The Press., 1892-08-04
around it. she stopped and looked at the

around it. she stopped and looked at the fine old place that might have been home to her. A low stone wall marked the extent of what was once the Douglas land, and though it was broken and ir- regular in some places. the vines and wild roses had grown over and among the great stones and lent their fresh green leaves and sprays to hide the rav- ages of time.
 On one of the large stones Margery seated herself under the shade of an oak, which stretched its strong arms fax and wide From her innocent cx- perience she could little guess the riot ous living-the revels of bad men and bold women-which had taken place within he walls of the house stall,.ing almost deserted now by the roadside
 AS she sat for few moments looking absently in that direction, d little gate to the left of the main entrance sudden ly opened, and man passed through into the road and came walking quickly toward her. She started as she recog- nized the dark face and decided move ments of MT. Somers. his large frame looking larger than usual ill his gray tweed suit. He looked so strong and determined that she began to fear that the business between them might not be so easily settled as she had thought. His face frightened as he came toward her, and stretching out his hand and taking hers, he said eagerly:
 'You will not lay up the evil deeds of my people against me, will you. Miss Margery? MT. Nelson told me he had written you the story and told you of my desire to make what little repara- tion is in my power. Before you and met that stormy evening had told MT. Nelson that l was determined to restore the place, if any heir of the rightful owners could be found."
 "Yes. received MT. Nelson's letter last evening You may read my an swer to it and see my decision" she said, feeling strangely nervous and find ing it hard to talk freely under that earnest gaze. She rose and drawing the letter from her pocket handed it to him. He opened it and glanced quickly over the contents.
 You see l will not take it from you,' she said, and raised her brown eyes reso- kuCc1y ttS Su0 opOhO, Uul ucI SISLIlC0 lc1l before the indomitable will she read in his deep set eyes and her color rose. Did she read yet another message in them?
 "I think you must. 1t would not be right for me to keep it, unless" sand as he watched her face intently he spoke in different tone, though he was still pale with the thought of all that hung in the balance-''you will consent to a compro- mise, and share it with me" and he bent over her as she leaned against the old stone wall. while the wild roses peeped from behind it at Margery's pretty cheeks. which rivaled their own pink petals. Ut could never be home to me unless you will lay the ghosts within it's walls by your sweet presence. If by my love and devotion can make you happy there as my wife, shall feel that out of the evil of the past has come to me, little as deserve it. such happiness as had never dreamed of until knew you," and he took her hands in his strong ones and drew her to him. "Tell me if you could be happy there with me. :"
 She raised her eyes then and met his for second as she said:
 "Yes, for love you" Then she hid eyes and bushes against the tweed shoul- der so conveniently near, and the wild roses nodded approval to each other in the June sunshine.
 THE END