The Forrest City times., 1892-05-20
CHAPTER TX.
sIrMRERING ON A VOLCANO.

CHAPTER TX.
 sLUMBERISG ON VOLCANO.
 Ruth bore her sorrow patiently. She had settled within her own mind that Basil had been lured away from her. and in her heart she forgaye him.
 Some people would call this womanly for riyeness woman's weakness, but we prefer to give if the true name of woman's unsel- fish love.
 She did not extend her forgiveness to her supposed rival, that would have been more than one could expect from mortal woman. For her Ruth had nothing but good honest hate.
 There were no signs of sickness in her. though her secret suffering was great. Any display of emotion or utterance of vain re- gret she felt would be unworthy of Moore of Gordonfells.
 She was certainly as like herself as her dearest friends could have wished her to be. The brief repugnance she felt for Vida's society passed away.
 She fought against it because she was convinced it was unjust, and conquered it. Ere long they were on the cid footing of sisterly love and confidence. the confidence being, of course, mainly on Ruths side.
 But there was one person at Gordonfells who avoided Vida as much as possible, and that Phoebe, the maid who was supposed to be attendant to both the cousins, and she gave most of her service to Ruth.
 The repugnance was mutual. Vida soon entertained strong dislike for the girl, and declined her offered services. If she had dared, she would have done her best to get her dismissed; but dread of something held her back. Phoebe might know a little and suspect more. If so, it was policy to eonciliate-or | remove her.
 Ruth noticed this feeling between them, { and mentioned 1t to Vida, who laughed, ,and declared she would rather be without a maid.
 ] Phoebe is devoted to you" she said, 'and | no woman can serve two mistresses."
 Then Ruth tried Phoebe, and made no more headway there.
 If you please, miss" the girl said, Miss i Vida doesn't want me, and it's no use my offering to do anything"
 The offer of a separate maid Vida refused and then the matter dropped. | Meanwhile, eompensating feeling fol Vida had arisen in another direction.
 Kenard was becoming devoted to her. l He was handsome high-spirited young fellow, not absolutely without guile, or he would have been fool, but with an honest heart and a ready belief in others.
 In Vida he now saw qualities and charms | that had escaped his notice during his boy hood and youth.
 They were cousins, had been brought uI together, and much freedom of intercourse was allowed them
 They walked, rode, and drove alone, with out exciting much comment on the part ol their friends at Gordonfells.
 Ut would be something to be mistress here" Vida thought, land it will be better than dragging on life alone" ] She did not love him. for her heart hac been given to Basil Brandreth, and every day that hopeless love gathered strength and kept her soul upon the rack.
 Her life was very miserable.
 The memory of the dead man lying in tn, belfry was alone sufficient to embitter it No discovery was made, but every day shs dreaded to hear the hubbus of it. and tc have to listen to the murder being discussed and to see the police at their investigating work.
 But nobody visited the belfry, and thu body of the murdered gipsy lay wasting away undiscovered.
 So having made up her mind to be Mrs Moore, Vida gave Kenard encouragement and secret troth was plighted between them, and it came to pass in this way.
 Months had passed, and 1t was a close sul try summer day, when Kenard and Nid' were boating on the lake. He had beei rowing. but having laid aside the oars, th' boat drifted in among some rushes, whicl hid them from the view of all around.
 How careless of you, Kenard, said Vidi with a smile.
 Let us rest here little while," he an swered; "l have something to say to YOU.
 She knew what was coming, but kept he eomposure. Had she really been in low with him it would have been different. Sh would have shown some signs of trepida tion. for love in a woman will find expres sion in spite of efforts to conceal.
 Vida" he said, bending his earnest eye on hers, you have guessed that you ar l more than cousin to me?'
 s'I have not of late dared to guess mucl concerning you" she answered in loy tone.
 But you must have seen my devotion, he said. Vida. have l allowed love t l ktON III ny ouAl HUT " VI WtAAC | againYi
 You forget, Kenard.'' she said after rcuse. .that our voices will not alone suffice Mr. Moore and my dear aunt may probabl object to our loving each other. Indeed, am sure they will"
 Il do not think as you do" he rejoined "and if they are against us, it will no change me"
 You will risk much, Kenard."
 ~And gain much. my darling. Oh, Vida do not turn a deaf ear to me. l am n sehoolboy asking girl to love him, but man pleading to woman for something that Is dearer than life itself"
 "Kenard" said Vida softly. II do no know that l ought to make confession O what lies in my heart buff were nor worthy"
 More worthy. Vidal Itis Iwto am uu worthy"