St. Landry democrat., 1891-11-14
close observer might
them tooether on this

a. more perfect type o. ply SAUL V6dLttJ
than each possessed.
Mr. Mansfield was G man Of fine per-
sonal appearance, and had all the Gull
turc and refinement Of true gentle
man.
Miss Forester was decidedly good
looking; blonde in every sense Of the
term, but not what is vulglrly called 80
washed-out blonde" for she had all the
bloom and freshness of a country girl
accustomed to plenty Of fresh air and
exercise.
THAT /. & decidedly oll.tashioned
c;ttage," said Mr.. Mansfield, as they
came in sight of NJ. N'alpoIc's place;
"do you know the history oft, Miss For
tester?"
ooh, yes" said she, "but ! don't sup.
pose it would be Of much interest you.
| helive the man who built it was IN old
English gentleman who took f. fancy TO
the situation and bought the place. It
was said that he lived a rather reckless
life and killed himself by high living.
The property then descended from one
to another, and now it belongs to Young
gentleman whose name is Nalpole. 1t
ha. been vacant for some time, ana no.
body seems to know anything about the
present owner"
THAT is rather strange history"
said he, "and it has aroused my curiosi-
ty. would like 10 have & look al the
old place some day if you will act as
companion and guide"
~ think I would make poor guide, -
said Ella, " but I will 60, nevertheless, if
it is any pleasure to you"
Thank you" he replied; anything
in which you are concerned cannot tail To
have an interest and pleasure for NE ;
therefore If it is convenient for you we
will 60 Tomorrow afternoon"
This arrangement, and few others Of
G similar nature being amicably settled
they returned to the house. and were sur
prised to find the family waiting supper
for them, as it wes long past their tea
hour.
That evening was rather an unpleasant
one for Mr.. Mansfield, cs there was No
opportunity for him to spend it with Ella.
Company had arrived, ard she WIS
obliged to entertain thsm, nltaoughif the
truth must be tod she would much rather
have been otherwise employed.
Mr.. Mansfield being thus thrown upon
his own resources went out for puier
stroll. The night was fins and bright,
and as he walked along his thoughts were
Of the beautiful girl who had been the
bright star Of his life giuce he came to
Moonlake.
"Ah" he thought, "vhat if It be but
a pleasant dream after all? Perhaps she
entertains nothing for me more than
mere friendship, and then all my bright
visions Of future happiness vii! be gone.
The air castle which f4ncy ha5 built for
me may be dashed to tie ground by
cruel reality"
After walking some distance in quiet
thoughtfulness he came 10 some definite
understanding with himself, and being
tolerably well satisfied with lis plans for
the future returned to the house ana
soon retired for the night.
Next day Mr.. Mansfield reminded Ella
Of her promise to visit AIoon!oke cottage,
and shortly after lunch they set cut to
storm Mrs. Jones castle" as It was
called since the old housekeaper had taken
up her abode there.
u think we shall have some difficulty
to convince Mrs. Jones that we are not
going to carry of the house." said Ella,
as they came in sight Of Moonlake.
"1f SO" he replied, eve must soften
her anxiety By reTarding the old lady
for her trouble. It is quite possible
that Mrs. Jones has little Of the weak
mesa which most housekeepers have IN
der similar ctrcumsta nGes."
In answer to loud knock at the door
Mrs. Jones made her appearance, and
greeted the strangers very cordially.
Mrs. Jones'" said lIr. Mansfield.
have you any objection to allowing us
the privilege Of spending an hour in your
cottage? We have quite ii curiosity to
see the place"
"Oh, sureye are heartily welcome, sir,
and the young lady, too. Indade l am
only sorry that the house is not cleaner
than it is, but such as it is ye are thrulv
welcome to it from top to bottom, and
don't be ut all unais7 about the throuble.
Sure it's glad I Am lobe able to give ye
liberty to 60 wherever ye p!ase, sir. !,
Thank you, Mrs. Jones; I an sure
your kindness Is all we could wish
Mrs. Jones was as good as her word
and they had ample opportunity to see
the house under her Supervision The
droll manner in which she entertained
them while opening ths several rooms
for their inspection was, indeed, q treat
In itself. and they left the house per-
fsctly satisfied with Mrs. Jones and the
rest Of the curiosities Of Moonlake cot
tage.
After leaving the cottage they wan
dered through the grounds, chatting gay.
ly about the scenery.
But Mr.. Mansfield had not suggested
this excursion merely for the purpose OF
seeing the old cottage. He conducted
Ella to quiet little summer-houss which
was close to the lake and commanded a
beautiful view Of the water, then seating
himself close beside her he revealed the
secret Of the visit to this romantic old
place.
It isnaed!ess to say By what process Of
argument he won Elias trust in his sin.
cerity; but in q very short time she was
folded in the arms Of her gallant and
truthful lover.
Sand now, my darling Ella" said he,
II have surprise in store for you. My
name is not Mansfield, as have led you
to believe, and trust you will forgive
the deception when I have time to ez-
plain. purposely concealed the fact Of
my wealth, that ! might win a woman
who could love me for myself alone.
This property belongs to me, and an
Alfred Walpole, at your service.
The surprise did not affect Ella enough
to cause reaction in her feelings toward
her lover, and they returned to her
fathers house as happy as moEtals can
~ yIo1-o -ro7,}ri