Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1893-04-20

he might lead her away, her heart yearn-
ing for sympathy. AS they went to-
gether, one of the women touched Angus's
arm, and held out something to him. 1t
was his brothers signet ring. A strange
feeling made him shiver from head to
loot as he placed it on his finger.
CHAPTER III.
Assunta had placed herself and her
child unhesitatingly in the hands of
worthy Master Malcolm. and with the
true charity Of his kindly nature, he
took in the friendless woman, housed
and fed her, and administered to her
broken spirit. Till the funeral of the
young laird should be over, he would not
question or disturb her; and indeed she
seemed to be in no wise capable or an
swering questions, but sat with vacant
eyes, bending over her child, and rocking
herself to and fro; but when that solemn
day had passed by, the Minister judged
it best to hear Assuntas story before in
quires were n ade from Dunmonaigh.
Assunta de- Carroll was the only child
of an unfortunate political refugee.
While she was still a little child, Leone
de- Carroll had been forced to flee from
his native country with her and her young
mother; the latter fell an easy victim to
the colder climate of the north of Scot
land whittier motives of economy and
the necessity for secrecy had induced
them to come, and Assunta was lett to
the sole guardianship of her father.
In the midst of this poor and half-fed
life, Assunta grew up and developed into
d lovely girl. Her education had not been
neglected, for her father was a well-read
man, but it had been careless and des-
uItory. She was fond of wandering in
the woods which covered the hills at the
back of tne town Of Strathluan; she
loved the scent of the firtrees aud the
crimson heather; and here one day she
met with Evan Macmonach, his gun on
his shoulder, surrounded by dogs; and
again and again would Evan return, and
the dogs grew to know her so well, that
they would leap and fawn on her as she
came up the path; and when the yellow
haired Evan and dark-eyed Assunta
walked slowly through the heather, the
timid deer rejoiced, for they were safe
Sometimes De- Carroll would join them,
but oftener they were alone and enter
tanned each other we'll
One day EVAN told Lady Grisel that
he had set his heart on making Assunta
mis- wife; her diSpleasure was indescrib-
able. She was stern Pres byteran; her
horror of the ''idolatry OF Rome" was
one of the strongest feelings of her re-
iigion.
EVAN was not learned, was less clever
than other men, simple in his tastes,
throwing away money foolishly acting
on impulse, loving the free open air, and
the exercise of his herclean limbs; he
could neither plead nor argue; his
mothers bitter words and opposition
hurt him., Evan loved peace, and in his
bewildered grief he entreated Assunta to
assent to private marriage, only to be
secret for a while, a short while, till he
should have brought his mother to listen
TO his suit. Assunta loved him too
dearly to refuse. Love of mystery was
one Of the courses of De- Carol' char
acter: he knew that his health was fail
ing; it was all-important to him that his
daughter should DE provided with a
home-and he promised that if they
would leave all arrangements to him, it
should be accomplished with perfect
secrecy, and without delay.
A very few weeks after his daughters
marriage the exile died, and Assunta was
not left desolute.
A whole year elapsed, and still Evan
had not told his mother, and Assunta
was so happy with the husband she loved,
that she cared nothing for the life of per-
feet seclusion she led, and asked no more.
In the pride of his youth and strength,
Evan was cut down, and Assunta found
herself left, at 10 years old, a widow and
alone.
1t was with an anxious and sad heart
that Master Malcolm begged Assunta to
tel him what she could about her mar
rtage.
1T is ali-important, my child" he,
said; ''more important than perhaps you
think-it affects so many"
Not so much as it would have done if
baby had been boy" said Assunta,
leaning her head YEARLY on her hand.
boy! he is not a boy" cried Master
Malcolm, in the greatest establishment
mo; she is little lassie," said AS
sunta, sadly.
''Alas alas." he cried, "all the lands
of Dunmonaigh to go to q girl; OH why
/ was she not boy9"
lit is best so, " said ASsunta, ''for now
s it will only be to give her money, and
/ Angus Macmonach will still be the laird. ~
4 Master Malcolm shook his head sor.
rowfully. Not so.'' he said; sail. every
thing goes to the her, be he male or fe-
, male"
Il did not Know" faltered Assunta.
ii She gave into the hands of the Minis.
ter desk In which Evan had been wont
TO keep : Few treasures, which she had
sent for from Strathluan.