Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-03-02
CHAPTER XII.

I
room, reached her that an idea occurred
to Philippa which was like the up-spring-
ing of new life to her. All was not yet
lost. He did not love her-he had not
thought of ma king her his wife; but it did
not follow that he would never do so.
What had not patience and perseverance
accomplished before now? What had not
Sove won?
She hoped against hope. Each day she
J counted the kind words he had said to her;
she noted every glance, every look, every
expression. But she could not find that
she made any progress-nothing that in
dicated any change from brotherly friend
ship to love. Still had she not hoped
against hope, the chances are that she
would have died of a broken heart.
| Then the season ended. She went back
to Verdun Royal with Lady Peters, and
Lord Arleigh to Beechgrove. They wrote
to each other at Christmas, and met at
Calverley, the seat of Lord Rineham. By
this time some Of Miss LEstrange's ad-
mirers had come to the conclusion that
there was no truth in the report of the
Engagement between herself and Lord
Areigh. Among these was his grace the
Duke of Hazelwood. He loved the beau
tiful, queenly girl who had so disdainfully
refused his coronet-the very refusal had
made him care more than ever for her.
When the Duke of Hazelwood made up
his mind, he generally accomplished his
desire; he sought Lord Arleigh with such
assiduty, he made himself SO pleasant and
agreeable to him, that the master Of
Beechgrove soon showed him his most
cordial and sincere liking. Then they be-
came warm friends. The duke confided
! in Lord Arleigh-he told him the whole
story of his love for Miss l. L'Estrangc.
Il know" he said, that no one has so
much influence over her as you. l do not
| believe in the absurd stories told about an
engagement between You, but l see plain
! ly that she is your friend, and that you
| are hers; and l want you to use your in
| fuence with her in my favor"
| Lord Arleigh promised to do so-and he
! intended to keep his promise; they were
on such intimate and friendly terms that
he could venture upon saying anything OF
| that kind to her. The opportunity that
Lord Arleigh looked for came at last
| Philippa had some reason to doubt the
| honesty of a man whom she had been
| employing as agent. She resolved upon
laying the matter before Lord Arleigh,
and seeing what he thought about it. He
listened very patiently, examined the
! ana Inen neF Inal ne DelleVeu
| she had been robbed.
| "Philippa," he continued, "why do You
| not marry? 4 husband would save you
all this trouble; he would attend to your
affairs, and shield you from annoyances
of this kind"
The answer to your question, why
10 not marcyT would form long story >
she replied.
"PhiIippa, there is something that
| wish to say to you-something that Iona
have wished to say. Will you hear i,
now?"
A tremor like that of the leaves in the
wind seemed 10 pass over her. There was
u startled expression in the dark eyes, 6
quiver Of the crimson lips. Was it com
ing at last-this for which she had longet
ali her life? She controlled all outward
signs of emotion and turned to him quits
calmly.
II am always ready to listen to you
Norman, and to hear what you have to
say"
Il want you to tell me why you will
not marry the Duke Of Hazelwood. You
have treated me as your brother and you
friend. The question might seem imper
tinent from another; from me it will moi
lappear impertnent, not curious-simply
true and kindly interest. Why will yol
not marry him, Philippa"
A quick, sharp spasm Of pain passet
over her face. She was silent for a min
ute before she answered him, and then sh'
said:
THE reason is very simple, Norman
because l do not love him."
THAT is certainly q strong reason; but
Philippa, let me ask you another Ques
tion-why do you not love himr
She could have yetoCtad. WHY 10 ~