Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1891-04-17

schoolboy asking a girl TO love him, but
man pleading to woman for something
that is dearer than life itself"
"Kenard," said Vida softly, II do not
know that ought to make confession of
what lies in my heart buff l were more
worthy"
more worthy, Vida? 1t is who am un.
worthy"
mo, Kenard you would make the sacri.
fee" And then the lie came to her lips II
do love you, and it is because have given
my heart to you that will not permit you
to be sacrificed"
"Oh, Vida"
'Hear me out, Kenard. will accept your
profered love on one condition"
you have only to name it, Vida"
ut is that you do not speak Of it at pres
ent. We can be friends, and II in time you
find your heart unchanged, will be your
wife"
Love is impatient and never waits" he
answered.
Love must be patient now"
"Vida," he said, drawing nearer TO her,
'let there be no hating measures with us |;
must know my fate. 1t must be yea or
nay with YOU"
'Of what would the yea avail with us if
Mr.. Moore SAID nay?'
1T would sever him and me, but not harm
you, Vida"
'Kenard, must say no. How could
face my loving guardian, my truest friendY'
us there no other wayp' he asked. Vida,
know you love me and cannot rest with
such an answer. Why should we not be
united secretly?'
mo, KenaTd, no."
at is not so difficult. have a friend liv-
ing not twenty miles from here who would
perform the ceremony at my bidding. We
could ride out one morning, and come back
man and wife. You must not say no."
But she held back. 1t was part Of her
programme to do so, and when he clasped
her in his arms, and the last words of ap,
peal fell from his lips, she whispered:
Tomorrow / will answer YOU"
"Why not now?" he urged.
ut is not long to watt" she replied, "Gnd
IL must be tomorrow"
JIG still pleaded, but she was firm.
Had love not blinded him, he must have
read her then, but he saw nothing before
him but pure-minded loving, beautiful
woman, restrained by maidenly modesty
from yielding to him at once.
And in the answer "To-morow," he read
They fingered long among the rushes, and
Il was Vida who suggested that time had
flown swiftly, and that the luncheon-hour
had arrived.
For my sake" she urged "let us co."
Then lie took the oars again and pulled to
the shore.
Ere they reached Gordonfells the lunch.
eon-gong was sounding.
II tod YOU" she said with an arch glance
at him. Il fear if we are not more prudent
any confession on our part will be super
nuous.'
At the hall-door they met Phoebe, who
curtsed, and said she WAS coming to see IL
they were in the grounds as luncheon was
ready.
She took Vlda's hat and light shawl, and
with visible trepidation turned and went
upstairs.
What is the matter with that girl?" said
Kenard; 'she does not look we'll"
"Phe5e Is a strange being" replied Vida,
"and rather given to troubling herself about
other peoples affairs. She may have been
watching us"
I'm that case, you had better speak to
Ruth"
NO; l think we will leave her alone--for
the present"
Their heightened absence excited no COM
ment except few words from Mr.. Moore,
who said he liked punctuality, and they sat
down, keeping their secret well.
The afternoon they spent with Ruth, and
at an early hour Vida went up TO dress.
Phoebe was in her room, now q most I'M
usual thing, and busy with something on
the toilet-table.
Vida took chair without speaking, and
waited for her to 60, but she moved slowly
about, and made no offer to leave.
Phoebe said Vida sharply, II shall not
want you to-day"
VERY well, MISS
Still she did not go, but stood like one ir.
resoute. Vida's face flushed with anger.
"IIave you grown stupid?" she asked.
mo, miss" said Phoebe, facing about,
"Tm as sensible as / usually am, but I've
something to say, and don't know how to
say it."
She was trembling, butunder her nervous
ness there lay the courage to 20 through
with what she had in hand. Vida stared at
her with growing GOODNESS upon her heart.
TITS Mr. kenard l wish TO speak about"
said Phoebe. Hes in love with you,miss."
"How dare you speak to me of such a
thing" demanded Vida, springing to her
feet with the look of an Infatuated tigress.
~ dare, MISS" returned Phoebe, each mo-
ment growing bolder, because l am in the
right Everybody is blind but me, and
can't see him led away by you"
And you-yOu-low-bred wretch" said
Vida, white hot with passion, "yol dare to
speak thus 10 me?'
'Yes, miss, because | can't see Mr.. Ken
ard led TO ruin" said Phoebe firmly "and
although l don't wish to utter any threats,
/ beg to say that il you don'tspa Mr.. Ken
ard that will go to Mr. Moore with what /
know; and / think youhad better heed me,
j do indeed, miss"
Vida looked at her, and saw the resolution
in the simple girls eyes. 1t made her quail,
and she was none the less afraid of her be-
cause she could only guess at the extent Of
the information she possessed.
"PhGbe," she said, with violent effort,
shave l ever been your enemy%
mot as l knows of, miss" was the reply.
"Why, then, are You mine"
TIN not your enemy, miss, and il may
be so bold, I'd say that you've not an enemy
in the world like yourself I'm sure it's not
for me to wish to harm you."
~ believe you are a good girl, " said Vida;