Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1897-01-27

he laughed harshly ana rose from the
table, regardless Of the fact that the 10.
dies had not made move. Miss Jacky
watched him darkly as he left the room
She could not understand the changes OF
his moods He behaved as IL he had
been drinking. And yet-she had not
noticed that he took a larger quantity OF
wine than usual at dinner. There WAS
something about him that made her very
anxious now and then
TIE next day was cloudlessly fine. Mrs.
LINDSAY and her girls, Katie and Isabel
two rosy. merry lasses. who had a
boundless admiration for their old friend
Stella, with whom they used to 60 to
school before she left Dundee for Brus-
sels-called at Thornbank at halfpast
one, and drove with her to the steamer,
in which the whole psrty-horses and
from Dundee to the Kingdom Of Fife. At
Newport they would get into the carriage
again and be driven westward to the 6ns
old abbey ruin at Balmerino.
Newport Pier was reached at length,
and the drive to Balmerino began. 1t
was very pleasant drive. but Stella
found afterward that she did not remem-
Der much about 1t. She was hardly con-
scious of what she said or did, until her
feet were firmly planted On the green
slopes on which the ruined abbey walls
are set, and found herself suddenly face
TO face with Mr.. John Harrington and q
friend. And then She felt illogically
ashamed of herself for having expected to
meet him there.
Stella performed her part OF introducing
him to the Lyndsays with a quiet, shy
grace which Harrington heartily approx
ed He in his turn asked permission to
introduce Mr.. Donald Vereker, and as
that young man was one Of Lord EsQu-
hart's sons, his welcome by Mrs. LINDSAY
was assured. Katie was charmed to find
that this fair-haired, biue-eyed young fel-
low was what she called very jolly" and
while she and her mother monopolixed
him. lsa, who WAS of u sentimental turn,
devoted herself 10 securing q few min.
utes undisturbed 20 her friend Stella and
Stella's lover.
For Of course Ae was Stella's lover;
she was sure of that by the look In Stella's
pretty eyes. So she led them away from
Mrs. LINDSAY and Mr.. Vereker, and when
they had entered the half-lighted cavern
which had once done duty for q refec-
tory or kitchen, she slipped quietly away.
and Harrington was At liberty t. say
what he chose.
He had already givea Stella his hand,
because the floor was very uneven. and
he knew BY its tremor that be could 70
a little further still. "Coms this way and
look at the window in the WALL" he said,
leading her deeper into the darkness Of
the ruined building. You are not angry
with me for coming here to-day? You
are not sorry to see me. Stellar" His
arm was round her waist.
"Oh, please" Stella began. but she
was not allowed to proceed.
Il could not keep away. l love you.
Stella--do you not know that? Do you
not love me a little in return2 Stella,
will you not tell me that you love meT'
1T is SO soon," she murmured; but her
head was on his shoulder, and he knew
that he might have his way.
"Not bit Of II. The moment set
eyes upon you in the Britannia said to
myself-that Is the woman should like
to have for q wife. That IL how all true
love begins. One kiss, my darling" Han.
nington whispered. You have not kisssd
me yet"
Stella lifted her face in the darkness
1t was a very sober little kiss; but she
felt 1t to be q vow Of everlasting fidelity.
To the man who won that kiss she gave
her heart and life.
NOW, then. We will 60" said Hanning-
ton. Stella, dearest, you love me. do
you notT
"Yes"
"Say Yes, John"
Eyes, John" abe answered. very sweet
iy.
"Then, darling, don't say anything
about this to anyone until have seen
you again. I want to consult you first,
before speak to your father. He will
grudge you to me. 1 am sure. my beauti'
full one"
"As you like. John" she said submis-
sively.
I'm awfuliy bowled over" said Don.
aid vereker that evening. with an ex-
preston Of the deepest self-commisera-
ton. II feel that l have received my
Garry me out to de- some
body. I am slain by fair, cruel maid"
"Who 10 the ladyw asked one of his
-s-+srs. laughing. There was large par
y In the billiard.room at EsQuhart Tow
.rs. and Donald's confession was svidsat
y made for the public benefit.
Her father is something In juts. ~
ieve," said the Hon. Don, ~ his ff3ends
often called him. "Her name II Stella
star Of my existence! Don't look %
black. Harrington. I'm not going to
poach. You should have seen Jack ador-
ing her to-day at Balmerino: 1t would
teach you a lesson"
I'VE don't need a lesson" said Lady
Grace. 1--WE all know Mr.. Hannington."
There was perhaps just little malice In
her tone.
Miss Stella Raeburn il about the pref
tiest girl ever saw" Donald went On.
she has got perfect features, golden
hair. blue eyes, a rose-leaf complexion,
and-I assure you, on my Ao1or-no
Scottish accent She has been abroad
for some years-that's why. She'll have
> pot Of money, fer her fathers . rsGu-
l.r millioasirs-~AS, ss"s saA - b he