The Globe-republican., 1892-03-03


face, . wonderful possibility flashed
upon her; away fed all her sickening
apprehensions Of some unknown per-
sonage coming with her fathers sane
tion to demand her hand.
pered, her small hands closing uncon-
sciously round his arm. while magni6-
cent blush mantled from lily brow to
chin; yet she would not await any
clearer answer than that which his
but drifted away without another word
They had talked so much OF Captain
Edgar during the past happy week, that
although Viva seldom joined in the dis
cussion, her intently watching father
had read enough of her innocent heart
to feel sure Of his ground.
And here was Edgar's sloop at last.
skimming over the wild waters to the
lonely isle; and my lord and his lady had
prepared a reception for him, little
enough like that which met him the last
time he approached, an unknown ca +
away in the wrecked Mergauser.
He lands, as upon sacred ground: and
the CORY OF hopeful love is In his eyes,
the proud swing of the con ueror in his
step He is met at the very tide by my
lord and his lady-like wife, with leal
Kenmore's rugged face beaming behind
them; but where is his shy, proud Erin
cess of the Sea? All! here she. comes,
stealing down the grim rock path. the
last to greet him, but the first in all the
world In his swelling heart And who
so fair and kind in her stately attire
and glimmering pearls as this proud
daughter of the lnchcapes to-day?
And there is indeed no more cause for
sorrow for Viva? Is the tired sea-bird
to fold her snowy wings in haven of
joy to-day?
There is sweet wonder in her dark
ling eyes as she fits nearer; and she
comes to stop clos, to her fathers
side, with faiths unconscious appeal.
1t is Lady Inchcape, surely. this bril-
liant, beautiful lady. who first greets
the stranger with both eager hands out
stretched, and her heart in her happy
eyes!
Scarcely can Edgar recognize the pa
thetic Lady Dunraven whom he left. in
this incarnation of beauty and joy!
@Welcome, thousand times, to our
home and our hearts, Edgar Ardent"
cries she in voice like ringing joy-bells.
Il honored you above all men (save one)
when knew no kinship between US: but
l may love the heir of Inchcape all my
life!" And she kissed him.
While yet his senses are Keeling under
the sweet attack. Lord Inchcape is wiring
ing his hands and uttering words he
never shall forget.
"And welcome you to Dunraven with
the promise that, If your hearts desire
is In my gift, will surely give it you!"
Now Viva, his very @heart's DESIRE"
what will you say to welcome him?
She is pale and amazed, and has me-
chemically laid her dainty hand upon the
ready arm of faithful old Kenmore, to
steady herself; she gazes and gazes at
the young man while her sweet eyes grow
wide and fill with tears, and her lovely
mouth Quivers.
But when he has reached her, and has
stolen those dainty hands into his own
close keeping, and IS pouring the whole
passionate love of his heart through his
eyes into hers, she cOnQuers that first
strange pang and the gnawing thrill that
follows, and is speaking low and clear as
a noble lady should speak to her fathers
hOnored guest.
mamma and 1 have grieved so Bit
terly over your supposed death, that you
are welcome back even under new
name: butt shall-always Cap
tain Edgar!'" And her delicate tones fall
ter and fall over the last words
"DO not misjudge me, Lady Ulva!"
pleads the handsome fellow humbly.
by and by 1 shall explain everything
that seems strange to you, and perhaps
you will forgive me?" With lingering
pressure he releases her lovely hands.
for is not Kenmore waiting for his no.
tice, with his leal heart swelling with
pride and 10Y?
"Hurrah for the bonnie heir O Inch
cape." roars this heart of oak, as he
swings his blue bonnet alOft; "an' far
ia the day that brought him first to
Dunraven, to raise the curse of Inch
cape!"
These proud words fire the young
mans spirit; he turns so as to face the
whole group. and something in his
glance silences every one.
SKenmore speaks truer than he
says he: "the curse is indeed
raised off the house of Inchcape. 1
bring good tidings, my lord; your justi-
fication has been found among the Colo
nel's papers; 1t was instantly laid before
the lords of that committee before
whom your honor was impeached, and
here is their reply"
He placed letter in Lord Inchcape's
hand; and for once the proud peer
seemed overcome as he devOured the
brief contents, and passed the paper to
his wife.
"a magnificent amende honorable!"
cried Lady Inchcape, her fair face
flushing proudly; "listen, Viva; listen
Kenmore; you have stuck to US through
good and through evil report. Lord
Inchcape stands triumphantly vindicat-
ed before the tribunal which heard him
accused of dishonor five years ago, and
in token of their regret for the injury
he has suffered. they entreat him to &C
cept his old seat in the cabinet while in
of his past services to
the country, they offer him the Blue Rib
bon of the Garter. And who brought
all to pass? You, 1. am sure. Mr.. Ar
den. though you do not say so."
And now, indeed, sweet Viva presses
Edgar's hand as well as my lady. and
gives him a wonderful fash from eyes
with proud tears; but though
my Lord Inchcape is mute while he
wrings his young kinsman's hand his
eye speaks q language which Edgar