Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1892-03-17

l ANte3hNo anu NtAAhNh
ly.
The excitement of the evening, tht
storm, her fear of what Hugh nigh
say, all combined to put her in th,
widest spirits. Her gay tones anG
soft ringing laughter fioated ou
through the darkness.
Her companion was silent or re
piled to her In monosyllables, unit
the girl was desperate.
She could think of nothing more tC
say and sank back into her cornel
and he remained equally silent anG
drove steadily on.
The wind was rising. They could
hear it among the trees, and sudden
flashes of light showed how they bent
and swayed In the blast.
Then tile curtain on her side of the
vehicle came loose and the rain dashed
against her.
"What is it?" Hugh asked, for she
gave little involuntary cry.
"Only the wind has unfastened the
curtain, it is nothi ng," she said hasti-
ly.
He stopped the horses and essayed
to replace the curtain. No use, the
fastenings were quite gone.
~ will change places with you," he
said.
mo, indeed, I am better protected
than you, I will stay where I am"
"And catch your death of cold. You
shall not. Come"
mo-" said Gilmore, obstinacy get.
ting the better of wisdom. "I will
stay where 1 am"
''Then," he said quietly, IF you
will not protect yourself must do ii
for you" And before she had de-
fined his purpose he had drawn her
towards him and arranged a heavy rug
over her should ers.
"There," he said in a matter of fact
tone, "now the rain can not touch
you"
"But Mr.. Arlington" began Gilmore
"it is quite unnecessary, and l beg you
will not so discomode yourself"
"It does not discommode me in the
least" answered that gentleman imper-
turbedly.
"But 1t is very ridiculous, and wish
you to release me instantly" cried
Gilmore dismayed at the shape affairs
had taken.
II do not see anything ridiculous
about my protecting you from the
Storm" answered Hugh with the
utmost composure, land I hope you
will not distress yourself in the least, y
His tone was 80 matter of fact, yet de-
cided, that Gilmore sat silent, uncer-
tain whether to laugh or cry.
"Of all the provoking menW she told
herself. If ever she got home she
would never go with him any
where again. And yet beneath all
her indignation, was sweet unreas-
oning delight, in thus sitting by his
side, his strong arm around her. They
two alone in the universe, and the
storm raging around themW
Suddenly his voice, low, tender,
broke the silence, Gilmore, you are
silent. Is it that you are displeased
with me-?
No answer from the still figure.
Gilmore" he said again. II love
you, dear, but you, fairly hate me-"
"Yes" she broke forth passionate
ly.
II hate you! t." but she got no
farther, a roar of sound broke over
them, the air seemed alive with light,
there was crash, the afrighted horses
gave one leap over something, and
the next Gilmore knew she was on the
ground, bruised and trembling.
"Hugh!' she called, but no answer,
"Hugh, Hughw she cried again, but
no voice answered her from out the
pitchy darkness.
She crept around on the wet ground
her hand ont outstretched in search of
what? Should, she find him dead
dead with those dreadful words ring
ing in his ears!
10, God, have mercy, she cried in
agony. Suddenly the rain ceased,
the clouds broke away in great masses
and the moon shone out with nell ow
light.
Then she saw him, not far distant,
but lying quite still, the blood trick
ling down his temple. She raised his
head and laid it in her lap.
30, merciful Heaven, he is dead,
and love him, love himw she cried
dispairingly,
Her voice aroused him, the heavy
lips lifted, and the brown eyes looked
straight into hers.
He put his hand to his head, and
arose slowly. "How foolish of me to
lose consciousness at little bump like
that! And I have frightened you?
Are you hurt?n anxiously.
mo" replied Gilmore, not trusting
herself to say more. She suddenly felt
weak and trembling, and seated her
self on the fallen tree, the cause of all
the mischief.
1.-THE serious part is how to get you