ed farther away was there not the wondrous
telegraph-w to bring few words to her?
Why should he be silent? Why should he
b. away?
She Gid not doubt him , her thoughts never
leaned in that direction. He was her af-
fianced husband, and she believed him to be
the soul of honor and truth-only accident
or death could have stopped his coming or
sending message.
The delay of the post experienced in towns
on 81. Valentines morning was not known
AT GOrdonfells. Mr.. Moore had n lctter-bag
which was always first attended TO NJ the
pOSt-aflicc. and one Of his grooms fetched ii
Oh horseback.
As Ruth was looking out Of her window
with aching heart and dim eyes this man
came riding up.
Ruth heard the thud OF the horses hoofs
on the greensward. and fastened down 10
the hall where Barker was waiting with the
key ready to open the bag and sort the do-
mestics' letters from those OF the family.
In the dark shade Of the staircase several
Of the younger seryingmaids were waiting
in giggling expectation Of valentines from
certain rustic lovers.
As Ruth appeared ,hey drew back and
We're silent.
Anything for me, Barker?" she said with
O sadness in her tone that touched the
listeners hearts.
One letter, miss" replied Barker de-
lerentially as he solemnly put an envelope
on q salyer and handed il to her with pro-
found obeisance.
Auth glanced at il and saw that il was
Basps handwriting. The woman-forger,
Vida Moore, had done her work too well,
and even the eyes Of love were deceived.
"All is well" thought Ruth, and over her
face there came a light that was like the
rays of July sun breaking from behind "a
cloud.
Too impatient to go upstairs, she stole in
to "A morning-room and closed the door.
First She kissed tie envelope and then
opened IL.
One glance was sufficient 10 scatter her
10y TO the far corners Of the earth and 20
blanch the cheeks that for brief time were
Ike the sweet blush rose. The forged words
went home 10 her heart like dagger.
But she did not scream or moan or fall
standing erect she read the cruel letter
through:
MY u Az MISS MooRE.- is not with
out much reflection that nave decided Dot
10 come 10 Gordunfells again. | have sir1g-
gled against q warning love, and the victory
mas not been with my desire to be faithful.
IL is better for you and for me that we
should not meet again. Forgive and forget
me. shall be away for some months, and
when | return hope 10 find il possible for
Us 10 meet as friends.
Yours ever sincerely.
BASH BRANDRETH.'
False 10 me. Basil false 10 =" was
al She said, and If ever q heart was really
on the point OF breaking Ruth's was then.
Bat tears. that flow from the safe,y-valve OF
soIrow, saved her, and she sank upon her
knees by chair sobbng like child.
She had been there for minute or SO
when the door opened and Vida came in.
No signs of sorrow or repentance there.
The mornings light had brought with it a
hardness of heart, and her hatred OF her
cousin was as strong as ever.
Drawing up quietly, she stood by the back
OF the chair. looking down upon Ruth with
anger and bitter contempt in her dark, hand
some face. She was Jealous even of the sor-
row Of the poor girl.
IL see | have not done yet she thought.
81 must rend hisvery image from her heart,
and leave her soul desert
"Ruthw
Who's there%' cried the startled girl.
hrriedly raising her head. "Oh, Vida
ida, is it you"'
1T is me" replied Vida. what has Sc;
you IL weeping? Basil may come to-day"
No; he Is false TO me- and cruel" sobbed
Ruth. Then in moment she was defend
ing him: NO, he is not cruel. lie has been
blinded and lured away from me-"
Do not forget that he is a man." said
Vida; and ii is the nature Of men TO be
false"
Not Basil-he was true"
May read that letter?'
Ruth gave it TO her, and she scanned her
own writing with grim smile. AS she
handed il back she laughed bitterly.
Ruth, is that the man to weep forp' she
asked.
II loved himI love him still" pleaded
Ruth.
Even HOW that he is false 10 you?'
Yes: ! can never forget or cease to love
him"
What r little fool you arer' said Vida.
And for a moment the mask had fallen, and
Ruth saw the blacker side Of her nature.
She stared ut her In dismay.
you must not be angry with him, Vida
she said; "he has not wronged you"
He has wronged us ALL" Vida answered.
"You must learn to dcspiSe him, as | do"
But she lied. She had never loved him
more than she did at that moment, and her
dread secret made her burden very heavy to
bear.
Ruth" Vida continued, you must 20 10
your mother at once and tell her of the in
suit that has been offered you"
II Will no. do that, replied Ruth.