The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1899-04-13

seemed to be fastened by a paddock, but
she soon found that, though the key had
been turned, the loop had not been
forced far enough down to catch the
bolt. She opened it easily and turned
over the contents-old newspapers,
curious, roughly drawn plans. bunch
of skeleton keys buried under odds and
ends of all descriptions, and a few
books. She glanced over the latter, hop
ing they might help her through the
dreary hours, but they were not attract
i've They were chiefly racing oalen-
dars and guidebooks. A prettily bound
volume at length caught her eye. It
had lock to it. which had been
wrenched loose. She opened it with
curiosity, and an exclamation Of sur
prise burst from her.
It was a diary, and on the fly leaf,
written in a clear girlish handwriting,
was the name of Florence Mostynl
Mabel's heart beat with intense ex-
element, and her hands trembled so
that she could hardly hold the book. At
last she opened the diary Of the i'll fated
girl. The first entry was on her eight
zenith birthday. but Mabel glanced
through it rapidly, turning the pages
with feverish haste, till her eye caught
Mr.. Durant's name. Then she read ev-
cry word.
Here are some of the entries:
"1SS8, Oct 26.-There was quite a
crowd of men at Lady Morton's last
night, and among them was Mr.. Arthur
Durant, the new owner of Abbinghall.
He is one of those wild men of the west,
who have been to all sorts of impossible
places and seen all sorts of wonderful
things But papa says that, unlike most
travellers tales, Mr.. Durant's are well
worth listening to, and that is high
praise for him. For myself I am not
particularly taken with him, but that
is nothing. I rarely am impressed by
people at first sight. Mr.. Durant bids
fair to be popular. He keeps good horses
and rides straight. That may account
for it,
"Nov. 29.-I observed Mr.. Durant
more particularly today, perhaps be-
cause he appeared to notice me even
less than usual, if that were possible.
Of course, he is always polite, but he
probably does not consider me worth
more attention than is demanded by or
binary courtesy. He has clear, penetrat-
ing gray eyes and a firm chin; bis
heavy black mustache completely hides
his mouth, but can imagine it to be
clever and capable. suppose his fore
head does recede little too much.
"Dec. 6-Mr. Durant dined here to
night. There was crowd of people,
but he was the most interesting Of them
all, and because was his hosts daugh-
ter / suppose he felt obliged to be at
tentive. We had long talk together in
the drawing room-in fact, he scarcely
ever left my side.
"Dec. 1.-THE hounds met at Brock
worth park today, and we killed at
Leighterton; the best run this season.
Mr.. Durant gave me a splendid lead.
He rides well and already knows every
inch Of the county.
"Dec. Ill need not complain again
of Mr.. Durant's lack of interest. He is
delighted with my hospital scheme and
has offered to help me.
"Dec. 19.-We dined at the Towers
tonight. Dinners there are generally
tedious ordeals. but tonight was differ
ent. Mr.. Durant took me in. Perhaps
that accounts for it.
1889, Jan. 1.-THE Cottage hospital
scheme works splendidly. Mr.. Durant's
help is wonderful assistance and by the
spring we hope it will be ready for the
first patients.
"Jan. Is. 1t is a week since have
written anything in my diary. have
seen Mr.. Durant every day since. He
was at the meet at Houndscroft, and we
were in at the death at Dunkirk. Then
no was at the Hoskins' dance, and took
me in at Lord Taunton g dinner. He
was among the audience at the hospital
concert, and on Sunday he was at
church. Yesterday he walked with me
from the other end of the village. I had
been to see old Hanks when met him.
He was riding, but he dismounted and
walked with me to the south lodge. !
am afraid he would be very miserable,
walking all that distance in riding boots.
"Jan. 22.-Today have refused Lord
Winter again for the third time. Why
cannot he take NO for an answer?
wonder if Mr.. ,Durant ever cared enough
for any one to propose three times?
"Jan. 27.-Today the most wonder
full thing has Representations Durant
has asked me to be his wifel I can
hardly realize it yet. Only when close
my eyes and again see his gazing into
mine I can hear his words, almost
whispered in their intensity. Il love
you, he said. Il worship you. have
loved you from the moment saw you !
l avoided you because / felt I was not
worthy to touch the ground on which
yen walked. But surely my love has
raised me SO that I dare plead with you
to let me try to teach you to love me a
little could mot find words, and be
thought / did not care. His voice was
fpIl Of pain as he released my hand.
Forgive me my presumption. I am not
worthy of you. have been roughened
by my life, by hardship and travel. For
give me for daring to tell my love. but
/ could not keep silent any longer. His
face was white and set, but still I had
no words. held out my hands to him,