Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1895-03-21

with thought and memory. with duty
alone for champion. Sometimes her
thorght passing over years, and seeing
before her naught but 4 trackless
vase. shrnnk hoax appalled, al wha
might await her thert. And -, tlsshs.
ened, she lived from day to day in
thought Perhaps, II II had not been
for that which barred the very idea OF
love for her husband. Clara might have
learned TO read Alright the man who
could never steep to win love. To nat-
ures 50 reserved caress offended, a
pet name given, is even at times an
effort when love is assured; 10 Lionel
Stanhopc 1t was well night sn impos-
sibility when he knew there was no
love for him-even shrinking instead.
He was ever gentle, thonghtful, kind,
In word and act-no wish of Clara $
was left urfulfilled. How was II she
was not touched by these actsg But
he knew there was wall of ice be-
tween them. and had lost hope that
the sun of his love could never melt
It, So Clara's was not the only dream
destroyed. not the only heart bruised,
the only life shattered.
Perhaps Clara Stanhope was think.
ing of some of those things as she
stood looking into the fire lat least she
did not turn when the door opehed and
closed and Lionel Stanhope paused,
watching her for few moments with
grave eyes, In which lay wistful
longing. only an index to that long
ing that always lay In his heart that
so rarely appeared on the surface,
never to her. Yet his face might wen
have attracted love, Notwithstanding
the stern gravity that was impressed
there; 1t was full of intellect, nobility;
there We're more than the mere super
fetal graces of chiseled features, Of
dark eyes whose heavy fringe OF lashes
yelled and softened their keen bril-
lance the nameless attraction that
drew men to Lionel Stanhope, even
while something about him chilled and
awed
1t was with sigh, short, quick
thoughts that had crowded so within
him, and came forward to Clara's side.
She started and contracted her hrews,
as though, as 1t We're. gathering her
self mentally together.
at is getting late, Clara" he said,
CHANGING at the jewels on the table.
'Have you forgotten YOU are not
dressed yeti'
II have only my jewels to put on. '
answered the girl. moving away and
toying with the dainty ornaments. Il
could no. satisfy myself"
1.-THE embarrassment Of riches" sail
Lionel "Will you allow ne 70
choose?"
"lf you like" dropping her hands
before her.
He took the rpbies frem their ease
and laid them before her. II was
characteristic of the man that he
passed over the sapphires -his gift
and did not ask her to wear them.
"Rubies suit YOU" he remarked,
clasping the bracelets on her arm;
fire flashes on snow and gold"
/ "Thanks," She said; there was a
tiIge of irony in the curve Of her lip
Fire and snow"
Was there more In those words than
graceful compliment?
She turned to leave the room, just
as Lionel's own man, Baptiste, came
to tell him that the steward desired
to speak to him for one moment At
was business that could not wait.
II will come, tell him." said Lionel,
pausing as he was leaving the room.
'sClara, had you not better put away
those jewels before you 20 down
stains?"
"Eugenie will do It," answered Clara,
turning back to close the case. II
don't know yet where they are to go.
They are quite safe"
And then she went down to her
guests in the drawing-room, where, in
few moments, Lione' Joined her, and,
dinner being just then ANNOUNCED, the
party adjourned to the dining room.
I To Be Continued.