Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-05-31
Copyright, 1881, by Robert Boomers Sons.
CHAPTER XIII.

the heat Of the day continued through
ghe night, thus rendering the wooing Of
Ghe drowsy god a pleasure instead OF
task, which caused general retirement
from the quarterback at an earlier hour
than usual.
But Miss Muir, nevertheless, found
herself little disposed for slumber on that
evening, and, consequently, she quilted
her cabin toward midnight and returned
to the deck. Upon approaching her favor
lite seat at the taffrail, she started with
surprise and made a motion to withdraw,
for Dunmore, who had preceded her to
the spot, suddenly arose out of the shad-
-ow and advanced to meet her.
"What! Would you go back again, and
because of finding me here?' said he, In
a grave, disappointing tone. wait, then
Miss Muir l will go forward"
mo, no-not by any means! was
merely urprised-nothing more" she re-
piled, hurriedly. How brilliant is the
moonlight! It seems to turn the water
into silver"
81 am glad to be with you alone to-
might, Miss Muir" said he, after long
pause, and keeping his gaze fixed upon
the waves. 81 had about made up my
mind to speak to you in confidence
She felt that she ought to leave him,
but had not the courage to do so, the
enere consciousness of sitting all alone
at his side there was SO sweet and gen
tie
t'Win you permit me to speak freely,
when L promise beforehand that l shall
say nothing that ought to offend you"
he continued. you must have discover
ed ere this that love you-nay, nay! do
not rise, do not run away" he added,
gently OBTAINING her. II have no inten-
fion Of making a declaration to you,
dearly as should like to- Miss Muir. l
know you are betrothed to another, and
Il know that this forbids me to hope. But
still, you will permit me to put my de-
SPAR into words, will you not? When we
separate after this voyage, Miss Muir,
we shall most probably never meet again.
Us it, then, wrong or indicate that !
should merely wish you to carry away
with you the knowledge that you have
caused me to love you ?"
II am sorry--very, very sorry, MI.
Dunmore!'' she murmured, in much agita-
rtjon.
<-Ah! but it is no fault Of yours said
he, venturing to turn his eyes upon her
now, and she noticed that they were
Drl&nL anu InOlSL. M lllc HdS OcSu q
sad one, Miss Muir I was born to an
elevated position, with insufficient means
to support it. fed to the diamond fields,
with the hope of wrestling from the
-earth's bosom the wherewithal to build
ANEW my shattered fortunes. After
years Of struggle, Of danger and of lone
illness find myself on my way home,
and with my dreams realized so far as
Aba nhoh h; TO Of M
cerned. / am rich in earthly treasure
have such gems in my valise as will per-
Snanently restore my ancient family es-
tate to splendor and renown. Am l
happy, then? No, no; far from it. find
that that for which l shaved and toiled
and suffered is but Of little worth-that
4 am, indeed, the most miserable of men!'
She had never before heard him say so
much at once, and he spoke with pro-
found earnestness and feeling. She, new
ertheless, loved the sound Of his voice,
so deep, so manly and so sweet.
1fWhy are you so miserable, Mr.. Dun
moreY' she asked
t'In the first place, l shall not have the
welcome home that I had right to ex-
pect. My absence has been taken advan-
tage of by such as | trusted. My place
in the world has been usurped by mis-
cradle migrate. 1 shall meet with hat
red and contention, instead of the kind
ly welcome that 1 had anticipated"
t'Still you can prove and maintain your
rights, l trust
Undoubtedly! My enemies will speed
ally give way before me. But the sting Of
angratitude will remain"
Have you only recently learned of this
.rD1ookod- state of vOur affairs Mr.
Dunmore?'
A.Yes; the FIRST intimation of it was
brought to me by Mr.. Weems a few
months ago. Otherwise, should, doubt
Jess. have fingered longer in the mines.
He had resided near my estate, and was
thoroughly acquainted with the wrong
that was being done me. l scarcely
waited for his advice, but disposed of
everything, expressed my valuables, and
set my face for home."
Strange that Mr.. Weems should thus
shave been the cause of your going home
as we'll as of my doing the same!" said
Miss Muir, refiectively. ''You know
shat one of his chief objects in coming
40 South Africa, on this last visit of his,
was in search of me, do you not?'
II have been given to understand as
WAYS refrained from inquiring particu-
sarly into your affairs"
II know you have, sir, and / appreciate
yeur delicacy to the full, " said Miss Muir,
very feelingly. My own life has been
sad, but not eyentful | do not shrink
from confiding it to you, Mr.. Dunmore.
I was born in Aberdeen, and my parents,
worthy tradespeople, left me an orphan
at an early age. was brought up in the
Family of rich uncle, who considered
that he had done enough for me when l
had achieved decent education at his
expense. He then obtained governess
place for me in the household of poor
laird. / entered upon my new duties
with good heart, and was successful in
their performance. Indeed, might have
continued along the even tenor of my
way but that just. about that time
lost NV hoart