The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-02-17

Written III Clear Rlrllsn uauuWritin8,
was the name of Florence Mostynl
Mabel's heart beat with intense ex-
citement, and her hands trembled 60
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:
1883, Dot. 26.-There was quite .
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 we'll
worth listening to, and that is high
praise for him. For myself ] am not
particularly taken with him, but that
10 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. AL observed Mr.. Durant
more particularly today, perhaps be-
cause he appeared to notice me even
less than usual, il that were possible.
OF course, be 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 firm chin; bis
heavy black mustaohe 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 l 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.
"Deo 1.-THE hounds met at Brook
worth park today, and we killed at
Leighterton; the best run this season.
Mr.. Durant gave me splendid lead.
He rides we'll and already knows every
inch Of the county.
"Deo. III need not complain again
Of Mr.. Durant's lack of interest. He is
delighted with my hospital scheme and
has offered to help me.
"Deo 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 1t will be ready for the
first patients.
"Jan. 15.-It is week since I 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
be was at the Hoskins' dance. and took
me in at Lord Launton's 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 l had
been to see old Hanks when I met him.
He was riding, but be 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 happened-Arthur Durant
has asked me to be his wifel can
hardly realize it yet Only when close
my eyes and again see his gazing into
mine l can hear his words, almost
whispered in their intensity. I love
you, he said. 4 worship you. have
loved you from the moment l saw you'll
| avoided you because l felt was not
worthy to touch the ground on which
you walked. But surely my love has
raised me 80 that dare plead with you
to let me try to teach you to love me
little / could not find words, and he
thought I did not care. His voice was
full 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,
and none were needed. l am happy,
wildly happy. He loves me, and. oh, l
love him sol Tomorrow Arthur sees
papa-in Difference to my wishes. he
says, for he is sure it is useless. I know
papa is proud, but he can have no fault
to find with him. Still, am nervous,
and Arthur is certain it is useless.
Jan. 2S.-Arthur had an interview
with papa this morning. l met him in
the archery ground afterward. 1t was
as he feared-papa would not hear him
to the end and forbade him to speak to
me on the subject. He ailenced him in
stantly and dismissed him with con.
tempt. Arthur VOWS that nothing shall
separate us and begs me to fly with
him. He says that we will be married
by special license in London; that we
shall go abroad and stay there till
papa's wrath has cooled. Then we can
come home, and all will be we'll again.
Arthur little knows papa's implacable
nature. He is colder than ice, knows no
yielding, and will never pardon. He
never forgave Robert, and never will
forgive him, though his faults, poor
boy, were small enough. No, l could
not run away. 1t would not be right.
"Jan. 29.-Today papa sent for me
to the library and showed me letter
from Aunt Amelia. She wrote that,
owing to her recent bad health-she
has never known days illness in her
life-her doctor orders her to go to
Nentone for two months. She will be
pleased IL Florence will accompany her,
In which case she must be in London
on Friday. know this is papas doing.
told him candidly that I did not wish
to 60 and would not accept the invita-.
ton. He said Jolly: You will 60. Flor