The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-14
WON AT LAST.
BY HELEN BEEKMAN.
eeeeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee'

TT WAS "A lovely picture OF rolling
woodland and grassy slopes, with
the peaceful river in the distance re-
nccting 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, a grand old pile
ofgray stone, worthy the name Of castle,
the grounds surrounding it. kept in eX-
quiste order, giving every sign Of cult
vpton and taste, her own dress rich ana
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 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
ed the chllIest frost in which he en-
wrapped himself.
Years before Bell, 700, had known a
fathers love. but that Archer Fielding
had ever been own brother TO this man
OF iron seemed impossible. Her earliest
recollcctions were Of a bright, genial
nature. eyes and lips formed only for
laughter, forbidding concealment and
distrust. a heart always ready TO listen
to her childish wants, ever open to en-
fold and protect her, then silence and
mystery. His name was never men
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 lie might yet live and the day
would come when she might find him.
She could complain of no unkindness.
81 will go away" she said, aloud. 81
cannot bear IT, l am young, | om strong.
can work or IL needs be starve--any-
thing rather than accept crumbs-aye,
or whole loaf-leavened by stern du-
ty, without one sweet morsel OF love"
"Soliloquizing. Miss Belle" interrupt
ed voice, and the girl turned, her face
flushing then palinF as the young man
who had thus addressed her approached
and drew her arm within his. For Il mo-
ment she let IL rest there, as though IL
were pleasant TO her, then made mo-
ton to withdraw II. 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, be
liese, Mr.. Armstrong, at the house May
does not brook delay"
"Indeedl Nor do /; therefore, since |
was seeking yon, allow me at least a
brief reward. l was not aware Miss
Fielding had any claim upon my time,
at least not Miss May Fielding!" Again
his listeners face flushed rs she made n
half impatient movement Of dissent.
BELL" he went on, with sudden, i'm
petuous manner, sis 1t possible you do
not know the charm which has drawn
mehere? Haveyounotlo ngago read the
story of my love for you? 1t is true
that have been polite to your cousin.
although my attentions have hardly
been so marked as TO admit of mlscon-
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 10 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 fair q one as that
you leave, where you shall reign its
honored mistress, queen OF all, even my
heart"
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 lenpod 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
luther every desire Of his parental am
bition; so fully realized their bahled dis
appointment when they discovered IL
was she whom he loved, ahat her brain
whirled, but those last words, "she
whom he loved" gave her strength,
What could she not bear for such a
price? Had Lorlng Armstrong been
penniless she still could have gladly
gone forth to the ends of the world, and
now. now, she could only raise happy,
tear-bedimmed eyes TO his, ana sob out
her new-found joy on the unexpected
shelter Of his heart.
"But May? What will she say?" she
questioned, OF last.
"Darling, do you think because have
been so happy as 10 win you, every one
must envy you the prize? | doubt IL
Miss May has heart. save when II beats
trlumphantly as she looks az the renec-
tion Of her own beautiful face in her
mirror. But come, little trcmblcr. We
will go and announce our dawniug bliss
and put your foolish fears to night.'
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
within her ieweled hand, the beautiful
helress sat awaiting their approach, or
rather the approach OF one alone, for
she raised her penciled eyebrows with
hrWhty inquiry accompanied by dis