The Flagstaff sun-democrat., 1897-10-14
WON AT LAST. BY HELEN HERMAN.
TT WAS lovely picture of rolling

IcclhR me gIOrles of the diving sun,
 and the rich masses of cloud tlnged with
 myriad rainbow dyes, but before Bell
 lie;dDg's eyes mist of tears inter-
 yened. None sparkled on the jetty lashes, no trace of them was left on the fair, flushed cheek, but they blurred the
 vision for all that. us she choked them
 back on her sad hNrt. Around her was every evidence ofwealth. The house ris- ing in the background. grand old pile ofgray stone, worthy the name of castle, the grounds surrounding it, kept in ex- qu;si,e order. giving every sign of culti- yrtion and taste, her own dress rich and costly, yet ,he tears so nearly shed were caused by the bitterness of dependence.
 It was her uncle's house she shared. the privileges which by right belonged solely 10 her cousin, her beautiful cous- in May-proud and beautiful, the idol of her father, man stern and grave save to the daughter, whose smile melt cd the chilliest frost in which he en- wrapped himself.
 Years before Bell, too, had known fathers love, but that Archer Fielding had ever been own brother to this man of iron seemed impossible. Her earliest recollections were of bright, genial nature, eyes and lips formed only for laughter, forbidding concealment and distrust, heart always ready to listen to her childish wants, ever open 10 en- fold and protect her, then silence and mystery. His name was never men, tioned now in her uncle's home. She had been taught to think him dead, though sometimes rose great hope in her soul that somewhere on this wide earth he might yet live and the day would come when she might find him. She could complain of no unkindness,
 "I will go away" she said, aloud. "I cannot bearit. lam young, I am strong. can work or if needs be starve--any- thing rather than accept crumbs--aye, or whole loaf-leavened by stern du- ty, without one sweet morsel of love-"
 "Soliloquizing, Miss Bell?" interrupt ed voice, and the girl turned, her face flushing, then paling, as the young man who had thus addressed her approached and drew her arm within his. For mo- ment she let it rest there, as though it were pleasant to her, then made mo- tion to withdraw it, but he laid a de- taining grasp on the small. white fn- gers. as he questioned: "Why will you not accept my escort? Is your own so- ciety so far preferable?"
 My cousin is expecting you, be. lieve, Mir. Armstrong, at the house. May does not brook delay"
 Indeed! Nor do I; therefore. since was seeking you, allow me at least brief reward. l was not aware Miss Fielding had any claim upon my time, al least not Miss May Fielding!" Again his listeners face flushed as she madea half impatient movement of dissent. "Bell," he went on, with sudden, im- petuous manner, "is it possible you do not know the charm which has drawn me here? Haveyou not longago read the story of my love for youP It is true that have been polite to your cousin, although my attentions have hardly been % marked as to admit of miscon- struction. Think you we care for the snow-capped mountains, when at our very feet lies the valley of plenty? Through her have gained speech with you. Surely such suhterfuge is in no way to be despised. have seen your proud spirit suffer, have known some. thing of its nngs. Darling, will you not end them? Will you not accept the home offer you. az fair one as that you leave, where you shall reign its honored mistress, queen of all. even my heartT
 Was she dreaming? Was 1t, indeed, love for Loring Armstrong she so long had held within such irrepressible bar riers, that now at his words lenped in | such mad, strong currents through | every pulse? She 90 long had looked upon him as Mays lover, she so well knew his declaration had been expected | by her, which would gratify for her father every desire of his parental am bi,ion; so fully realized their baffled dis appointment when they discovered it l was she whom he loved, that her brain | .whirled, but those last words, "she whom he loved," gave her strength. What could she not bear for such a price? Had Loring Armstrong been penniless she still could have gladly | gone forth to the ends of the world. and now, now, she could only raise happy. | tear-bedimmed eyes to his, and sob out her new-found joy on the unexpected shelter of his heart.
 "Dut May? What will she say?" she questioned, at last.
 Darling, do you think because Ihave baen sn hannv n "a fo ,.,ix, unn auasrr one