The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-09-18
WON AT LAST.
BY HELEN BEEKMAN.

tlecting the glories OF the dying sun,
end the rich masses of cloud tinged with
myriad rainbow dyes, but before Bell
Fielding's eyes a mist OF tears inter
Nened. None sparkled on the ietty
lashes, no trace OF them was left on the
fair, flushed cheek, but they blurred the
vision for all that, as she choled them
back on her sad heart. Around her was
every evidence OF wealth. The house ris-
ing in the background, "a grand old pile
ofgray stone, worthy the name OF castle,
the grounds surrounding IL, kept in ex-
quisite order, giving every sign of culti-
ption and taste her own dress rich G-.d
costly, yet the tears so nearly shed were
caused by the bitterness of dependence.
IL 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, a man stern and grave
save TO the daughter, whose smile melt
ed 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
recollections were of bright, genial
nature, eyes and lips formed only for
laughter, forbidding concealment and
dstrust, heart always ready 90 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 a 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.
az will go away" she said, aloud. 81
cannot bcarit l am young, am strong.
/ can work or il needs be starye-any-
thing rather than accept crumbs-aye,
or a whole loaf-leavened by stern du-
ty. without one sweet morscl Of love-"
"Soliloquizing, Miss Belle" 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 IL rest there, as though IL
were pleasant to her, then made mo-
ton to withdraw it, but he laid 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 preferableY
my cousin is expecting you, be.
lieve, Mr.. Armstrong, atthe house. May
does not brook delay"
I, T.. al
was seeking you, allow me at least a
brief reward. / was not aware Miss
Fielding had any claim upon my time
az least not Miss May Fieldingl" Again
his listeners face flushed as she made a
half impatient movement Of dissent
BELL" he went on, with sudden, i'm.
petuous manner, ''is il possible you dc
not know the charm which has drawn
me here? Haveyou longago read the
story of my love for you? IL 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 th'
snow-capped mountains, when at oui
very feet lies the valley of plenty
Through her / have gained speech will
you. Surely such subterfuge Is in M
way to be despised. ! have seen your
proud spirit suffer, have known some
thing of its pangs Darling, will yol
not end them? VIII you not accept TIT
home / offer you, as fair one as tina
you leave, where you shall reign Il
honored mistress, queen of all, even m.
hearth"
Was she dreaming? Was IL, indeed
love for Loring Armstrong she 50 lonl
had held within such irrcpressible bar
riers. that now az his words leaped u
such mad, strong currents through
every pulse? She so long had looke'
upon him az Mays lover, she SO WEI
knew his declaration had been cNpecte'
by her, which would crafty for he
father every desire Of his parental an
bition; so fully realized their batiled di'
appointment when they discovered
was she whom he loved, that her brai
whirled. but those last words, "sh
whom he loved" gave her strength
What could she not bear for such
price? Had Loring Armstrong bee
penniless she still could have gladl
gone forth 10 the ends of the world, an
now. now, she could only raise happy
tear-bedimmed eyes 70 his, and sob on
her ncw-found joy on the uneNpecte
shelter of his heart.
"But May? what will she say sh
questioned, at last
Darling. do you think because haV
been so happy as TO win you, every on
must envy you the prize? doubt
Miss May has hear't, save when It bea
triumphsntly as she looks at the reile
ton OF her own beautiful face In h'
mirror. But come, little trembler. W
will 90 and announce our dawning bill
and put your foolish fears 10 Hight
So saying. he threw his arms once mol
about the slender form, and drew h
toward the house
On she broad piazza. impatient