The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1894-03-09

oH llc lOlOWluk uUys Slr lSubl DOVCs
tree, dressing with peculiar arc-.for
he was somewhat OF Mau-repaired
to visit Gertrude and her grandfather.
For his thus discOllrteOllslv absenting
himself from his home. he made many
excuses to his guest; and Warrington.
although at the same time briMful Of
anger. accepted them with apparent pa.
thence and good humor.
Old Mr.. Gilr,lth received Sir Basil
with marked pleasure. while Gertrude
babe him welcome. with modest
smile.
Well, day after day the baronet was
to be found under the roof of the
white-washcd cottage. sitting In COM
pany with old Parson Gilruth and his
lovely granddaughter: and the creole
was almost In despair. lest between
Gertrude and Sir Basil matters should
assume Il serious shape. But he no
longer proffered his advice, AMI for
while the young baronet was left
free to follow his hearts own prompt
ings.
One dry Sir Basil found his beloved
one alone; her grandfather had gone
to the neighboring town, to preside
over some rieeting on parish business
$50 NNS 0AA OpVOA SN>uSy AAOS " UC
thrown away by the lover, 50 he rcsulv-
cd to take advantage OF 1t.
How should he reveal his love to her !?
He felt that she had no suspicion Of the
pusslon he entertained, and somehow
he was almost afraid to make any de.
claraticn Of 1t to her. Yet what could
lie do? Speak to her Of his affection he
must. sometime or other: and there
might not again occur another hour so
f1l durable to his views as the present.
Sir Basil had exhausted nearly every
81 bject upon which he was at all con-
velsaut, and he had become nervous
and Ill at ease in the presence of Ger
truds, who was gaily chattering away,
wholly unconscious of her companions
embarrassment.
At length he seized courage to speak
of the load within his bosom.
Miss Gilruth," he commenced, hest
tatingly, and awkwardly, has 1t ever
cccrn cd to you why come here!'
She looked up into his face with
establishment depicted ON her own,
while lie moved uneasily, wondering
what he should say next.
II COME here solely OH your account,
Miss Gilruth, ".he added, after length
encd pause.
ION my account, Sir Basilw repeated
she. in perplexity. Il do not compre-
bend you"
Yet l speak plainly, Miss Gilruth."
Perhaps am slow Mt comprehend
ing; country girls are not quite 30
sharp-witted as young city ladies', you
know. Sir BASIL"
Then there ensued another lengthen-
ed pause.
May speak to you openly-may 1
frame my speech in holder syllables?'
lie asked, quitting his chair, and ap-
preaching Gertrude.
She dropped her eyes and her checks
flushed crimson. She understood him
now.
Il love you. Gertrudew he cried,
with a burst Of passionate tenderness.
Il love you hOnourably! he added, ut
say, say that you will one day become
my wife?"
Aud, as he thus delivered himself, lie
sought to take her hand; but she re-
pulsed him gently, and rose from her
chair.
DO you hear me, Gertrude? may
dear, familiar name, may l not? love
you devotedly, almost madly! Say that
nay live in hOpe-that you will one
day reclprocate my passlOn-Or shall
Rise, Sir Basil, beg" said she,
with calm dignity.
mo, no! Here will I kneel until you
answer me-rntil you tell me that one
day you will lie mine!"
impossible, Sir Basil!'
I'm possible!" he echoed, in scared
tone. what mean you?"
"That can never be yours"
He started up rs II electrified. He,
the rich and petted child of fortune,
was unused to disappointment, and.
could not quickly realize its presence.
Gertrude" he gnspcd, as soon Us he
could command his voice, Gertrude,
have not heard Alright; no, no-tell me
that have mott"
II cannot tell you so," She replied,
gently and firmly. Il cannot utter q
falsehood!"
Sir Basil's face blanched, and his
Whole frame quiverctl like reed.
What mean YOU, GertrudeY he ex-
claimed frantically endeavoring to
take her hand.
Il wish Sir Basil. you would spare
me the pain Of answering you. Pray
talk to my grandfather"
mo, no, Gertrudew he burst forth:
from your own lips must learn my
fatew
II entreat your patience until my
grandfather's return home" said she,
Indeed. indeed, Sir Basil, you had bet
ter talk to him upon this subject"
Wherefore all this mystery In your
replies Gertrude?" he demanded. "Am
hateful in your presence?"
"Oh, no, indeed, Sir BASIL"
can be mine?"
my grandfather will explain all to
you."
"All! repeated, he with look of be.
wilderment. Great heavens, what is
there to explain to meg"
She was silent.
"What-what means oil this mys.
terry? 1 must know!" he cried out, We
hemently. ''I-oh, forgive me, forgive
me. Gertrude" he added, in a softer
tone. Il really know not what
l am saying. I am frenzie1
Il cannot bear this state Of doubt.
Have some mercy on mo and no longer
keep me in this horrible suspense!"
During the above frantic appeal, Sir
Basil had seized Gertrlde's unwilling
hands. and was on his knees again,
suing at her feet.
Still she was silent.
BE not cruelw preceded the young
baronet. in broken accents. "Beauti.
full Gertrude. my heart tkrobs only for
you"
II wish 1t were otherwise" she re.
Joined, much distressed.
ut cannot surely be that you"
THAT I love another?" interrupted
she. with averted head. "Yes, It IL
So"
He uttered sharp cry. and shudder
ingly dropped her hands.
Il aln sorry and panied to make sucll
a confession" Gertrude proceeded
stammclingly; "but you drew it from
ME: did not make 1t willingly.
would rather have left you to hear the
disclosure from my grandfather; II
would have been better to"
Gertrude Gilruthw the baronei
broke forth. In hoarse voice. my life
will henceforth be blank and a mis-
cry to me; and you. you have made II
s,lchw
And starting to his feet once more
he paced the room with rapid strides
Suddenly he stopped, his face white q,
snow. his eyes glaring wildly.
WHO Is this favored. happy lovel
of yours. Miss Gilruth?" he inquired
sternly. NAY. never heed me! What
right have to ask YOU such question.
Pray forgive mel think am goinc
| mad!"