The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1898-08-02
WON AT LAST.
BY HELEN BEEKMAN.

TT WAS a lovely picture of rolling
woodland and grassy slopes, with
the peaceful river in the distance re-
ficcting the glores of the dying sun,
and he rich masses of cloud tinged with
myriad rainbow dyes, but before Bell
Fiedings eyes mist of tears inter-
Nened. None sparkled on the lefty
lashes, no trace of them was left on the
fair, flushed cheek, but they blurred the
vision for all that as she chol<ed them
back on her sad heart. Around her was
every evidence of wealth. The house ris-
ing in the background, a grand old pile
ofgray stone, worthy the name of castle.
the grounds surrounding it, kept in ex-
qusite order. giving every sign of cult
vation and taste, her own dress rich and
costly. yet she tears so nearly shed were
caused by the bitterness Of dependence
1t was her uncle's house she shared
the privileges which by right belonged
solely TO her cousin, her beautiful cous-
in May-proud and beautiful, the idol
of her father, a man stern and grave
save to the daughter. whose smile melt
cd the chlliest frost in which he en-
wrapped himself.
Years before Bell, too. had known a
fathers love, but that Archer Fielding
had ever been own brother TO this man
of iron seemed impossible. Her earliest
recollections were of bright, genial
nature, eyes and lips formed only for
laughter, forbidding concealment and
distrust. heart always ready to listen
N MT n
fold and protect her, then silence and
mystery. His name was never men
toned now in her uncle's home. She
had been taught to think him dead.
though sometimes rose a great hope
in her soul that somewhere on this wide
earth he might yet live and the day
would come when she might find him.
She could complain of no unldndness,
II will go away" she said, aloud. ~
cannot bear it. am young, / am strong.
/ can work or if needs be starve-any-
thing rather than accept crumbs--aye,
or whole loaf--leavened by stern du-
ty, without one sweet norsel of love"
"Soliloquizing, Miss Bell?" interrupts
ed voice, and the girl turned, her face
flushing, then paling as the young man
who had thus addressed her approached
and drew her arm within his. For mo-
ment she let it rest there, as though il
were pleasant to herr then made Il mo-
ton to withdraw il, but he laid de-
tanning grasp on the small, white fin
gers, as he questioned: ''Why will you
not accept my escort? Is your own So
ciety so far preferable?"
MY cousin is expecting you, he.
lieve. Mr.. Armstrong. at the house. May
does not brook delay"
Indeed! Nor do 1; therefore. since |
was seeking you, allow me at least n
brief reward. l was not aware Miss
Fielding had any claim upon my time.
az least not Miss May Fielding!" Again
his listeners face flushed as she made
half impatient movement of dissent.
BELL" he went on, with sudden, i'm
petuous manner. sis it possible you do
not know the charm which has drawn
mehere? Have younot longago read the
story of my love for you? 1t is true
that have been polite to your cousin.
although my attentions have hardly
been 50 marked as to admit of miscon-
struction. Think you we care for the
snow-capped mountains, when at our
very feet lies the valley of plenty?
Through her have gained speech with
you. Surely such subterfuge is in no
way to be despised. | have seen your
proud spirit suffer, have known some
thing of its pangs. Darling. will you
not end them? viii you not accept the
home | offer you, as far one as that
you leave, where you shall reign its
honored mistress, queen of all, even my
hearth"
Was she dreaming? Was it, indeed,
love for Loring Armstrong she so long
had held within such irrepressible bar
riers, that now at his words leaped in
such mad, strong currents through
every pulse? She so long had looked
upon him as Mays lover, she so well
knew his declaration had been expected
by her, which would crafty for her
father every desire Of his parental am
bition; so fully realized their bafied dis
appointment when they discovered il
was she whom he loved. that her brain
whir!ed, but those last words. ''she