The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-11-04


was bright as a sunbeam and so
sweetly affectionate. Then her CAV
spirits would sink, her face become
pale and shadowed, and the persist
ence with which she avoided him gave
him profound pain.
Little Berry, what is itP What
have done to offend youP' he ques-
toned, one evening, finding her alone
before dinner.
She shrank from his caressing hand.
and her lips trembled sorrowfuily.
Are you not happy, BerryP Is
there anything you want me to do for
you? Has my mother not been kind
to you?"
The tender concern in his voice in
creased her agitation; she turned to
him and laid her head against his
arm, in perhaps, the first caress she
had voluntarily proffered him since
she had been under his guardianship.
You are too good to me; and am
afraid | shall anger you,n she whis-
pered.
He passed his hand lovingly over
her curls, and curious thrill ran
through his veins as he noticed how
trustingly she clung to him.
Anger me, my dear little BerryI'
he repeated. Put such thoughts
away from you; there is not much you
could do that could not forgive. Try
and look more cheerful, sweet; have
you forgotten the ball to-nightP''
She paled and hid her face against
his breast. He saw that she was trem-
bling still, and wondered to see her so
moved.
mo; / have not forgotten, she an
swered, and as Lady Marion Leigh
entered the room at that moment their
tete-G-tete was broken, much to Gil
bert's regret. Nor did he have an
other chance of speaking to her alone,
as Immediately after dinner she has
tened to dress for the ball.
Very lovely she looked in her fairy
like robes of snow-white gauze, a
wreath of delicate flowers on her head,
and costly pearls twined round her
| throat.
You look like an angelr' Walter
| whispered, as he wrote his name
against several dances, then he added
anxiously, and in lower tone, You
are prepared, BerylEyou have not re-
lented?''
Her quick look answered him, and
| he drew back satisfied, to make room
| for the eager throng that rapidly sur
rounded her. Never, he thought, had
| she seemed so beautiful so innocently
| bewitching, as tonight, with that soft
| flush on her cheeks, and her eyes shin
ing like stars.
The hours few by. and excitement
was at its height when Walter Conisby
drew Beryl from the room and down
the wide staircase.
1T is time. You are not afraid.
dearestP"
NO" she answered; but the word
was family spoken. and she shivered
a little as she glanced apprehensively
| around.
Five minutes later they were seated
side by side in Walters sleigh. and
gliding swiftly and smoothly over the
frozen ground.
At first the novelty of the position
amused her; it was sweet to be with
the man she loved, and an excited
thrill stirred her heart when she re.
membered the object of their journey,
Then she thought of Gilbert, his un.
bounded kindness. and the sorrow hel
| disobedience would cause him.
You are silent, sweetheart, Walter
remarked. freeing one hand from the
reins and clasping hers. Are you
coldP"
"a little. Have we far to goP"
About ten miles," he answered,
drawing the rug closer about her. 81
am sorry it is not nearer, for your
sake. Beryl; you will be tired"
Never mind, Wallie, shall be all
right, she said. trying to speak cheer
fully, but in spite of herself her voice
would quiver.
They were driving through dark
and dreary place; on one side thick
forest extended for many miles. on the
other lay vast piece of moorland.
The cold was intense. and the wind
swept wildly over the trees.
OF a sudden the ponies swerved.
pranced from side to side, then stopped
short.
Beryl shrieked, but Walter, after
whispering few reassuring words in
her ear, descended and taking one oi
the lanterns, went to see what had
happened. His disgusted exclamation
made the girl lift her head and peel
anxiously out.
s.What is it. WalterP"
Something's gone wrong with the
traces. and the worst of it is. I CAM
see what it is.
docs it matter? Can't you drive
on all the sameP" Beryl asked, hel
heart sinking.
NO" he replied, in rueful tones
II must mend them up bit. Dom
move, darling; won't be longer thar
l can help"
Beryl sighed as she lay shiveringly
back. For some time her soul hac
misgiven her as to the wisdom of thu
step she was taking, and now this acci
dent seemed to confirm her fears.
II wish l had not come," sh'
thought. AFTER all. it was very fool
ish, and am afraid Gilbert will neve
forgive me-
Tears gathered in her eyes. and a
no one was there to see them she le
them fall unchecked, each nomen
growing more miserable. A quicl
sound behind of horses hoofs on th
hard ground reused both her and Wal
ter to the delightful conviction tha
help was at hand.
'sHallo!'' he called; and as familia
voice responded. he added glocmily
"Confound it. it's Leigh!'
"Gilbert! Oh, Gilbert! How please
ami Beryl exclaimed, divided no'
between joy and sorrow. He went t
her at once, and lifting her bodily
bore her to his own sleigh. Havin
placed her costly among the war;
rugs he returned to Walter. and j
silence set the troublesome straps t
, rights.
1T is too cold to have an explains
+ ton here of your conduct" he sale
!, when all was finished. Tomorrow
if you are not otherwise engaged.
shall be pleased to see you at Leig
, Court
: Then he sprang beside Beryl, an
turned the horses heads towards hom
! $50 you meant to run away fro
J me, little one?" he whispered. after
lengthy pause; and he pressed vel
tenderly the hand she had slipped I'M
\ his. '.As you are so determined
: marry Walter l suppose | must gil
q my consent. Do you wish it, Berry,
NO" she responded, with a sho
! sob; II don't think ! want him noN
l was silly to think loved him."
q ''Then you are not sorry follow'