Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1894-01-17


that followed, and she was relieved
when it was ended.
But Lord Reginald had no
thought of losing her then, and, at
his request, she accompanied him
out on the verandah, her heart full
of dread at what she feared was
coming.
Never in all her young life had
Orma rebelled against the wishes of
her mother, and it did not seem
that she could do so now. She had
not dared tell Mrs. st. Cyril that
only short time before, Herbert
Wheeler had asked her to become
his wife, for she knew such a reve-
lation would only excite and anger
the already displeased woman.
What could she do?
"Oh, love, cannot give you up"
was the unheard cry of her heart.
The Englishman led her to a Sc
cluded corner, where they found
some wicker chairs. There was a
purpose in his choice of that quiet
spot, but her thoughts were with
Herbert, and she scarcely noticed
anything about her.
Once more the sweet music came
throbbing from the open windows
of the ballroom, and the sound Of
merry careless laughter was to be
heard from within and without.
Orma, however, heard nothing Of
this until she realized Lord Regi-
maid held her hand and was breath
ing a passionate tale of love in her
ears.
"Be mine, darling" he entreated
quite installing the meaning of her
silence. Twill give you everything
your heart can crave-l really will
by Jove. You shall have"
She sprang to her feet, snatching
her hand away and standing before
him with her entire form a-trem'
bling.
mo, no, no!' she painted.
He arose and attempted to draw
her close.
Il love your he declared. "Dc
not be frightened! You shall liv'
like a princess! Say you will b.
mine! Your mother"
She had been on the verge of tell
ing him it was impossible, but tn
thought of her mothers ange
when she knew the truth cause'
her to dissemble. With all tn
GOODNESS she could command, sh
said:
81 am not prepared to give 20,
your answer at once, Lord Mont
morency. | must have time"
81 will give you an hour. To
! morrow | will leave Bar Harbor, a
} l find it imperative l shall return
to England at once, don't 20,
, know"
So it was decided that in an hou
he should have an answer, and the.
returned to the ballroom.
} Instead of seeking her mother
Orma looked everywhere for Her
bert.
81 must find him! must fin
, him. she kept repeating, softly
!. and there was such strange loo
on her face and in her dark eye
. that more than one noticed it AM
commented on the fact.
} She did find HIM, at last. H
! had left the brilliant throng an
was standing all alone at the foe
Of the steps in the outer air, smob
= ing cigar. He did not hear he
till her light hand dropped on hi
arm.
c HERBERT
There was hysterical sound i
i her voice.
: "Great heaven! what is the mat
. ter, Orma, darlingp" he asked, a
the moonlight showed her palll
face. "Have YOU told her? Ha
She"
81 have told her nothing. w
must not be seen! Let's 90 dow
to the shore. ] have something
say"
He threw away the half-smoke
cigar.
"You have nothing on your hea
and only this gauzy covering 70
your shoulders" he protested
\ you must not expose yourself thi
r way"
e VI dare not attempt to get any
J thing more, and | have not bee
dancing, SO there is no danger
|, You must benr what bove RI toll