The Sunday morning news., 1891-02-22

held attractions for their inmates which
they had not hitherto possessed.
Certainly, in removing her daughter
| rom the influence of one lover, Mrs.
Mondeville had not meant to subject
her to the opportunities Of two. Carl
yon, drawn perhaps by visions Of the
ample dowry destined for, and Ralph
blase as he was-actually touched with
| an approximation to noble sentiment,
were both soon numbered among her dew
otees
Bertha's position was becoming ex-
trelnely unpleasant. A note sznuggled
out despite the watchfulness of the maid
brought no response from Henry Ber-
nard Her mother remained unmoved
by her urgent entreaties for speedy
return, and meantime the two Carlyons
urged their individual suits with per-
sistent ardor.
| Ralp, inapulsive and passionate, could
wait to take no polite moves in prose-
cutting his wooing. His very earnestness
would have pleaded powerfully for him
had not the girls heart end mind been
filed with other love and ether thoughts.
He came in upon her suddenly one aft
ernoon when he knew her to be alone.
"Tt's the old, old story, Bertha, that
want TO tell you" he said. 81 suppose
| am not worthy of you, for I've been .
wild blade in my time, but will make
myself better when you give me the
dear assurance am waiting tor. Bertha,
love, come to me-
His dark face, handsome despite the
lines dissipation had left upon it, grew
tender. His eyes looked down in hers
with eager, impassioned light Bertha's
heart throbbed pityingly as she realized
the pain her words must infict upon
him.
"Oh, Ralph, had hoped you might
not subject me to this testi It would be
cruel to give you false hope, for / can
never be more than your earnest friend.
Forget that you have ever cared for me,
and bestow your love on some one who
viii make you happier than / ever
could"
"Berthai Berthal You can't mean
to leave me in utter despair? Iwin wait
and work, and prove myself better
man than have yet been. Only tell me
that there is a chance Of winning you at
lastl'
"It never can be, Ralph Because
because love anotherl''
The still, white rage which settled
down upon his face frightened her more
than if he had broken out in angry
words.
81 shah not give you up, neverthe-
less" he said, with quiet intensity.
''Give me a little hope and an equal
chance, and will try for your love by
fair means; bat by measures foul or fair,
no other man shall ever ever take you
from mel"
With that he returned, leaving her abb
ruptly as he had come, and his quick
steps gave back sharp ring from the
paved walk without. At little dis
tance he encountered the elder Carlyon,
who accosted him, timing his leisurely
pace to the others hasty strides.
Easy, my sonl Ihave some inforna-
ton which it may be best to impart at
once. happened to overhear your con-
versation of moment ago-by the way,
you should never make love near open
windows and am gratifed to know that
Bertha holds such an important place in
your estimation
''Ahi" Ralph waited, knowing that
something more lay behind that suaye
address.
Eyes, but Unjust warn you against your
own impetuous nature, which may lead
you to extremes. AS she said, it is quite
impossible for her to regard your suit
with favor"
MAY ask whyr'
Simply because intend to marry her
mysclfp
'1By heaven, you shall notw
The elder Carlyon dropped his eyelids,
trick of his when angered.
''Did you ever know me to relinquish
a purpose
'sOr me to fail in making good my
words? / would kill any man ere he
should thwart me or brave me by faunt-
ing her preference"
/ Each read indomitable resolution in
the others face. The gauntlet was cast
between them. and hereafter only bitter
enmity could mark their mutual rela-
ton.
A week wore heavily away. Then
Ralph disappeared, went no one knew
whittier, and Bertha awoke to con-
sciousness that she was no better than q
prisoner in the old hall. The maid had
been bribed to cooperate with the elder
Carlyon, and he himself announced his
| purpose with quiet steadiness of man
ner which would admit of no gainsaying.
With his ruthless win crushing down
all obstacles in his way, and no com
munication with her friends permitted,
save such as he dictated, Bertha felt that
her opposition must give way before the
cruel forces he brought to bear upon her.
at last he gained his purpose. How
he accomplished it himself and the maid
best knew. But the clergyman was
| waiting at the chnrch md Ra.tl,a