Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-04-30


at his side. Capel tore it open, and
glanced at the contents. BY this time
Grace had come up. !
Nothing wrong, I hope!" she ex-
claimed.
For me, yes. ] am summoned to
see my predecessor, who is i'll. l must
leave you tomorrow"
Il am indeed sorry" she said. But
Capel, who was in deep thought, did
not seem to hear her.
How far have you come to-day?"
she asked of the trooper, who looked
hot and tired.
From Cork, my lady"
What, all that way! Follow us into
the house and you shall have some
food-you must need it,
Thank YOU" said Capel, rousing
himself 81 dare say he needs both
food and drink"
They rode on, and as soon rs the old
butler appeared Grace told him to look
after the soldier. 4
The library was untenanted when
Grace and her cavalier entered it.
Il will leave you to read your dis
PATCH" she said; but first let me make
suggestion which you will of course
reject unless it suits YOU"
Certainly, Miss Dgby, and after,
will you hear me?"
"Oh, yes, of course. 1t struck me
that as Nine. de Suresne has heard that
the Calliope, the corvette that takes
the government dispatches to Bristol,
is in Cork harbor just now, it would be
Try kind of you to give her a seat in
your chaise. You could set her down
Mt Mile. Delplanques, who would let
Commander Seton IAN acquaintance
of madame's) know she was there, and
he will give her passage across Her
son is i'll at Bath" :,
"With the greatest pleasure" inter-
rupted Capel, eager to get his innings.
IL shall take good care of her; indeed.
do all | can for anyone in whom you
take an interest. Now pray hear me.
/ must speak the words which have
been at my lips dozen times. You
must know, you must feel, that L love
you with all my soul, with all my
strength! l do not know if have the
faintest chance of success with you.
cannot tell if you will think me pre-
sumptuous. But-Ihardly dare face the
possibility of your no.. Life without
you seems to me unbearable."
"Ah, Col. Capel, you exaggerate your
own impressions" said Grace, in low
tones, flushing and then growing
white. II thought you liked us all, but
rot like this. Indeed, fear / am not
suited to you; there are things in me
that you would not like - I-ah-do
not ask me to marry you. cannot,
Indeed, 1 cannot" and she burst into
tears.
"You have previous attachment, or
engagement" cried Capel, walking to
and fro. Forgive me if / am rude,
but am utterly unhinged. I should
not question you. I-Grace, do not
weep, or if you do let it be in my arms"
stinct tells me that you are not quite
averse to me-" and as she yielded to his
close embrace he exclaimed: There
is some internal mystery under this.
Trust me, my darling, my life is yours
"You are too good" she returned,
drawing gently from him, land am
very foolish. / do not want to love
anyone. Love seems to make people
miserable"
mo, no, love, if reciprocated, must
be Heaven. Grace, will you always re.
ject me?" Grace hesitated, clasped
and unclasped her hands, looking d.
vinely sweet, and slightly mischievous.
IF you care to give me time, and
take time yourself, ask if have made
up my mind when-oh-when you have
deposited Nine. de Suresne with her
compatriot in Cork"
II breathe again. A thousand
thanks, my love, my queen. will dare
to hope"
"But not too much. scarce dare to
hope myself" exclaimed Grace, and
gathering up her habit she fed swiftly
away.