Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1896-12-11

pose right against your poor craven
might, and see which wins the battle
Good evening, sir; you shall not win the
election this time; | know my people
and am here. ;"
walked out OF the magnificent residence
III mixing of the tortured countenance OF
its proud and guilty owner.
"The game is lost!" he sighed, as he
rode down the fine avenue, "and must
look for aid"
He went direct to the Pavilion, and
asked for Mrs. Dellamere.
She came to him smiling, radiant; 1t
was lovely to see the peace and gladness
in her eyes.
"Loveday is safe home," she mur-
mured yielding her hand willingly to
tho earnest grasp OF the friend she
trusted wholly; "Auberon and l went to
Silverstream early this morning and
brought her home before any OF our ac-
ouaintances were astr. l really believe
she will escape unharmed; and the we'd
ding is to be soon. Squire Crecy and his
wife are with us now; they always loved
my girl"
Edgar caught at this opportunity
when alone with Mrs Dellamere, to ask
for the history Of Miss Dellamcre's ad-
venture.
AS she told it he could easily trace the
premeditated schemes Of AccringtOn
through the apparent accidents which
had befallen the pair; and as he COM
pretended the strength Of Accrington's
passion, which had prompted him to
commit such piece Of madness to gain
possession Of its object he began to
tremble for Miss Dellamere's future
safety.
"The sooner the marriage is, tho bet.
ter it will be for Miss Del amere," said
he to her mother "That man has not
given her up yet. 1t is not in such
nature to accept defeat"
II feel as you do about him" /" returned
Mrs. Dellamere, anXiOusly. ITO loSo
her would have been bitter enough, but
to see her won by another will be un-
endurable. He may make another
snat,h at her. All what can 1 do? 1
am alone save for my servants; l daro
not be sure that can protect her. And
he is willy and strong. I am afraid, Mr..
Arden, miserably afraid"
"Does Miss Dellamere quite know the
character Of her fierce lOver?" asked
Edgar.
"I have never accused him." said size,
with gesture Of repulsiOn. "Natur-
a ly, l have shrunk from the idea Of re-
veallng the vice of such past as his 10
my white-souled girl. And l trust it IS
now unnecessary to warn Loyeday
against him; even if she did not love
Auberon, she would never again fancy
Accrngton, for she fears and distrusts
him vehemently since the late revelation
Of his unscrupulous policy. And she
loves Auberon deeply"
Cannot you hasten the marriage?"
suggested Edgar
II do not know how to do that with
out giving her explanations which would
startle and distress her; and she is so
happy! Oh, let us guard her from sor-
row as we'll as from peril, If we can!
Can re y upon you, my friend, to help
me to keep my treasure safely?"
"Dear lady, need you ask? shall keep
watch over Col. Accrington's move
ments; and be you vigilant in your care
of your daughter. In few days trust
that can turn the tables upon the ene-
my and put him to flight And now may
l see Miss Delamere?"
Mrs. Dellamere looked earnestly in his
face, wondering what power he held
over Col. Accrington; but as he did not
explain, she led him to the room where
Loveday was, in the midst of her future
connections
Arden had always been favorlte of
hers, and she welcomed him homo to
afford once more with very pretty
burst of enthusiasm; prophesying his
victory over the rival candidate and his
unanimous election by the people Of Sal
ford
She was in radiant spirits; the grief
whi h had oppressed her so long was all
gone now; Auberol loved her, and they
were betrothed. Mamma was delighted,
ard Mr.. and Mrs. Crecy enchanted; how
happy she was!
But though Edgar might smile at her
saucy witcheries and sympathize with
Auberon's coudleSs JOY, he often thought
with a gnawing thrill at the hear
of q proud, shy Princess OF the Seat
who dwelt afar on lonely Sleat-na
Vrecken, and who wept because she
deemed him dead.