Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1898-05-27

NO. DtlltNt not, anu NlAhouN tbN
consent of ones guardian. congratule-
tions, infer, are premature. However,
you may rest assured OF mine, II you
consider them OF moment"
The tone in which she spoke gave no
betrayal Of the conflict she endured, and
AT the words Bell started forward.
How kind OF you, dear cousin, 10
share my happiness but something,
unnoticed by the man, warned her 10
SAY no more-to draw back chilled. she
could scarce tell why, and send the mo-
mentary impulse OF affection back OTIS
fountainhead. a shadow Of underlined
dread crept over her; not even her lOv
er's kiss, with his promise 10 return
early in the morning that the important
interview might be accomplished. could
dlssipate "a shadow which took visible
form, as on the following day she was
summoned from the breakfast room TO
her uncle's study. and met her cousin
just leaving il with an expression OF
| triumphant assurance she was unable
TO cOUceal.
With unusual urbanity, after careful.
" closing the door, MIR. Fielding mo-
tioued her 20 a seat.
Il hear" he began. clearing his throat,
that Mr.. Armstrong has asked you 10
bscome his wife. This both amaZes ard
pains me. Amazed because you certain.
rs must have conducted your courtship
with unbecoming secrecy. and panied
because it forces me into disclosures
which viii make this marriage an i'm
possibility"
The shadow had fallen now. She felt
| il suifocatiug her, but she awaited the
rest in silence.
Had your hand been sought by one
whose name was Of less lustre, and
whose birth, station, and immense
wealth forced him TO less necessarily
maintain it, | might have kept silrnt.
/ Now cannot consistently do so, there
fore must tell you your father is not
dead, as you have supposed, but stu
| lives, fugitive IRON Justice
Lives. My father! Thank God!'
! From her white lips broke the eXclana.
lion Of gratitude, uHheeding the barrier
which haze forbidden all these years his
acknowledging himself 10 his child.
Il will not here speak OF thtscharacter
OF his Otfense. save that the clemency OF
one man saved MIN from disgrace, he
continued, restlessly pacing the floor, as
though even his hard nature shrank
from his self-appointed task. His eyes
were glancing over at the white, suffer
ing face Of the girl he was stabbing
with each word 1T only remains for
, ne 10 apprise Mr.. Armstrong of these
facts TO induce him at once 10 renOunce
your hand of his own accord, or in
mercy TO your pride inform him you
have repented too hasty decision and
wish TO be free. Which course will you
choose ~
Sir, your blood is in my veins. The
! question is therefore scarcely neces-
sarY. | shall never sec Loring Arm
strong again. Word it a YOU will. only
if it be true that my father lives,
would share his exile. aye if needs be
his disgrace Write him it is my wish,
and gain quickly his consent
NO letter could reach him. As soou
as possible l Will let him know of your
desire"
Slowly Bell rose and left the room
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