The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-11-12
WON AT LAST.
BY HELEN BEEKMAN.
observation-disclosures
TT WAS a lovely picture of rolling

4 woodland and grassy slopes, WIN
the peaceful river in the distance re-
fleeing the glories Of the dying sun,
and The rich masses of cloud tinged with.
myriad rainbow dyes, but before Bell
Fieldino's ewes a 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 foY 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, u grand old pile
ofcraystoue, worthy the name of castle,
the grounds surrounding it, kept in eX-
qusite order, giving every sign of culti-
v?tion and taste, her own dress rich and
costly, yet She tears SO nearly shed were
caused by the 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, a 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 a
fathers love, but that Archer Fielding
had ever been own brother to this man
of iron seemed impossible. Her earliest
reCollections were of a bright, genial
nature, eyes and lips formed only for
laughter, forbidding concealment and
distrust, a heart always ready to listen
to her childish wants, ever open to en-
:old 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 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,
81 will go away" she said, aloud. 81
cannot bear it. am young, am strong.
! can work or if needs be starve-any-
thing rather than accept crumbs-aye,
or a 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 a mo-
ment she let it rest there, as though it
were pleasant to her, then made mo-
ton 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, be-
lieve, Mr.. Armstrong, at the house. May
does not brook delay
Indeed! Nor do I therefore. since T
was seeking you, allow me at least a
brief reward. I was not aware Miss
Fielding had any claim upon my time
az least not Miss May Fielding!" Again
his listeners face flushed as she made
half impatient movement Of dissent
BELL" he went on, with sudden, i'm
petuous manner, sis it possible you do
not know the charm which has drawn
mehere? Have younot longago 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
snow-capped mountains, when at our
very feet lies the valley of plenty i?
Through her | have gained speech with
you. Surely such suhterfuge is in no
way to be despised I have seen your
proud spirit suffer, have known some
thing of its pangs. Darling, will you
not end them? Will you not accept the
home I offer you, as fair one as that
you leave, where you shall reign it's
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
father every desire of his parental am
bition; so fully realized their baffled dis
appointment when they discovered it
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.
''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? I doubt il
Miss May has heart, save when it beats
triumphantly as she looks at the reflec.
ton of her own beautiful face in he1
mirror. But come, little trembler. We
will go and announce our dawning bliss
and put your foolish fears to fight
So saying, he threw his arms once more
about the slender form, and drew hel
toward the house.
On the broad piazza, impatiently
opening and closing the fan she hello
wkhin her jeweled hand, the beautiful
heiress sat awaiting their approach, OF
rather the approach of one alone, fol
she raised her penciled eyebrows with
naughty inquiry accompanied by dis
dainful shrug of the graceful shoulders
when she saw who was his companion:
but as they drew nearer, and she noted
the action of acknowledged protection
deathly pallor overspread the beauti
full face, and one drop of blood rested or
the crimson lip where her small, whit,
tooth had left its cruel impress.