Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-12-16

peared to the amateurish eye Ikea will
derness Of flowers. Only the head gar
dener knew. perhaps, how unlike will
derness IL really was.
I. Noiselessly Blandon Palgrave walked
through the FARMHOUSE. Beyond he
could hear low murmur OF voices,
sounding above the patter of the foun-
tain. In one corner waved a huge
pyramid of South African ferns, and
behind that, he knew, was a seat, just
large enough to hold two persons.
He had seen it on the first day of
his arrival for this visit, during a
tour of inspection, which he made,
and had thought at the time what an
ideal retreat it would form for lovers.
He had, indeed, even contemplated
enticing ''The Princess thither him
self. Now he had been forestalled
in this intention, and by the soft light
which filtered through globes of rosy
glass, he could see the billowing form
of white gown, which cleaned be-
hind bank of ferns and flowers
If he could reach the spot, without
being heard, it would be possible for
him to ensconce himself in such a posi-
ton that, even should the hidden pair
move away, or others enter the con-
servatory, he might safely remain con-
cealed unless actual and methodical
search unearthed him. He had rather
exciting moment while crossing the
floor, but presently, listening with an
accelerated beating Of the heart, he
knew that he had accomplished his OBJ
ject in safety.
Neither the Duke nor Lady Anne was
aware of an eavesdropper, though he
stood so near (between the banks of
ferns and the glass wall of the con-
servatory) that he could hear even the
lightest whisper.
Anne O'Neill had a wondrously sweet
voice. There were tones in it like the
vibrating notes of the violin, and again
during conversations with her, Blandon
had been reminded of the melodious
ripping softness Of the flute.
Yes" she was saying. Il have ex-
pected this. 1t wouldn't be true or
womanly, though it might be woman
ish, to tell you l haven't, Duke"
Bah, so they've got as far as that
already" grimly soliloQuized Blan-
don.
of course you couldn't help seeing
that l was head over heels in love
with you," responded her companion.
Il haven't wanted you to help it.
have only been waiting till l should be
Of age to tell you, for, somehow,
felt as though you might think more
of me if l were man, in every sense
of the word-eyen the technical one.
Aunt Mary and dear old Savvy have
known for long time, too, and l be-
lieve they're almost as anxious as l
am that you should promise to be my
wife"
Il wonder Why" said the "Prin-
cess girlish voice.
IF only you could see yourself and
know yourself as others see and know
you, you wouldn't wonder" the Duke
made adoring answer You're diff
ferent from anyone else in the world,
Lady Anne-simply the most beautiful
and divine of all women You needn't
smile, and do such distracting things
with your eyelashes It's all true-ev-
cry word. l shan't want to live if you
won't be my wife, and naturally Aunt
Mary and Savvy see that you, and
only you, can make something of
me-"
Make something of you" echoed the
girl with a thrill of sadness in her elo-
quent voice. rs that a happy fate
for woman, l wonder, to marry a man
Of whom she must try and make some
thing?'"
I'D do my best-I really would"
urged Leicester, rather obviously. at
would be all right after you had made
something Of me, you know"
perhaps. I could be sure it would,
Tiff l loved you
"But-you don't love me? That goes
without saying"
(Blandons heart leaped, and he smil-
ed behind his ambush of South African
ferns.)
"No-there's the pity of it. l like
you, oh so much and felt so very,
very kindly towards you. But it's the
sort of kindness I might have for
brother"
Wouldn't the other come, then, in
time?"
Honestly, I'm afraid-I'm almost
sure it wouldn't. You wanted me to
talk frankly, didn't you, Duke? Well,
then-there's something about you-I
hardly know what-oh, I wish it were
not so! You are handsome, and l am
foolish enough to care for that l love
IF l..