Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-11-28
THE GREAT HESPER.
BY FRANK BARRETT.
CHAPTER ". CONTINUED.

1t was not the first time I had heard
him talk in this vein. At Natal, on the
ship, he had been in constant dread OF
being robbed. was glad to get away
from him. As passed the head Of the
stairs in going to my room. distinguish
ed the sound-too distant before to tell
upon my dull ear-of Sir Edmund's voice
and the Judges; they were in the library
below. After dressing, joined them,
and found Sir Edmund greatly interested
in Braces description of gold-mining in
California; subject upon which he
could be eloquent by the hour together.
On the 18th, Sir Edmund, Miss Las
celles and rode over to Southampton.
Miss Lascelles was in her gayest, happi-
est mood, and in her riding-habit looked
more charming than ever.
In returning we met friend of Sir
Edmund's; he accepted the invitation to
take lunch at the abbey, and rode beside
the baronet, ahead of lis. We two took
the hill 30 slowly that, coming to the
crossroads, we could not see Sir Edmund
and his friend. There were two ways to
the abbey. After a little elaboration,
Miss Lascelles laughingly consented to
take the longer one.
The morning was superb; the woods
were glorious. The rich, warm tints Of
the reddening foliage were reflected on
my beautiful companions cheek; her
eyes seemed to catch the glitter of the
dew that still hung on the gossamers. /
forgot what we talked about, but she
was full of mirth, and now and then the
still woods rang with the musical ca
dence of her laugh. But suddenly the
smile died from her face, and she said:
1--WE forgot poor little Lola"
And then, as if the words had conjured
mp her presence, the girl appeared, swift
" speeding between the red boles of the
fr-trees. We stopped, and called:
lola, dear, come and speak to me-"
She stood still, and looked as if irreso-
lutte whether or not to respond to my ap-
peal.
II will stay here. Go to her." said
Miss Lascelles, softly.
but, as if she had OWNED my inten-
ton, Lola shook her head fnournfully, as
she had done before, and gong her way
was presently hid by the tall brake. As
we crossed the opening where we had
previously seen her, looked back, and
perceived her standing in the same place
gazing after US. It was easy to conceive
her misery, and the bitter feelings of her
heart. She was unaltercd, but was no
longer the rough toiler grateful for a tin
of water fetched from the stream. All
that was passed. was no longer her
companion. should never, never more
share her hard fare, and look to her to
lessen the hardships of existence.
On the 10th, we went again into the
woods, but on foot, Miss Lascelles and /,
straying thither without purpose from
the garden, where we met. We came to
a stream bridged by q single plank sup
ported in the middle. There had been q
hand-rail, but it had fallen away in de-
cay. / gave her my hand, the fear Of
falling made her clasp my fingers tight
". She seemed to enjoy the little dam
ger; it animated her face and eyes with
the prettiest, most bewitching expression
imaginable. Her hand seemed to COM
municate the quickened pulsation of her
heart. But it was not fear-it was in
toxication that agitated me; and when
shs put her foot in safety on the bank,
and looked up into my face with bright
laughter, lost my head completely.
kept her hand in mine, and when she
tried to withdraw it, forced it to my
lips, and pressed kiss upon it. The
color left her cheek, and in tone Of re-
proach she exclaimed: "Oh, Mr.. Thorne!"
and was ashamed. We walked home,
and were very silent on the way. /
sought Sir Edmund at once, and, finding
him alone, told him that I wished to
make his daughter my wife. He was
thunderstruck by this sudden and unex-
pected announcement.
81 love your daughter" said, "and !
cannot stay in this house keeping my
passion secret"
''Well," said he, with rather rueful
pleasantly, ''you have lost no time, Mr..
Thorne, but It would have been poor
compliment to my daughter had you
failed to perceive her charms"
81 should be dull indeed had she failed
to impress me" replied.
We talked for some time, and finally
haSaid with emotions: