Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1899-06-01

arrived, the wedding breakfast was
laid out in the long dining-room, and
a more magnificent display had never
been seen In Lynnewolde. The four
Young ladies' who were to join Agatha
and Evelyn were staying at the Hall,
and every one seemed devoted to the
queen Of the festival, the beautiful
bride-elect.
what time do you think Philip
viii really arrive?" asked Inez to Mrs.
Lynne.
about six, think I have ordered
dinner for seven" was the reply, and
the lady smiled TO herself as she
looked at the wistful young face.
No one noticed how unequal were
the brides sprits,-one moment
flushed and laughing, looking like
the queen of mirth and revelry; then
pale and silent, with Swallowed eyes.
Courage" she sal4 to herself
zone trial more, and then my triumph
Is complete" Yet despite her bravery
her face and lips turned white when
she heard the noise and confusion OF
her lovers arrival. She was In the
drawing-room with Agatha, Evelyn.
and Allan Leigh. Mrs. Lynne had
gone to meet her son. Perhaps Inez
never suffered greater suspense than
in those few moments. Her eyes
semed magicafly attracted GO Agatha S
face. II she should faint when she
saw Philip again, then he would ques-
ton her, and the whole story must
come to light: but Agatha showed no
signs Of falnting.
THAT is my cousin" she said when
the sound of a gentleman's voice was
heard. The color did not vary in her
face, her lips did not culver, nor did
her voice tremble. She stood near
the door when he entered, and his
first words were addressed to her,
Inez watched them so eagerly. she
hardly seemed to draw her breath.
Quite frankly and calmly Agatha
held out her hand, and spoke a few
words of kindly greeting - her
cousin. Just as calmly Philip re-
Piled, and then passed on.
lnbZ Sank Ddth III ufl Nhdil wv
ordeal was over; they had met, and no
sign showed that they had ever been
more than friends. Lord Lynne
thought her pale face and quivering
lips were caused by her emouon at
seeing him, and he loved her the bet
ter for it. But she had yet another
ordeal to pass through, even more ter
ribe.
When ainner was over, they ad-
journed to the large drawing-room.
The party was a large one; besides
the six assembled bridemaids, there
was Allan Leigh, who on the NOR
row was to ofliciate as "hest man,
and several other gentlemen, wedding
guests. The evening was warm, and
the large French windows were opened
to admit the sweet, soft breeze. Lord
Lynne had established himself by the
Allan were perhaps the merrlest
! couple In the room. Suddenly
some thought seemed to strike Lord
Lynne, and turning to Agatha he
said. In a low voice. 81 have some
thing very particular to say TO you.
VIII you come into the conservatory
with me for minute | will not de-
tain you lone"
No one heard his words except 1nez,
and the next moment Agatha had gone
towards the conservatory followed by
Lord Lynne.
A clear conscience is the happiest
and greatest blessing that man or
woman can enjoy. There are no
words in which the feeling of that
beautiful girl can be described. A
deathllke pallor stole over her face;
her dark eyes had a wild, perplexed
look. She did not speak, nor move,
but sat like an image of despair.
att is all over" she cried In the
depth Of her heart: there IS sure to
be some explanation between them,
and am lost"
The white hands we're tightly
clenched, and she listened in sicken-
ing suspense for the voice OF her sister
or lover Minute after minute passed,
aud still they came not, and despair
took the place of hope in her heart.
At length. after what seemed to her
hours of torture, she saw Agatha
slowly approaching her,
"Inez" said her sister, bending over
her philip wants to speak to you;
come with me-"
The last hope died in that proud
passionate heart. She rose haughtily,
aud walked with the dignity of a
queen through the long drawing-room,
II have fought my fight" she said to
herself "and have failed. Still,
know how to bear defeat"
But when she reached the conserva-
tory. instead of the pale stern face she
expected to see, Philip stood before
her smiling and bright as he had been
when he quilted her. and in his hand
he held large jewel case. In one
moment, with her quick unerring In
stinct. she OWNED that she had been
mistaken, that she was still safe.
Il am afraid | am very awkward
lover" said Lord Lynne. with a
,,-o,,,,I -, 90 Won NV wed