The Dickinson press., 1894-02-03
CHAPTER VIII.

1t was all settled, to the intense de-
light Of the whole countryside. Alan
the young squire Ct Films
thorpe Grange, was to marry Hyacinth
Vane, the daughter of the silent, soil
tary man whose heart had heen broken
by his Wife's death. The ladies Of the
country who would have been pleased
to have secured the prize ior tllei- own
said it was Il very fortunate
thing for Miss Vane, but that they had
vet to see how it would end. True,
Miss Vane was a lady, but there was
a vast difference between the position
of the two. Alan Brans:on was q
wealthy squire. Hyacinth Vanc, al
though her father was both Il gentle
and scholar, had no f0rtune-had
nothing, in short, but her beautiful face
for her dowry. Yet, although worldly
matrons shrugged their shoulders, the
world in general smiled and apprtved.
Lady Rosedene was delighted. No en-
gagelnent had eve given her half such
satisfaction; it was the most fortunate
thing that had ever happened. She
smiled with the blandest satisfaction
as she thought how people would talk
about Lady Rosedcne and her wonder
full social tact. She had never been 20
pleased.
When Hyaclnth, with flushed face
and beating heart had gone to her own
room, Alan went bravely to Lady
Rosedene and told his story.
II shall so to see Mr.. vane to-mor-
row." he said, ''and in the meantime I
wished to tell you."
She was so delighted that she almost
embraced him on the spot.
II cannot tell you how pleased I am"
said her ladyship. II have seen few
whom I thought worthy of Hyacinth
Vane. You have chosen wisely, Mr..
Branston, and you will never repent
your choice"
"Hyacinth," said the young lover, II
am going owe to Dunwold this morn
ing to see your father-you know what
about"
She flushed crimson, even to tho tips
Of her pretty ears.
about me?" she questioned shyly.
eyes, about you, my darling. I must
tell him that you have promised to be
my wife"
He smiled Mt the serious fashion in
which she folded her hands and said
quietly:
Il am quite sure that my father will
not be willing for me to be married,
Alan. He will say I am too young"
"We will persuade him that he Is
wrong" laughed Alan. What can a
father do against two lovers? You will
see how quickly we shall induce him to
change his mind"
1t was something of a surprise to the
solitary student, porting over his books,
when the handsome young lover was
announced, and suddenly entered his
studio; he seemed to bring the fresh
him. Francis Vane could not believe
that somebody wanted to marry Elsie's
child, that the little golden-haired Hya-
cinth, whom, in his own deadened
mind, he had always associated with
the beautiful white flowers, should be
loved and asked In marriage. 1t was
face Of the young lover.
"Hyacinth Is q child" he said. quite
a child. I understand that you are
Squire Branston, of E%lmsthorpe Grunge
that you are rich. But my Hyacintt
is a child-quite O child"
II beg your pardon" returned Alan
"she may be in some things u child
but she has the love, the soul, tn.
beauty of a woman"
Marry Hyacinth?" Intercepted tn
scholar, musingly. what would he
mother say?"
And then Alan was silent for a shor
time; he was accustomed to appeal
made to the living, but not to the dead
In q low, gentle voice, that won TO
him the love Of Francis Vane, he nm
swered: