The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1898-08-02

price, Had Boring Armstrong been
Pennies she still could have gladly
gone forth to the ends of the world. and
now, now, she could only raise happv.
tear-bedimmed eyes to his. and sob ont
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 If
Miss May has heart, save when it beats
triumphantly as she looks at the refiec-
ton of her own beautiful face in her
mirror. But come, little trembler. We
VIII 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 her
toward the house.
On the broad piazza, impatientlv
opening and closing the fan she held
within her jeweled hand, the beautiful
heiress sat awaiting their approach, or
rather the approach of one alone, for
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 on
the crimson lip where her small, white
tooth had left its cruel impress.
we have come to ask your congraHu.
'ations, Miss May, although / have as
sured your cousin how sincere I know
they will be. Is your father within?"
No, believe not, and without the
consent of ones guardian, congratula-
tions, / infer, are premature. However,
you may rest assured of mine, if 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. to
share my happiness" but something.
unnoticed by the man, warned her to
say no more-to draw back chilled, she
could scarce tell why, and send the mo-
mentary impulse of affection back to its
fountainhead. A shadow of underlined
dread crept over her; not even her low
er's kiss, with his promise to return
early in the morning that the important
interview might be accomplished, could
dissipate 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 it with an expression of
triumphant assurance she was unable
TO conceal
With unusual urbanity, after careful
~ closing the door, Mr.. Fielding mo-
toned her 10 seat.
Il hear he began, clearing his throat,
that Mr.. Armstrong has asked you TO
become his wife. This both amazes and
pains me. Amazed because you certain
~ 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 sutfocating 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, 1 might have kept silent.
Now cannot consistently do so, there
fore | must tell you your father is not
dead, as you have supposed, but still
lives, fugitive from justice!"
''Livesl My father! Thank God!"
From her white lips broke the exclama-
ton OF gratitude, unheeding the barrier
which had forbidden all these years his
acknowledging himself to his child
II will not here speak Of the character
OF his offense, save that the clcmency OF
one man saved him 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
me TO apprise Mr.. Armstrong of these
facts to induce him at once To renounce
your hand of his own accord, or in
mercy to your pride inform him you
have repented "A 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-