Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1898-05-27
WON AT LAST.
BY HELEN BEEKMAN.


the peaceful river in the distance re-
fecting the glories of the dying sun,
and the rich masses of cloud tinged with
myriad rainbow dyes, but before Bell
Fielding's eyes a mist of tears inter
vened. None sparkled on the Jetty
lashes, no trace of them was left on the
fair, flushed cheek, but they blurred the
vision for all that. as she choked them
back on her sad heart. Around her was
every evidence of wealth. The house ris-
ing in the background. Il grand old pile
of gray stone. worthy the name Of castle,
the grounds surrounding il, kept in ex-
quisite order, giving every sign of cult.
vation and taste. her own dress rich and
costly. yet the 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 10 her cousin, her beautiful cous-
i'm May-proud and beautiful, the idol
of her father, q man stern and grave
save 10 the daughter, whose smile melt
ed the chillest 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 10 this man
OF iron seemed impossible. Her earliest
recollections were of a bright, genial
nature. eyes and lips formed only for
laughter, forbidding coucealment and
d.strust. heart always ready 10 listen
20 her childish wants, ever open 10 en-
fold and protect her. then silence and
toned now in her uncle's home. She
had been taught 10 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 unkindness.
II will go away" she said. aloud. 81
cannot bear it. l 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-
~, without one sweet mOrsel of love-"
"Soliloquzing, Miss Belle" interrupt
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 a mo-
mcnt she let il rest there, as though il
were pleasant TO her, then made a mo-
ton to withdraw il. bur he laid a de-
tanning grasp on The small white fin
gers, as he questioned: "Why will YOU
not accept my escort? Is your own so
ciety 20 far preierable?'
MY cousin is expecting You, | be-
lieve, Mr.. Arms trong, at the house. Ma,
L.oes not brook delay"
Indeed Nor do /; therefore, since
was seeking you, allow me at least a
brief reward. | was not aware Miss
Fielding had any claim upon ny time,
a least not Miss May ijelding.' Again
dis listeners face flushed as she made a
half impatient movement of dissent.
ABEL he went on, with sudden. i'm
pctuous manner, els it possible Won do
not know the charm which has drawn
me here? Have You not longago read he
story of my love for You? II j. true
that | have been polite 10 your cousin.
although my attentions have harGly
been so marked as 10 admit Of miscou.
Etruction. Think YOU we care for eat
slow-capped mountains. when - our
5cry feet lies the valley q plenty;
Through Der have pained speech with
You. Surely Sueu ~un'rriugc is i'm no
war 10 Oe dcsr ! trre seen your
Tro"' spirit suffer-. h.,. tacWn soma
i..rr cf it, rtr.-. is-.i.g. viii y1r
..o rHe-.t W. H.u a.' accept the
..y:..l vl.er ,au, as scar ed one as thar
YOU leave. where You shall reign -
honorcG mistress, queen OF all, even my
heart
Was she dreamingS Was il. indeed
love for Loriug Armstrong she so long
had held within such irrepressible bar
rierS. that now at his words leaped IN
such mad strong currents through
:very pulse? She So long had looked
upon him as Mays lover, she so well
Eaew his declaration had been expected
By her. which would crafty for her
fathe, every desire OF his parental am
bition; so fully realized their bafled dis.
! appointment when they discovered il
was She whom he loved. that her brain
whirled. but those last words. "sh~
whom he loved gave her strength.
What could she not bear for such Ii
/ price? Had Loring Armstrong been
! pennilcss she still could have gladly
! gone forth TO the ends of the world. ana
now, now. she could only raise happy,
tear-bedimmed eyes to his, and sob out
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 50 happy as TO win you. every one
must envy you the prize? / doubt if
Miss May has a heart, save when il beats
triumphantly as she looks at the reflec-
tion Of her own beautiful face i'm her
/ mirror. But come. little trembler. We
will go and announce oar dawning bliss
and put your foolish fears TO flight"
SO saying. he threw his arms once more
about the slender form. and drew her
toward the house.
On the broad piazza, Impatiently
opening and closing the fan she held