The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-05-31

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After all, since the weather is so
dreadful, 1t will spoil the festivities,
and only a few people will venture
out Do be reconciled, Edie dear, and
wear something else-lilies, for in
stance
''Just what you are going to wear"
1 pouted. s'No, indeed. Sue, if / can
not have my pretty white hyacinths-
the gardener at home has raised them
on purpose for this occasion-I don't
want any other flower. oh, if I 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, L saw Cecil Ray standing near.
twenty-five dollars-cash," cried
''Do you know of any possible way to
obtain them?'
Eyes; 1 will 60"
s'You?"
A tone of scorn in my voice. His
deep, dark eyes flashed, the firm lips
shut close together for an instant,
then he replied:
even 1. Miss De We're. But must
stipulate my own terms-set my own
price,
Fifty dollars9" suggested seorn-
fully.
It 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.
my own terms,'' he repeated; and
all the spectators gathered around to
witness the unique scene. my terms
are these"
His eyes were resting full upon my
own; L felt my face grow pale with
apprehension.
Il will ride to Judge De vere's
Planta tion,'' 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.
Silence, dead silence, in the room;
then faced him. my head erect, my
eyes blazing.
''Inso1ent! Audacious!" was all that
1 could say; for my voice failed me,
and l 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
whisper.
But, of course, 1 ignored her absurd
insinuation. little later through
the driving rain and bowling wind,
Cecil Ray rode away from the Carroll
plantation upon his own big, black
horse, Selim. L heard Laurence Perth
and my Cousin Frank discussing the
matter in tones of unmingled con-
tempt-for me.
''Of all conceited, vain, frivolous
girls, my Cousin Edith De We're takes
the lead" 1 heard Frank exclaim, an
grily; 'here, for silly within of hers,
a good man is about to risk his life.
For, Laurence, did you know that the
river bridge is unsafe? He hardly
got over it-yes, 1 watched him, ex-
pecting every moment to see the horse
plunge through the rotten planks-
and L am very anxious and uneasy
over Rays mad exploit 1 thought he
had more sense"
All that day wandered about like
an unquiet ghost. What if anything
should happen-any evil befau Cecil
Ray? 1 would be his murderess- Oh,
passed since then, but 1 can recall 10
all now, every little pang.
Tomorrow would be Eva's wedding
day. The sun set in a great sullen
ball of fire. for the rain had ceased at
last. Night came down, but still
Cecil did not return. Alone in my
room L was wrestling with awful
horror, and a strange, wild tumult
filed my heart. L knew the truth at
last. 1 realized past all doubling that
1 loved Cecil Ray, the poor drawing
master. When the black shades Of
night stole down over the earth, 1
wrapped myself in waterproof
cloak and went out upon the gallery.
Tramp, tramp, tramp, came the sound
of horses flying feet, and moment
later Selim appeared, all covered with
foam and without his master.
With wild shrek fell to the floor
unconscious. He was dead-the man
1 loved-and I had killed him.
1 opened my eyes to find my head
pillowed upon some ones breast, then
1 started up with low moan:
''Cecilr' 1 faltered, 'smy Godi have
killed him-and love him!'
And then for the first time became
aware that it was Cecil himself who
was holding me in his arms. Preached
up and kissed him full upon the lips.
''Cecilr' 1 whispered, lean you ever
forgive me?"
He strained me close to his heart,
and in that embrace L read au-for-
giveness, love, heaven itself. He
had come down the river in a boat,
first sending Selim home, knowing
that the sagacious animal would find
his way. But Cecil was safe, and L
cared not for the flowers that he had
brought me; 1 only wanted him.
And we had been betrothed for weeks
before 1 discovered that Cecil Ray
he only SON of the Of