The leader., 1897-09-22
WON AT LAST.
BY HELEN BEEKMAN.
&
Sseeeesseseeeeeseseeseee&

TT WAS a lovely picture of rolling
woodland and grassy slopes, with
he peaceful river in the distance re-
focting the glories of the dying sun,
and the rich masses of cloud tinged with
MYRIAD rainbow dyes, but before Bell
Felding's eyes mist of tears inter-
vened. 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, 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
ofgray stone, worthy the name of castle,
the grounds surrounding it, kept in eX-
quisite order, giving every sign of cult
vation and taste, her own dress rich and
costly, yet the tears so nearly shed were
caused by the bitterness of dependence.
1t was her uucle'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, man stern and grave
save to the daughter, whose smile melt
ea 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 10 this man
of iron seemed impossible. Her earliest
rccollections were of bright, genial
nature, eyes and lips formed only for
laughter, forbidding concealment and
dstrust, heart always ready to listen
10 her childish wants, ever open to 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 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,
bit well she knew duty, not love, as
signed her her daily bread, and there
fore, since in her veins, too, ran the
proud blood of the Fieldings, it choked
her as she ate.
81 will go away" she said, aloud. 81
cannot bearit. am young, am strong,
/ can work or if needs be starve-any-
thing rather than accept crumbs-aye,
or whole loaf-leavened by stern du
~, without one sweet morsel of love-"
"Soliloquizing, Miss Bell?" interrupt
ed a 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 ii
were pleasant to her, then made mo-
tion to withdraw it, 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 So
ciety so far preferable?'
MY cousin is expecting you, l be-
lieve, Mr.. 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,
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, sis it possible you do
not know the charm which has drawn
me here? Haveyoun not long ago read the
story of my love for you? 1t is true
that have been polite to your cousin,
although my attentions have hardly
been so marked as to admit of miscon-
struction. Think you we care for the
srow-capped mountains, when at our
very feet lies the valley of plenty?
Through her have gained speech with
you. Surely such subterfuge is in no
way to be despised. l have seen your
proud spirit suffer, have known some
thing OF it's pangs. Darling, will you
not end them? VIII you not accept the
home offer you, as fair one as that
yo'. leave, where you shall reign its
honored mistress, queen of all, even my
heart ?"
Was she dreaming? Was it, 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
rather every desire of his parental am
pition; so fully realized their baffled dis
appointment when they discovered it
was she whom he loved, that her brain
"hlrled, 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.
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? l doubt if
MISS May has heart, save when ii beats
triumphantly as she looks at the reflec-
uon OF her own beautiful face In her
mirror. But come, little trembler. We
VIII go and announce our dawning bliss
and put your foolish fears to fight"
90 saying, he threw his arms once more
about the slender form. and drew her
toward the house.
On the broad piazza. impatiently
opening and closing the fan she held
villain her jswelsd hand, the bssutiful