The sun., 1894-03-01
as they did. the creole had reckoned
would throw much gold away.

the creole knew that basil would soon
be induced to abandon play and all
other vices. Now such an abandon
ment on the part of the Yoarg baronet
was precisely the thing that Warning
ton desired to prevent. and for this
prevention he was now striving with
all his might and nail.
For lCng hours that night the creole
tossed on his pillow, weaving wicked
plans; while the love-sick Basil was
fast asleep, dreaming happy dreams
dreaming of Gertrude Gilruth, who
was living in little white. washed
cottage in the village.
On the following day, Sir Basil Dove
tree, dressing with peculiar care for
he was somewhat of be tau-repaired
to visit Gertrude and her grandfather.
For his thus discOurteouSlY. absenting
himself from his home. he made many
excuses to his guest; and Warrington,
although at the same time brimful of
anger, accepted them with apparent pa
tience and good humor.
Old Mr.. Gilruth received Sir Basil
with marked pleasure, while Gertrude
babe him welcome. with modest
smile.
Well, day after day the barOnet was
to be found under the roof of the
white-washed cottage, sitting in COM
pany with old Parson Gilruth and his
lovely granddaughter; and the creole
was almost in despair, lest between
Gertrude and Sir Basil matters should
assume Il serious shape. But he no
longer proffered his advice, and for
while the young baronet was left
free to follow his hearts own prompt
ingS.
One day Sir Basil found his beloved
one alone; her grandfather had gone
to the neighboring town, to preside
ever some rleeting on parish business
This was an opportunity not to be
thrown away by the lover, SO he resolv-
cd to take advantage Of it.
How should he reveal his love to her?
He felt that she had no suspicion of the
passion he entertained, and somehow
he was almost afraid to make any de-
claratipn of it to her. Yet what could
he do? Speak to her Of his affection he
must, sometime or other; and there
might not again occur another hour so
f4N durable to his views as the present.
Sir Basil had exhausted nearly every
81 bject upon which he was at all con-
elsant, and he had become nervous
and ill at ease in the presence of Ger
trude, who was gaily chattering away,
wholly unconscious of her companions
embarrassment.
At length he seized courage to speak
of the load within his bosom.
Miss Gilruth," he commenced, hest
tatingly, and awkwardly, has it ever
OCCUR ed to you why come here?"
She looked up into his face with
establishment depicted ON her own,
while he moved uneasily, wondering
what he should say next.
Il come here solely on your account,
Miss Gilruth," he added, after length
ened pause.
"On my account, Sir Basil!' repeated
she, in perpleXity. Il do not cOmpre-
hend you"
Yet l speak plainly, Miss Gilruth." ="
perhaps l am slow at comprehend
ing; country girls are not quite so
sharp-witted as young city ladies, you
know, Sir Basil"
ed pause.
May speak to you openly-may I
frame my speech in bolder syllables ?"
he asked, quitting his chair, and ap-
preaching Gertrude.
She dropped her eyes and her cheeks
flushed crimson. She understood him
now.
Il love you, Gertrude" he cried,
with a burst of passionate tenderness
II love you honourablyr' he added, at
once f1inging himself at her feet. "Oh,
say, say that you will one day become
my wife?"
And, as he thus delivered himself he
sought to take her hand; but she re-
pulsed him gently, and rose from her
chair.
do you hear me, Gertrude? I may
be permitted to address you by that
dear, familiar name, may 1 not?'I love
I ay live in hope-that you will one
day reciprocate my passion-or l shall
Rise, Sir Basil, I beg" said she,
with calm dignity.
mo, no! Here will I kneel until you
answer me-until you tell me that one
day you will be nine"
impossible, Sir Basilv'
':In possible!" he echoed, in 4 scared
tone. What mean you?"
uuL L can never ne yours.
He started up as if electrified. He,
the rich and petted child Of fortune,
was unused to disappointment, and
could not quickly realize its presence.
"Gertrude!' he gasped, as soon as he
could command his voice, Gertrude, l
have not heard Alright; no, no-tell me
that / have notr'
Il cannot tell you so,' she replied,
4
falsehoodw
Sir Basirs face blanched, and his
| whole frame quivered like q reed.
claimed frantically endeavoring to
take her hand.
II wish Sir Basil. you would spare
me the pain of answering you. Pray
talk to my grandfather"
"No, no, Gertrude!" he burst forth;
"from your own lips 1 must learn my
| fatev'
II entreat your patience until my
| grandfather's return home" said she,
Indeed indeed, Sir Basil, you had bet
| ter talk to him upon this subject"
Wherefore all this mystery in your
replies Gertrude?" he demanded. Am
I hateful in your preSenceT"
ooh, no, indeed, Sir BASIL
'"Then why do You say you never
can be mine?"
MY grandfather will explain all to
you"
"All! repeated, he with look of be.
wilderment. :'Great heavens, what is
there to explain to meE'
She was silent.
| "What-Nhat means all this mys.
terry? 1 must know" he cried out, We.
hemently. "I-oh, forgive me, forgive
me, Gertrude" he added, in q softer
tone. II really know not what
am saying. am frenzied
I cannot bear this state Of doubt
Have some mercy on me and no longer
keep me in this horrible suspenseSn
During the above frantic appeal. Sil
Basil had seized Gertrude's unwilling
hands, and was on his knees again
suing at her feet.
Still she was silent.
BE not cruelv' proceeded the young
baronet. in broken accents. "Beauti
full Gertrude. my heart tkrobs only fol
| womb