Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1897-04-08
CROSSING THE GULF.

country house that autumn. he was an
artist, handsome, gifted, well born, but
poor as the proverbial church mouse
and proud as Lucifer. She was an heir
ess, who, on attaining her majority
some three years ago, had come into
about SO, 900 a year. Added to this at
traction she was beautiful, clever and
charming. She was bright, high spirited
and very independent, as suitors soon
found to their cost
You'll be an old maid, Isbel, " re-
monstrated the aunt with whom she
lived. "You me nearly "a, my dear"
st don't care, auntie," laughed the
young lady. "An old maid is as good as
anything, thousand times better than
having q husband one doesn't care for.
I'm not in love, dear, and so mean to
keep my freedom"
That was said-and said truly then
some weeks before she came ON this
visit to Halcombe Grange and there met
the artist, Eric Errington, but could she
have said the same as truly now, when
the visit was drawing to a close? The
lips might perhaps The heart was an
other matter entirely, and she knew it.
She was no tyro Of girl in her teens,
but a woman who lived in the world
and neither could nor would deceive
herself She knew that she loved Err
rington and he loved her, despite his
proud reticence and silence. What wom-
an could not read between the lines?
What man could possibly at all times
completely guard every look and tone
and touch when thrown so constantly
each day with the loved one? He is un-
conscious how or when his secret is be-
trayed to that one.
But no one save Isbel Brandon he
suspected Errington 'ssecret. Hen: .
held aloof nor markedly sought
But there were one or two others among
the party who did so, and one day Ma
jor Glyn, the host, said half jestingly
to Eric:
my dear fellow, why don't you try
your chance. with the beautiful heiress
and win a fortune and Herewith q
speedy rise to fame?"
"Thank you, net l." said the artist.
with laugh and shrug, to cover the
deeper feelings stirred. II have no in.
tention of being ticketcd fortune hunt
err by the world or the fair lady herself
Even a poor devil of an artist may keeI
his pride and honor untarnished.
'But, Errirgton, nonsense'' Glyl
said. Suppose you really cared for ;
girl who happened to be rich?''
$50 much the worse for me, Glyn."
"You really mean that you wouldn'
woo her OF ask her hand?"
Never" said the other.
This had passed on the terrace.
Some one half behind the lace cur
tains Of window above drew back
with quivering lips and heaving breast
us this terrible gold of mine to b.
ever, then, hopeless barrier betweei
two hves?" Isbel muttered, locking he
white hands He will never speak
never breathe a word, and l. Heaven
what can 1.-THE woman-say or d,
without shame? And yet-yet-is golt
and mistaken but noble pride ant
sense of honor to keep us apart forever
/ know he loves me--would tell me S
at once were poor. Oh, it is cruel
cruel! Something ought-must be done
but what?"
There it was; she, the woman, wa
SO helpless. And shortly after this tn
party broke up.
A month later the artist one evenin
received letter from Isbel, and, to hi
utter surprise and joy. oddly mixed wit
pain, she wished him to paint her po1
trait. Would he please call on her at
the next day.
Of course he would go, but how 9
through the ordeal without self be
trayal?
Isbel had to strive with herself muc
harder for the ordeal she had at length
with an infinite courage, resolved I
face Therefore was it she had name
an hour free from all visitors, and whe
her aunt, Mrs. Brandon, would still
in her own apartment. One Of the two
she saw, must cross the Rubicon an
burn the boats behind if both their live
were to be saved from wreck, and sine
he would not, we'll, she, the heiress
must, whatsoever the cost.
When she was told he was in til
drawing room-when almost the actus
; moment had arrived-her heart sank
and at the very door she had to pause
minute to pull herself together. The
she went in. How the mans dark eye
lighted up! How unconsciously clos
was the clasp of his hand on hers! ]
she had had one deeting doubt of hi
love, that second must have dispelled il
What pleasure to see you again
Miss Brandonp' he said. "And what a
honor you dome to let me paint you
portrait''
Is it? 1t is good of you to call it SO,
Isbel answered brightly, but inward
every nerve was quivering and strained
) Aunt Mary began again. yesterda
about having my picture done, so
write to you. My aunt will be dow
1 presently, but in the meanwhile we ca
arrange the sittings, dress and so forth.
Errington passed by the $50 forth,
!. and only arranged for her dress and th
sittings.
"But now," she said, "thns that
settled, we come to--you must pleas
name your
pardon me-" Errington interposed
with resolute quietude that in itsel
gave her fresh surety of her ground
"but you must do me the great favor t
let that part rest until the work is fin
ished. You are not like stranger
Indeed, hope not" Isbel said gen
tly. "Well, be it as you please, then. "
MnChanIr Won uer1r 1nnch Miss Bran