The Forrest City times., 1891-07-31
A Terrible Love Story.
CHAPTER |.

touched, and among the extensive woods surrounding Faireview-the great house of the village of Abbois- ford-there was still much of summer freshness and beauty.
 Faireview deserved it's name. Gray lichens spread like soft protecting fur where the weather-stained bricks were left exposed by the sturdy dark green ivy which clothed it in some parts to the very chimney tops, and among which gentler, less hardy creeping vines clustered in the warmer months of the year. Roses pushed their pink fragrant blossoms through the many quaint open easements; and in the fiower-gardens round the mansion there was d profUsion of beauty and perfume. At the end of a winding walk was a fine old fish-pond. where the golden carp lived in peace and water lilies spread their creamy cups and large green leaves. In the park, about n mile from Faireview, was part of ruin so ancient that it's very namc had been forgotten. and the people called it "The Gateway" as if no other gateway existed. It had been the meeting place of many generations of lovers belonging to the house of Peregrine, and the rendezvous for more than one duel or political in- trigue.
 A young man was pacing thought fully up and down in the shadow of the old arch and the ruined tower Now and then he paused to listen with anxious face and head bent eagerly forward, only to renew his sentinel
 like pacings with evident disappoint- ment and sorrow Presently, how ever. his patience was rewarded-his heart beat wildly at the unmistakable sound of footsteps; and the next mo- ment girl appeared within sight He hurried forward to meet her, lowing low. and greeting her with courtly grace and deference.
 She moved hurriedly and timidly along the grassy pathway, trembling beneath her large black mantle. eager, anxious. loving, yet full of misgivings. To such q girl as Lena Despard, the heiress of Faireview. clandestine meeting with one whom she both hon ored and loved seemed a reproach. let in no other manner could she have learned her fate
 To Clifford Peregrine this secret love-tryst was equally repelant; but, understanding her unfortunate posi- ton better even than she did herself. he ran the risk of such a meeting as this that he might at least comfort her with his counsel and his love. On this night especially Lena was filed with dread, for that very day the young man had been to seek au inter- view with her aunt and guardian. Madame Dumasque. who. by the direction in Mir. Despard's will, pos sessed entire control over her until her twenty fifth year. Lena had met Clifford in the preceding spring at the house of friend; he belonged to a distant branch of her mothers family. and, with this slight thread of interest their acquaintance rapidly developed into friendship, and friendship ripen- cd into love.
 As Clifford drew her hand within his arm, Lena asked hurriedly-
 Have you been to aunt Juliet?"
 He regarded her compassionately, while flush of indignation tinted his handsome features.
 ''l have. dearest Lena-I had an in terview with Madame Dumasaue this morning. Is 1t possible she has not mentioned my visit?"
 "She has not even breathed your name; but this evening. although we sat down at our usual early hour, she remained so long at table that I began to fear l should not secure a moment to myself; and, oh, Clifford. I know it is deceiving aunt Juliet. but I felt must know how you prospered. and that l must bid you goodbye before you leave here! But even now I ought to be on my way back to the house
 Do not distress yourself so, my child!" returned Clifford with gravi- ty far beyond his age. al will go with you on your return, and you shall not be late l promise you.+ 1 wish 1 had good tidings for you, dear; but neither you nor l expected success, therefore, , We are partly prepared for failure. Madame Dumasque received me with 1 her usual stately, cold and formal politeness. and heard all my pleading to the end without single interrup- tion, or even a smile. My anxiety and | suspense made me appear blunder- l ing, conceited fool, l know; but I l to lay before her all the cir of our meeting, our mutual 1 attachment, the nature and condition of my property, and my connection with your mothers family My effort 1 was feeble but sincere; her reply was | brief and conclusive. She rose and l made me a formal curtsey. 'Mr. | Peregrine.' she said. I thank you for | the honor paid by you to my niece and l ward, Miss Despard; but she should | have spared you the humiliation of 1 meeting with a refusal, us she is per- fectly aware that she is betrothed to | my nephew, Gustave Dumasque, which | fact renders it unnecessary for me to | say more Before could reply, she summoned servant and dismissed | me. Don't think me coward, dear est, for submitting to her; but I had | no alternative left me. Madame | Dumasque Is your appointed guard ian for seven more years; and although 1t maddens ! mo to think of this and the fate to ! which she is directing you, I am sure ! that open rebellion on our part would | but hasteu the cgisiA We have still 1