Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-04-22
CHAPTER VII.


derby.
CHAPTER VII.
At the softly-uttered words, and the
pressure of Eric Llewellyn's arms around
her. Muriel stops suddenly for moment
or two in frightened amazement, and then
wrathfully tries to wrench herself away
from his clasp; her fair face, one burn
ing crimson blush up to the masses of her
silken curling hair, which is almost black
in the shadow. but full of rich golden
lights in the sunshine.
Major Llewellyn! how dare you?" she
pants, her purple-gray eyes flashing
through angry tears. Let me go! You
have no right-you have no right! How
dare you hold me|'
"My darling! my darling!' he says,
drawing her closer. Twill you give me
the right sweetest? Will you marry me,
Muriel? want you so much in my lonely
life, my darling!" he whispers.
And Muriel-the temple of whose innO-
cent heart is full Of his image, the harp
of whose being thrills in every chord be-
meath the touch of the master hand
takes these words of Eric Llewellyn's in
fullest, sweetest faith to mean nothing
else than an avowal Of yearning love for
her.
Il did not think-did not dream-you
cared so much-in that way-for me-,
she falters, not venturing to look up at
him who is as a demigod in her eyes
this man 30 much her superior even in
age as well as all else, gifted, handsome.
well educated, well bred, we'll born, q
gentleman in mind, manner and appear
ance, and in fortune and position as well,
wealthy, according to Muriel's simple
ideas.
Il cannot live without your he says.
hotly, with an ungovernable impulse, and
his own words send a thrill of surprise
and a species of shame through every
nerve of feeling. Is he deceiving himself
or her? What then has become of the un-
dying constancy of his outer feeling Of
mingled love and hatred to his false fair
love? Tell me, Muriel," he persists,
gently. but quite firmly now, tell me,
dear, are you willing to marry me soon?-
very soon, Muriel? l have only three
months leave, and one month is nearly
gone already"
ooh! I cannot-I cannot promise any
thing until see Miles-until tell Miles,
Muriel exclaims, affrighted at the rapid
progress of her wooing. "Please let me
so! l cannot say anything now-p!ease
let me go!'
''Not without my answer, darling" he
returns, persistently.
do not ask me to promise anything
just now," she pleads, a little hurried and
distressed, "and think we had better go
hcyno II SO oro o'olnok ~
DO you care for me, them" he asks.
looking into the troubled depths of her
sweet eyes. Il thought you did. or you
would not have consented to marry me. =
Il never consented" Muriel says posi-
lively, with the semblance of mirth
sparkling in the shadows of her deep eyes,
and dimpling around her denlure lips.
well, took it for granted that you
had" he says significantly. PUT your
consent into words now, Muriel."
'Nthat am I to say?" she inquiries with
suspicious meekness.
Say" he says, laying his hands lightly
on her shoulders and looking down ut her,
II love you, and will marry you as soou
as you please"
"Major Eric Llewellyn," Muriel says.
with provoking carefulness; ''you love me.
and you will marry me as soon as please.
1t is very nice and kind of you to be So
so affectionate and unselfish, Major Lew
ellyn, and will be sure and let you know
when please" and with this she starts
away from his OBTAINING hold and runs
lightly off down one of the long aisles of
the plantations. laughing as she runs.
and looking back gayly ever and anon to
see if he is following her.
Which Major Llewellyn has no resource
but to do, unless he means to sulk in lone
illness, or go without his luncheon. Mu-
riel hurries on, and he beside her, in ST.
lence, until the house is reached. and they
see Miles beside the open window looking
out for their approach; and Muriel. in one
swift. anxious glance, sees that Miles is
looking very ill-fushed and hagsard, and
! his eyes bloodshot.
His temper is evidently in state of irri-
tation, too. She can hear him angrily
shout his commands to some one in the
! house, and, almost as they enter the
room he is saying something in voice of
suppressed rage to Sylvester, and the poor
little sisters heart sinks with apprehen-
sion as they all sit down at table.
(To b. continued.)