The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-06-24

vitauon to Ella would probably be pro-
ductive Of nothing but GOODNESS between
the families; and, indeed, does not this
unnecessaly-this most unnecessary civ
ility to her moneyless niece show a
decided desire on Lady Brands part 10
grow more intimate with them? And
what does that mean? OH there can be
no mistake about It at all Sir Charles
two visits here within the week. and
his attentions to Laura-another Of Mrs.
Langley's daughters-dear Laura-sweet
girl Why he has even asked her 10 sing
al the coming concert, TO be given at
The Towers" next month:
She murmurs n few words 10 Brand.
$50 kind OF dear Lady Brandt Such n
charming letter. Poor little Ella ! fear
she will hardly appreciate ~ Such a
very shy girl. Much as ] and with an
overpoweringly affectionate look at the
two gaunt daughters, and my girls es-
pecially Laura, have done TO induce her
TO accompany us into the little world
around us. she has always refused-held
us at arms length at it were! The dear
est girl. l assure, you, Sir Charles'-put
so peculiar. Such a trial.
sir Charles has listened to II all with
an impassive cCUnteLance. He had asked
each Of the Miss Lsngleys for dance,
neither Of tfem. however, for the ilrst
waltz! That Is sacred!
The lights are burning low in the con-
servatc1y. he soft musical fall OF the
waters in the fountain is mingling harmo-
niously with the sound OF the waltz IN
the ballroom, far away Upon lounge
half hidden by Towering myrtles. Ella
and Sir Charles Brand are sitting. Ella
had danced with him a great deal during
the night. 1t seemed to the poor little
Cinderella that II was bound 70 be her
first and last entertainment and she had
given herself UP 10 It heart and body.
That first sweet waltz had led 10 many
others; and now, as the lights grow low,
and JOY draws To its close, she Is resting
here with him, her child's soul waking TO
the greater life beyond.
Her hand is in his. He has asked her
a question, but she has not answered IT,.
He leans over her.
Tell me, Ella know you do not love
me row. but-could you love me-
"Oh how can ! know says the poor
child. passionately. you come to me you
are kind to me. when no one else is
kind except Phil, dear Phil! All I do
know is" says she trembling, that 1
am glad when I see you! But. am so
afraid that II may be only-because
want TO escape-from--
Here the loyolty of her nature checks
her speech. She cannot condemn the
aunt who has at all events kept her
ELLA, look at me" says her lover. Slow
w she lifts her eyes 10 his. There Is
something within their soft. shy depths
that gives him all the courage in the
world. 50 49,
he in a low. strong tone. IT believe in
YOU You will marry me, Ella? Say that
At this moment both hear the sound
of footsteps approaching. Ella almost
filings him from her, recognizing the COM
Mrs. Langley comes round the myrtle
bushes.
TEL me-" whispers Brand. despairing-
". But Ella is beyond words now; Her
81 boz "a <
trembling. Her face has changed. There
Is a great fear upon 1t. Brand sees that
she cannot answer.
Write a word upon your card" en-
treats he, passionately. "One only
shall see you in the cab before you 30.
Ella, remember!
Mrs. Langley is with them now. With
a suave smile 10 Brand she takes Ella
away. Even I'm the cloak-roOm, her aunt
keeps her eye upon her. Yet she gets
one moment to herself. when she scrib-
bles on her card, Yes Such a little
word! yet how much IL means! II means
love for him-her lover-her princei OH
how she does love him. The girl slips the
card into the opening of her glove and
follows her aunt into the hall. How to
give IL to him.
When in the hall no opportunity pre-
sents itself. Closely guarded by her aunt.
and flanked on either side by her cous-
ms, she is unceremoniously but quite po-
litely pushed into the carriage. Brand has
followed them-his last look is for Gin
derella. II goes 10 her very heart There
Is reproach. anger despair In II! She
leans back in the corner OF the carriage
and bursts into silent tears. He Will
never forgive her. Never. And II he only
had known II only she could have
slipped that little card into his hand! She
feels for the card.
Surely she had stuck IL there near har
wrist. The whole world grows dark TO
her. as she recognizes the fact. that the
card is gOne-lOst--l
If they should have found II!
your conduct vas perfectly disgrace
'ul. IL was monstrous! | give You 70
at once that i will not Dc
steps short and draws her breath sharply.
why don't you go on Mamma IL Is
we'll that she should hear the truth TOT
once-that she is here on sunerashv r.
says Laura, who is always called ~,
'soft-tongued" by those who-do not hi'o"
"a mere beggarw says Matilda, WIN
, cruel glance. But Ella has heard one
word only ~,
"Disgracefulr' repeats she family. ON
had he thought - a.,
Eyes. disgraceful Sitting for hours IN
that conservatory with Sir Charles. VINO
you must know. cares nothing Tor you
He simply amuses himself He,
The door is thown open at THIS mo- mo.
nent, and Sir Charles Brann' VINO "an
rot waited to be announced conieS up
How dive do Mrs. Langley says he,
,almlv. n coldlv. There Is rather dam
yerous light in his eyes. He had heard
.aised voices as he came near me door,
md now on his sn'f "a him .hs the su tbres
All. angry women standing over there.
nd his poor little love covering away