Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-12-25

my word against his. live in dread or be-
ing found by him. What can do, Pierce?'
Pierce looked gravely perplexed.
only husband could dispute his control
over you. We must hasten our marriage,
my queen. j will go to London and make
the preparations; you must follow with the
child. You are not safe here . day, any
moment he may discover you.
IL know Horace Middleton well, l have
had business dealings with him and liked
him immensely. Love for you must have
turned his brain, or he never would have
proved such bastard to you. There is not
man more looked up to and respected in
all South Wales. Fancy you being John
Covers only child! should not have con-
nected you with the notice in the paper,
but for the de cription If the jewels you
wore-that quaint cross and this ring.
He took her hand and looked at the heavy
ring she wore with its masonic emblem.
'rhe ring was the dear dads, he always
wore it, and since my mothers death have
never taken il off,
Pierce stopped down and kissed the little
hand fondly, looking very grave. He was
a man Of fair fortune, and good birth and
connections, but it was one thing to marry
a penniless girl without home or friends,
and another thing to marry the heiress Of
Castle Cover.
The Cover collieries were Of great value,
there was property besides and she seemed
such n child; she had never been allowed to
see the world and make choice for herself.
1t seemed taking an ungenerous advant.
age of her love and faith to bind her to him,
she might regret il.
He told her all this sensibly and clearly,
but in answer to all objections she laid her
pretty face against his arm, and looking up
with beautiful eyes she said.
IL love you, Pierce, and perfect love cas-
teth out fear. would rather be your wife
than crowned Queen of England"
But suppose you should see someone you
could love better my beautiful darling,
would you not blame me for rushing you
into marriage when all the advantage
comes to me!'
You don't believe in my love, Pierce.
Indeed | do not think your love perfect if
you could so coolly resign me-"
"Coolly resign you! On, Dorothy, how
you misjudge me! l only try to see what is
best for you. You are such a child, q man
would be a scoundrel 10 allow his own
wishes TO influence your life. Oh, my dear,
my dear, it is the greatness OF my love that
makes me ablo 10 look only TO your side Of
the bargain; you have all to lose, al to
gain"
IF you won't marry me, at least you
won't send me back, Pierce?'
God forbid, chiidl How can you ask
me? Are you sure You do not want to be
married just to get away from bondagew
Dorothy's eyes filled with tears.
"Oh, you are cruel, Pierce! What can !
do or say TO convince you of my lovep'
II am cruel to be kind, Dora darling.
True love is unselfsh. i know what 1t is TO
wake up, too late, to the knowledge of hav-
ing ruined ones life by one mad act"
You were not happy with your wife,
Pierce?"
Happy! Oh, Heaven knows l was not
/ cannot talk OF it TO you, darling; thank
God you could not understand such unhap-
piness as l suffered, or conceive such
wrong Us endured, possible. Don't talk Of
that, my precious 1t upsets me"
What do you intend to do with me,
Pierce?"
Love you and stand between you and
evil. will go to town tomorrow and con-
suit my lawyer. You are under age. l dc
not know that marriage would be legal I'm.
Wei thcec ChCuihotalCcS' suPpoSS ~ "ot'iu
not be possible to persuade your guardian
10 consent to our union?'
Indeed to goodness no. You don't know
the man; he is madly Jealous and believe
he loves me as well as he knows how ia
love. Besides, there is so much property
TO be gained; he is ambitious, wants sea,
In the House Of Commons, and hopes 10
gain the height of his ambition with my
money"
TO BE CONTINUED.