Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1894-11-01

What 4 fellow you were" cNClaim-
ed Cyril, with enthusiasm. after re-
calling certain story of Il Sevres
vase; and though Everard only grupt-
ed, he looked At the graceful, animated
figure before him with an affectionate
alteration that made him feel 1t would
be Il pleasure to die for Such man.
Il was afraid when | smashed the
vase" continued Cyril, and but FOR
you should have hidden it. never
shall forget seeing You walk up to
Lady SwayneStoue and tell her that
we had run up against the vase and
broken il, | felt such sneak; | had
done It, and you took the blame on
yourself, and got the punishment. She
said no word. but delivered you such
box on the ear as made mine tingle,
and sent you staggering across the
room. Then her anger found words,
and you bore It all"
81 never knew ruder or more i'll
bred woman" said Eycrard.
Il suppose you got over the box on
Cyril; but | did not. was miserable
for days. hating myself, ana yet too
frightened to tell the truth"
Evcrard here produced yawn OF
cavernouS intensity, and dropped his
pipe in sheer dvowsineSS; but Matt
land seemed more alert than ever, and
rose in his restlessncsS and looked out
of the window on the dark vault of
Shimmeriug stars.
The night waneS," he said; zone day
more, and the weary old year will he
done only one day"
"Ungratcful fellow said Eyerard,
stretching himself till he seemed gi-
gantic; "such good old year | shall
be sorry to say goodbye to him, for
my part"
Cyril dropped the curtain and turned
to the fire, his features all alight.
Let us look forward" he said, ITO
the rosy future Welcome to sixty.
three. Harry; 1t is full of promise Tor
us both, Goodnight, dear lad, and
God bless you"
took his leave, but turned again, lin.
gcring irresolutc: and then, with an
other warm hand-claSp and blessing
left his drowsy friend to his slumbers
just as the church clock was striking
three.
CHAPTER IN.
The last day of the year dawncd
bright and cloudlcss. Il very prince and
pearl of winter days, and Evcrard'S
heart bounded within him as he looked
out on the ruddy morning. and felt II
a JOY merely to live.
II shall long remember SiXty-two,
he thought 'it has been Il good year
and today will crown and complete the
whole. Today | will make sure Of my
fate"
The wine of life never before had
the sparkle ana efferveScenco of that
morning; ii was almost too much fol
sober mind Had Everard been su
pcrStitiouS, or even introSpcCtivC, he
would have prcSascd disaster at hand
Instead of which. he rcioiccd in his
y
turned to air. as he sprung down tho
staircase and into the sunny breakfast
room.
Mr., Maitland was late that morning
and Cyril read the simple household
prayers Evrrard loved this sweet Gus
tom of family prayer, rcmisS as he
often was in assisting personally at it
it seemed SO fit and harmonious for
that holy incense to ascend from the
altar of the innocent country home
and today it acquired sort Of pathos
from the youth and grace of the read.
or. The scene lived long i'm his mind
irradiated by n sweet light of peace
ana holiness: the knecling children and
Lillian. the sunshine touching their
hair the bowed heads of the maids;
the dignitled bearing of the reader
the music of his voice voice soft
now. aud soothing as the murmur OF
the brook beneath the trees. with none
of the tragic tones they knew so we'll
Just as Cyril was about to pronounce
the closing benedictiOn, Mr.. Maitland
and, seeing how they were employed.
dropped on his knees in time to re
receive the lads blessing. The sight of
that gray head, bent thus before the
young priests benson. touched Ever.
ard profoundly, and he felt humbled to
think OF his own world stained soul
by the side Of these spotless creatures
priests, women and children.
Lead US not into ID nptation," said
Cyril's pure. rich voice, chorused by
the innocent trebles and Evcrard's
own faltering bass.
What temptation could possibly be.
fall those guileless beings that day.
What harsh dissonance could ever mar
the music Of those tuneful lives? he
wondered. And he was glad that his
own faltering petition had gone up to
Heaven with those Of hearts so pure,
though even he could scarcely fall into
temptation In that sweet spot, he
thought.
Cyr! Announced his intention Of
walking into Oldport that bright morn.