The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-05-13

ther figure made its way across the
moorland toward Briar Lodge-a taller,
statelier figure than Herbert's. 1t was the
Colonel himself. 1t was over twenty
years since he had taken chat walk, and
he hesitated now-almoet afraid to stir
the slumbering passion of his youth. He
had fought long, hard battle, and il he
had not been victorious, he had at least
retreated with flying coiors. Why should
he jeopardize the little that remained of
his future for the sake of Herbert's hap.
piuess2 The thoughtless boy might be
grateful to him for an hour, and then he
woulG live his life alone; for Madeline's
daughter should not haunt him always
with her presence. That would be too
much. AT fifty, when the sun of youth
is forever set, and the twilight shadows
creep on apace, he should have peace,
undisturbed by the gnawing of pain
which he thought dead.
But as he strobe along, his fine figure
alert with graceful, easy motion, and IN
eager look in his dark eyes, one might
almost have iancied that the years which
had silvered his hair had done no further
damage. And he was himself surprised
TO nnu MS neart beating WIN the OLD
impatient throb, as he traversed the well
remembered path.
The sun had vanished behind the hill,
leaving a misty pink trail, when at last
Colonel Overton passed up the pretty
walk which led to Briar Lodge.
How strangely familiar everything
looked without. The garden still pre-
and an unwonted flush came to his hand
some face as he said
az am sorry for this, Herbert. Had
you contided to me sooner / might have
spared you much pain. Such a thing
cannot be thought Of, and let me advise
you, my boy, to go back to the city.
The only hope for your peace OF mind is
to root out this unfortunate love-"
Herbert looked flushed and indignant.
81 do not wish to root it out, uncle, you
do not know Mildred. She is truth and
sweetness itself"
"The girl is like her mother" an.
swered Colonel Oyerton ''she loves g"..
now-at least -Sho thinks sue does; oue
served the same trim aspect, but as he
was limited he noticed at once the
subtle change that pcrvaded each nook
and corner.
A blazing log fire cast grotesque
lights over the roo n into which Colonel
Overton was ushersd, and he stood on
the hearth preparing himself for an in
terview which would surely be painful
one to both.
How would she meet him2 With the
same unembarrassed GOODNESS that had SO
often wounded himP His con .ctures
came to sudden halt, for Madeline had
entered quietly, and now stood before
| him with outstretched hand and faint
smile lowering on lips which trembled
in spite of all her efforts.
"You are welcome, Greville," she
said, using unconsciously the familiar
nas9--L-a na%'G-- iato- .l..,-.-vee.,- unaltered
face, he felt strange, wild impulse to
take here in his arms and forget the in
tervening years.
Somehowa at the sight of him crowd
Of tender memories swept over the
sleeping heart of Madeline Wears. A
feeling deeper than friendship made the
blood mount slowly into her cheek. She
withdrew her hand from his grasp, and
said in a low, hurried voice. 'I-I will
'hS ioi ifSh'o' ~ 10 'CtN SlOOmy hcfcs
"Oh, no. answered the Colonel
quickly; 'I will not detain you long.
Surely, after all these years, you cannot
deny me few moments
81 have never done that"
"True,' he interrupted. cit was
voluntary banishment. | was afraid to
come here, Madeline. am afraid to be
here now, but that necessity forces me"
"You speak of the children2" she
| questioned.
81 speak of your daughter and my
nephew, who have most unfortunately
formed an attachment for each other"
"UnfortunatelyN
''Yes, / say unfortunately, for you
know from experience how it may end.
| cannot allow Herbert's life to be wasted
as m'ne was. He Is young, ambitious
and clever. have great hopes of him."
The tears slowly filled Mrs. Vickcrs's
beautiful eyes. "You are hard" she
murmured. "I thoIght-I thou tht--''
she paused. "MIldred's hsppi ess is
even dearer to me. She loves your
nephew truly, and per mps, Greville,
their marriage may--may bridge over
the gulf between us. We may be friends
once more"