The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1896-06-26
lsora's Bridal Vow
BY MARGARET BLoGNT.
CHAPTER V-CoSTIAIrn

as you say. Only, In That case. SthGl
authorities may chance to come
hithel to inquire of YOU father
about a certain James Garside who
has disappeared from among US very
suddenly and mysteriously. What
answer do you think he will give
them?"
"You would really do this"
II regret to say that my duty to
society would compel me to take this
course" he replied with a graceful
bow.
.'And yet, if l consent, you will
keep %silence"
''Till death"
''What becomes of your duty to
society in that case"
sit yields to a higher claim of nv
duty to my OWN family, Rose. A
baronet would not exactly wish to
see his father-in-law swinging upon
the gallows."
"Oh, | cannot bear 1.-THE mere
idea drives me beside myself. Sir
Laurence, | consent"
''There spoke my pretty bride".'
and he kissed first her hand. and
then her nn"esisting lips. "And now
for a shining fetter for my little cap
tive"
He slipped a costly diamond ring
upon her finger.
"You will forget all this in time,
DEAR" he vent on more gently.
when you are Lady Gray; when
every woman Of your acquaintance
is wondering at and envying you;
when you have your carriages. your
horses, your servants around you,
and have exchanged this humble
parlor for the luxury and elegance
OF your own boudoir at Winstead
hall-trust me, all shis that has hap
pened will seem like the feverish
fancy of a midnight dream; and it
will seem impossible to you that it
could eve have happened.
She fixed her eyes full upon him
with a look of %sorrowful %reproach.
''Sir laurence"
..Well?"
"Did you ever love?"
What a question! Do I not love
you! Have l not given you every
proof Of my affection possible, under
our present circumstances:?n
Il know that my poor face has
pleased YOU she answered sadly,
and that for many reasons you have
preferred me for your bride above
others who are far better fitted by
birth and education for the place
than !. But that was not what /
was thinking OF. Did 1t ever happen
to you in your youth, when your
heart was generous and open, did it
ever happen to you to love then,
with all your heart and soul and
strength, as | have loved Jamie-as
love him nowy'
He did not seem to hear the latter
portion of her speech. His face
grew dark as he heard the question;
q rush of sorrowful and gloomy
thought furrowed his brow and
troubled his eye, and he gazed at her
for a few moments with a look that
fairly frightened her.
..Love!"' he said at last, recovering
himself with a violent effort. ''Love!
Pshaw! What can a girl like you
know Of such a love as | have felt In
those mad days of which you speak
SO ~ignorantly? Never speak of them
again to me. Remember the old
proverD: Let sleeping dogs lie;' and
take care how you rouse the mem
cries of the past which l have been
trying so long to drown and to for
get! Have loved? l tell you, girl,
my love has been like the hot 81
moon of the desert: has blasted
everything it came near! Be thank
full that you are spared, and never
speak to me of this again
He left the room as he spoke,
without a farewell or a caress, and
from the window she saw him hurry
down the garden path like a man
scarce conscious OF his course But
at the gate he turned and came
swiftly back again. He stood be.
Meath the window and called her.
.sRose, are you there?'
She came forward and parted the
vines, to hear what he had to say.
Her face in that living frame of lux
uriant green was more like a fanci-
full picture than a reality, and the
cloud passed away from the baro.
nets brow as he looked at her.
when you are Lady Gray | viii
have you painted like that" he re-
marked. ..Those vine tendrllls have
a good effect in your golden hair
must speak TO Winsard about that
But / came back to say something
to you, which is this: How sool
can you be ready for the ceremony
] want to call vow miae as soon a