Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1892-01-15
A Winter Niglt;;
OR,
Found in a Snow-Drift.
CHAPTER VIII. CONTINUED.

| 'hAii VII. I'D.
Dorothy saw only the love-light in his
eyes, the smile OF welcome on his llps, az
he knelt down and put his arms about her
saying:
"Oh my beautiful love, how have long.
ed for you! Darling, are YOU better? You
are white as the sn0wdrops under your chin,
and your lips look too pale to give me ca.
ress. l will kiss them red again.
Put your arms about my neck, dear; you
need comfort me, for my heart is torn with
anxiety, for, Dora darling, cannot find lit
tie Ally"
"Ah, but you will, darling! l shall soon
be strong and well again, and we will go
out in the world TO look for her together
my womans wit shall help you, and we will
wander the wild world over till we find our
little treasure. Take comfort, dear heart,
she will be well cared Tor and kindly treat
ed, for she is so sweet and loveable no one
could harm hers
''Do you know who stole her, darling?"
mo; who was It? She was very wicked.
the woman who tore her from me that hor-
rible night. Oh, Pierce, why did she do you
such cruel wrong-what spite had she
against your
When you are well enough to hear nv
history, dear, you will understand and pity
me. Now you must think of nothing but
getting well.
NO one has discovered you, dear, that is
good tidings. You could not bear worry
now, my poor pale snowdrOp.'
The dusk came upon them as they sat in
the bright freight, chatting happily.
Pierce held Dorothy'S hand and he look
ed into her face, listening to her voice in a
lull OF spirits very pleasant after the rush
ing life he had led of late.
The next day was dull and stormy. and
after luncheon Dorothy was taken very ten
DERBY into the cosy sitting-room that led
from the hall.
Mrs. Steel had gone home TO see her
youngst rs so the lovers were alone. and.
lover-llke, said many sweet things to each
other.
Pierce put off the unhappy recital of his
history.
Il Twill wait till she has had time to rest
and recover herself" he thought as he look
ed down lovingly upon the little recumbent
hgure on the pretty crimson satin couch.
The starry eyes looked up fondly at him.
the little hands clasped over his arm were
white as tie snowlakes that fell noiseless-
ly outside.
AL inside was warm and cosy, and out
side was chill and dull.
Pierce, after proppng Dorothy up with
pillows bent over her and kissed her fair
face, saying:
How nice it is to be alone together. Dora.
darling! am afraid lovers are very selfish.
they want to. shut all the world out from
even the sight of their happiness. You feel
stronger to-day, don't you? can see Just
faint rosebloom on your cheek like the first
N no cL- I.
is that?'
This last remark was called forth bya
loud impatient knocking at the hall door.
From the sitting-room they could see
carrlage covered with snow, two steaming
horses and coachman in fur cape.
Il will be back directly, dear. Try TO get
9 doze."
Pierce paused on the threshold, the keen J
air flew past him from the open door, fam
ming Dorothy's cheek, and making the fire.
flames leap and dance.
A well-known voice made the blood cur
ole In Dorothy's veins, smooth clear voice
saying:
Il am Horace Middleton, Mr.. Penfold.
and have come TO reclaim something which
you have of mine"
Unless you wish totake the whole house
hold into your confidence, sir, kindly. let
you have TO ask me wait until we
Are alone. Jane. show this gentleman into
NY study, vii join him directly"
Pierce entered the stting-room again. few
% Dorothy's side, and said in low passion
ltc undertone:
Don't be frightened my own darling. all
will be well. Lie still, no one shall disturb
Tou."
"Oh, Pierce. YOU will not let that man
lake me away? ! shall die if you do"
NO one shall take away my promised
WIFE, Trust 10 me. | would rather die than
ose you"
In second he was gone, aud Dorothy,
listening neryously, heard the study door
'pen and close.
she wished she could be invisible for a
gee while and hear what passed between
he man she loved and the man she hated,
lerself unheard, unseen.
She became so nervous at last that she
ang the bell, and requested Jane 10 send
omeone for DR.. Steel at once. Thinking
he felt worse, Jane fastened away to com
'ly with her request
When the two men met face TO face inihe
tudy, where the gas burnt brightly, they
canned each other curiously.
Pierce Penfold was the first TO speak.
What have You to say to me, Mr.. Middle
onY My time is precious please be brief"
Mr.. Middleton, who was a big fair man
With trimly-cut red beard, clever grey
yes, and the smile Of q seraph, said in his
mooth clear way:
u came here, as the police reports say,
rom information received to demand that
~ ward, Miss Cover, of Castle Cover, be ,
sstOred to her proper guard!an-myself.
he ran away in n fit of childish temper ,
arly in the evening of Christmas Eve.
ear she sought shelter here, and has re-
lslned ever since content with the enter :
llnment you have afforded her," :
Pierce Pcnfold's lips curled scornfully,
len' as he was about to reply, Mr.. Middle I
on hastily interrupted him, his suayity !
wing place to rage.
DO not deny the charge Of unlawfully :
arboring an infant in the sight OF the law.
al N gNaNA l.,N.. = 4