The DeLamar nugget. [volume] (DeLamar, Idaho) 1891-1900, 1896-08-21
LOVE Is BLIND.


d Esterre-
lie had but just returned from two
years' sojourn in the heart of Africa,
u sojourn filled with dangers ard pri-
vations; his years numbered but live
nnd-twcnty, he was possessed of a we'll
knit, springy frame and keen, clear
eve; and he had come back from his
travels with fame, courage and en-
Jurance, but without q penny that he
could call his own.
What was next to be done? This
was the problem that filled all his spare
thoughts. His elder brother had fitted
him out for his expedition with the po-
lite intimation that the act was virtual
washing of his hands of the supcrluous
cndet; his aunts had kissed him 50
warmly at parting that he was amazed
20 find them mot at home when he
returned to London; his godfather had
given him n twenty pound note and
such q hearty farewell, that it was be-
wildering TO be cut by him when they
met once more in the club smoking
room. ut really seems as if they wish
! had never come back!" said the young
man to himself, with a smile at the in
credible idea; but as time passed on his
smiles died away, and he ground his
teeth savagely as he realized that his
relations had thought it a good invest
ment to lay out G 500 and an intlnity o.
farewell in the hope of getting quit OF
a troublesome incumbrance. The
thought was q bitter one, and in his first
fury he vowed to leave his native shores
10y the next ship, and never return TO
them again. But upon the heat CT his
passion there fell a cooling breath, as
II from heaven itself, and the lion was
straightway changed into a lamb. Lord
Ronald d'Esterre had been accustomed
so long to be looked upon as "detri-
snental" that at first he scarcely dared
TO show the attraction that lay for him
in Violet Harvey's appealing gray eyes
aud soft, shining hair. TO his arlaze-
lnent, however, he found that obsHocles
melted away miraculously at his up
Iroach. Violet herself was shy and re-
firing, it is true, but her mother smiled
sweetly upon him and her father shook
him warmly by the hand.
Was ever man so blessed before?
True love does run smooth some
times. after ALL" he said to himself on
this bright June evening, as he walked
homeward after n meeting with Mrs.
Harvey in the park.
"Shall You be at Lady Chcsterford's
party to-night?" she had said. Violet
and arc going, and we shall be disap-
pointed if we do not see you"
Ills honest face had glowed with de-
light as she spoke, and he seemed to be
trcadin9 on air as he walked away.
Even Aunt Maria has taken me back |
into favor again" he thought; 'she was
cross when first came home |
I.ut now she is sugared satin whenever
l come near her. 1 dare say it was al! |
my fault, though. know that l was
an Unconditional brute until Violet |
cSme to soften mel"
Lady Maria,s lowered headdress was
the first object that met Lord Ronald's
eyes when he entered his hostess
crowded drawiDg-rooms that evening. |
and somewhat to his surprise it was III
close proximity TO Mrs. Harvey's friz-
lled grey head.
81 should not have thought that Aunt
Maria would have anything 10 do with
her," he reflected. 'She always says she
ran detect the faintest tincture of trad,
md she must know perfectly well that
Mr.. Harvey made his money in malt.
At this very moment, however. he
taught sight of Violet, and forgetting
Ill else, he elbowed his way eagerly
through the crowd, until he reached
ler side.
1t might have been only fancy, but at
inv rate it seemed to him that her vel
.ome was warmer one than she had
.vcr given him before, and his heart
eat fnster as he bent over her.
"Will you not come into the conserva-
ory?" he said, pleadingly; sit is so hot
ere"
She rose without word, and they
walked away together.
do you know that it is only six
weeks since first saw your" he said
I can hardly believe it myself, for il
Gems as if 1 had known you all my
ife."
lie had an idea even as nc spoke that
Ie had seen the remark in almost every
owe story that he had ever read. but he
ould not refrain from uttering It, forit
ccmcd so exact an expression of his
ceilings. Violet, too, had probably
card it before, but from Ronald'S lips
! sounded absolutely new, and her long
yelashes dropped lower upon her cheek
S she listened.
They were walking between banks OF
over and fern, and the silence between
hem was too sweet tn be broken at
nee; but Ronald knew that their soli-
lde might be disturbed at any moment,
nd rousing himself from his dream
e had just opened his lips to speak, !;
hen voice from some hidden speaker