The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-07-05

tain the hyacinths the roads are
horrible, and there is the river to
cross, and the bridge is dilapidated
you must give up and be patient. |
After all, since the weather is so
dreadful, it will spoil the festivities,
and only a few people will venture
out. Do be reconciled, Edie DEAR and
wear something lilies, for in
stance" q
"Just what you are going to wear, :"
pouted. 'sNo, indeed. Sue, if can
not have my pretty white hyacinths
the gardener at home has raised them
on purpose for this OCCASION don't
want any other flower. Oh, if knew
of any one with enough spirit to ride
over to my home and get me those hy-
acinths.''
"What will you give in payment?"
asked a low, musical voice, and, glanc-
ing up, saw Cecil Ray standing near.
twenty-five dollars-cash, /" cried.
''Do you know of any possible way to
! obtain them?''
eyes; I will 60"
'sYou?"
A tone of scorn in my voice. His
deep, dark eyes flashed, the firm lips
shut close together for an instant,
then he replied:
.sEven I, Miss De We're. But mast
stipulate my own terms-set my own
price"
"Fifty' dollars?'' 1 suggested scorn-
fully. -.s.. rs,@- 4.
1t was worth it to look the very
| fairest and sweetest at the wedding;
ay, even to eclipse the fair bride.
His face grew pale, and his eyes
flashed with anger. gs .4afg'ss.
"My own terms,'' he repeated; and
all the spectators gathered around to
witness the unique scene. "My terms
are these" iE til. j.. .-sl-.....
His eyes were resting full upon my
own; I felt my face grow pale with
apprehension. --e.-.-.>. :--,h
II will ride to Judge De Vere's
plantation" the sweet, low voice went
on slowly, land bring you the hya-
cinths, or lay my life down in the at
tempt. But in payment, demand
a kiss. .... .....,,s. ~.@ .. 5saA
Silence, dead silence, in the room;
then I faced him, my head erect, my
eyes blazing. -..r.s g.. z ....s.. .. -.. ..-5es
'Insolent! Audaciousy'' was all that
I could say; for my voice failed me,
and burst into tears. ~
Nonsense, Edith cried Susie
Parker, lightly, "what fuss to make
about single kiss. I'll wager the
day will come when you will be will
ing to kiss Cecil Ray" she added, in a
whisper. sa.. ...-.H ... ="
But, of course, I ignored her absurd
insinuation. A little later, through
the driving rain and bowling wind,
Cecil Ray rode away from the Carroll
plantation upon his own big, black
horse, Selim. I heard Laurence Perth
and my Cousin Frank discussing the
matter in tones of unmingled con
tempt-for me. ~
"Of all conceited, vain, frivolou:
girls, my Cousin Edith De We're takes
the lead,' heard Frank exclaim, an
grily; ''here, for silly within of hers
. good man is about to risk his life
y For, Laurence, did you know that tn.
river bridge is unsafe? He hardl,,
- got over it-yes, 1 watched him, ex
pecting every moment to see the hors'
, plunge through the rotten planks-
, and I am very anxious and uneas,
! over Rays mad exploit. I thought h
, had more sense
s All that day I wandered about Xix
e an snquiet ghost. What if anything
e should happen-any evil befall Ceci
}, Ray? would be his murderess. Oh
); how l suffered! Long years hav
all now, every little pang. ..
Tomorrow would be Eva's wedding
day. The sun set in a great sulle
ball of fire, for the rain had ceased a
last. Night came down, but sti]
Cecil did not return. Alone in IN
room was wrestling with an awfu
horror, and a strange, wild tumul
filled my heart. I knew the truth a
last. / realized past all quitting tina
I loved Cecil Ray, the poor drawing
master. When the black shades {
night stole down over the earth,
wrapped myself in waterproof
! cloak and went out upon the gallery
" Tramp, tramp, tramp, came the SCUM
y of horses flying feet, and momer
=" later Selim appeared, all covered wit
foam and without his master.
With a wild shrek fell to the foo
unconscious. He was dead-the ma
I loved-and had killed him. 30
opened my eyes to find my hea
pillowed upon some ones breast, the
l started up with low moan:
"Cecil!' faltered, my God! ha,
killed him-and love him!''
- And then for the first time BEGAN
:. aware that it was Cecil himself WI
- was holding me in his arms. Ireache
ot up and kissed him full upon the lip
- "Cecilv' I whispered, scan you ev,
a forgive me?"
et He strained me close to his hear
= and in that embrace read ALTO
giveness, love, heaven itself. f
t? had come down the river in boa
| Frcf cor1irn Co1;r,o