Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1897-12-10
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WON AT LAST.
BY HELEN BEEKMAN.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
II WAS a lovely picture of roIline

and ne rich masses OF cloud tinged With
myriad rainbow dyes, but before Bell
Fielding's eyes a mist OF tears inter
vened. None sparkied on the jetty
lashes, no trace of them was left on the
fair, flushed cheek, but they blurred the
vision for all that. as she choked them
back on her sad heart. Around her was
every evidence of wealth. The house ris-
ing in the background. grand old pile
OF gray stone. worthy the name OF castle,
| the grounds surrounding it, kept in eX-
quiste order. giving every sign OF cult
walton and taste. her own dress rich AND
costly. yet the tears SO nearly shed were
caused by ne bitterness Of dependence.
1t was her uncle's house she shared,
the privileges which by right belonged
solely To her cousin, her beautiful cous-
IN May-proud and beautiful. the idol
OF her father, q man stern and grave
save 10 the daughter, whose smile melt
&c the chilliest frost in which he en-
wrapped himself.
Years before Bell, too. had known a
fathers love. but that Archer Fielding
had ever been own brother 10 this man
recollections were of a bright, genial
nature, eyes and lips formed only for
laughter forbidding concealment and
distrust, heart always ready 10 listen
10 her childish wants, ever open 10 en-
fold and protect her, then silence and
mystery. His name was never men
toned now in her uncle's home. She
had been taught 10 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.
II will 60 away" she said. aloud. Il
ca mot bearit. am young. lam strong,
can work or If needs be starve-any-
thing rather than accept crumbe-aye,
or whole loaf-leavened by stern du-
ty. without one sweet morsel Of lo~e.-
"Soliloquizing. Miss BellY" 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 bet II rest there, as though Il
were pleasant TO her. then made mo-
ton 10 withdraw il. but he laid a de-
tanning grasp on the small. white fin
gers, as he questioned: "Why will you
not accept my escort? Is your own 30
ciety SO far prefera bleP"
"My cousin is expecting you, l be.
lieve, Mr.. Arms trong, at the house. May
does not brook delay"
Indeed, Nor do l therefore. since /
was seeking you, allow me at least
brief reward l was not aware Miss
Fielding had any claim upon my time,
a; least not Miss May Fielding" Again
his listeners face flushed as she made a
half impatient movement of dissent.
BELL" he went on, with sudden, inn
petuous manner, "is il possible YOU do
not know the charm which has drawn
me here? Have you mot longago read the
story of my love for you? 1t is true
that | have been polite 10 your cousin,
although my attentions have hardly
been so marked as 10 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 l have gained speech with
you. Surely such subterfuge is in no
way 10 be despised. l have seen your
proud spirit suffer. have known some
thing of its pangs. Darling, will you
not end them? VIII you not accept the
home | offer you. as fair a one as that
YOU leave, where you shall reign its
honored mistress, queen Of all, even my
hearth
Was she dreaming? Was il, indeed.
love for Loring Armstrong she SO long
had held within such irrepressible bar
riers. that now at his words leaped in
such mad, strong currents through
every pulse? She SO long had looked
upon him as Mays lover, she so well
knew his declaration had been expected
by her, which would crafty for her
father every desire of his parental am
bition; so fully realized their bafied dis
appointment when they discovered i,
was she whom he loved, that her brain
whrled, but those last words, she
whom he loved" gave her strength.
What could she not bear for such u
price? Had Loring Armstrong been
penniless she still could have gladly
gone forth 10 the ends of the world, ana
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
But May? What will she say?" she
questioned, at last.
Darling. do you think because have
been so happy as TO win you, every one
must envy you the prize? / doubt if
Miss May has heart, save when it beats
triumphantly as she looks at the retlec-
tion of her own beautiful face in her
mirror. But come, little trembler. We
will go and announce our dawning bliss
and put your foolish fears 10 flight"
So saying. he threw his arms once more
about the slender form, and drew her
toward the house.
On the broad piazza, Snpatiently
opening and closing the fan she held
within her jeweled hand. the beautiful
heiress sat awaiting their approach, or
rather the aDDrOach of one aIsne for