Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1895-02-10

not avoid her kindly attentions. Her
arlstocratlc friends made much OF me,
! but quite understand that it was on
her account because they believed she
Intended TO marry me. But I was very
unhappy over her attachments for bonny
blue-eyed Elsie had crept into my head,
and / could no longer think OF marry
ing the proud heiress.
Dearer 10 me were the long, daily
rambes over hill and dale with srtless,
simply clad Elsie than all the gilded en-
tertainmsnts where Miss Van Lew
shOne Respondent in laces, silks and
jewels. Even the Tory's treasure as
sumed secondary Importance TO the
burning love that filled my heart Elsie
was the burden OF all my thoughts, al
though as yet dared not whisper il TO
my darling. she was so shy and timid
that feared TO startle her too soon with
the story. l must wait till she knew
me better.
Nightly for week searched the
cave diligently, but, alas! without one
glimmer OF success,
began TO despise myself for a stupid
fool. no cleverer than those who had
tried before me and failed.
had seasons Of bitter despondeucy,
then l would pluck up courage aud VOW
10 keep on until success crowned my
efforts. But my strength failed from
my nightly laborS and loss OF sleep, and
nv nerves became most unsteady.
Then when ! was already on the point
OF breaking down, something start
ling happeud that even my desperate
courage was daunted.
The malignant spirit of my Tory an
cestOr appeared TO me in the cave at
midnight. fiery flames issuing from his
mouth and nOstrils, as he Kissed the
most terrible curses, threatening me
with Instant destruction II l ever dared
10 enter the place again.
For a moment l was overpowered
with fear, then nv courage returned
aud I rushed upon my foe.
But era l touched hin ne seemed to
melt into nothingness.
But the supernatural visitant had un-
nerved me for that night, at least, and
pale and shaken, retired, almost
ready 10 give up the quest, since the
cave was thus proved to be- haunted by
4 malignant spirit.
But my courage revived In the broad
sunshine OF another day.
Visions OF the gold and jewels didden
in some recess OF the damp cave re-
turned TO temp me, and l vowed that
would perseVere.
That day / sought Elsis az our tryst-
ing place on the side OF the mountain,
| Ifttfa lava ia toore
Some Que had written her an anOny-
nous letter that almost broke her gem
tie young heart.
!, ran thus:
"Your elandestine intimacy with Max
/ Wentworth is we'll known, and unless
you break it off at once, you will be be-
trayed TO your grandmother who will
] be frlghtfully angry with you when she
/ learns the truth. lie is only tritling
with you anyway, as he is soon to be
married 10 beautiful Northern heiress
now staying az the hotel"
1 put gentle arm ABOUT the sobbing
/ girl, and whispered, fondly:
Every word OF that letter Is false,
sweet Elsie. 1 AIN not engaged TO the
/ hereSs, You are the only Que | love
and wish 10 marry"
Sweet Elsie blushed and smiled az my
words, but she would not promise to
marry me. She said, sadly;
There is something very important
I that 1 must tell you first, aud when you
| hear IL you may not wish TO marry me"
II am determined 20 marry you some
| day, darling, no matter what you tell
ne" replied, and l made her promise
to think no more Of the hateful an
/ onvmous letter.
But l could not so easily Danish it
/ from nv own mind. II showed too
plainly that we had a cunning aud ma
( Hcious enemy.
1t seemed like the work OF jealons
woman.
Could Miss Van Lew stOop so low?
hated 20 believe it, but once or twice
when ] spoke OF Elsie l had seen In
those glittering eyes Of hers tigerish
CLEAN OF baleful anger.
No doubt she was yeXad because she
had failed to bring me TO her feet, aud
perhaps she took this sly way OF paying
her debt. But how thankful | felt that
/ had escaped her tolls, and neuceforth
/ would be on my guard against the
bafled heiress.