The Forrest City times., 1900-01-26

"i oyes ,hat were dlmmed by tears, gazed into the glowing embers "Oh, Aunt Matilda, your very kindnes, IS but cruelty. I wonder where Ralpt IS now? Oh, I almost wish I were 1, poor girl to-day. And yet, no-| couldn't bear that!"
 And the latter reflection was con stantly passing through the girl, mind as time wore on. It was yer, pleasant to be mistress of the grea, house and to have money at command Under her rule Glenthorne became i, very pleasant place indeed; and be fore the year was ended it was wbis pered that Lord Arthur Kendall wa. very much in love with her. Elizabeth heard Ralph Crosby, name mentioned several times later when she went to London. He wa, occupied upon work that was tt make name for him, some said. 9th CTS hinted that he was i'll; and Mis-, Everill wondered that Ter hear should beat so quickly at the sound O., his name. She had resolved to accep Lord Arthur. He was rich-mucl richer than she-and quite at the to-, of the social ladder. Certainly sh, did not love him; he was hardly {, man whom any woman could respect Anyhow, she did not respect him, ant yet she would marry him. They wer, uncongenial spirits, she knew, bu what of that?
 In such a mood she was going ont night to a great ball given by one O, the most fashionable women in Lon don. Lord Arthur would be there and probably she would say "Yes" ts his pleadings that night. She rather thought she would as she stood befor, mirror when her maid had given tn, finishing touches to her toilet. Sh, had on white dress, and pearls wer, on her neck and amid her drsky hair. she was radiantly beautiful.
 "Six years ago!" she muttered Ralph Crosby said" She turned away. Now and again | feeling came over her that she coule not understand = feeling that hei wealth and her beauty were not te bring her happiness; and she ha6 grown impatient with herself for feel ing so. Generally at such times sht was even gayer than usual, and when some hours later, Lord Arthur sat by her side in convenient recess in Lady Javenell's conservatory, he felt that he could almost die for her. There wa. something in her beauty that night, sadness in the dark eyes behind theii mirth-that he could not understand Elizabeth" he whispered, ''say 'Yes!" and just then the sound oi voices reached them.
 And Crosby, the artist, you know, i, blind."
 "Blind!"
 Quite. He consulted Reynolds yes. terday, his case is hopeless"
 Poor begggar! What will he do?" "I don't know. He hasn't a penny He has never steadied himself to worl for years. Somebody told me of gir' who tilted him, or something" Miss Everill rose.
 Lord Arthur, I hope you will neve, speak to me like this again!" Lord Arthur bowed. He knew that further pleading would be useless. Very early on the following morning Miss Everill's carriage stopped at Ralph Crosby's chambers, and Eliza. beth was informed that he was at home. She gave no name, but entered the room where he was. "Ralph!"
 It was a voice that he had not heard for six long years, but he recognized it at once, and turned his sightless eyes toward her.
 "Elizabeth!" he cried, rapturously opening his arms, and in an instant shs was folded in them.
 But you must not, Elizabeth" he said later, you must not sacrifice all for me-"
 Tt is no sacrifice" she replied, com. posedly; but I am dreadfully afraid that had to ask you to marry me! wonder what MT. Northbrooke will say when he hears of this?" and sht laughed.
 What fools women are!" was wha, the old lawyer said on being apprised of it, and he drew large envelope from among number of papers that were in large box before him.
 It was addressed in Miss Thorne'i very masculine caligraphy, to himself and written in one corner were the words:
 ITO be opened in the event of my niece's marriage"
 Inside was a will, properly signed and witnessed, and the old lawyers face cleared as he glanced at it. There was also an open letter addressed to Miss Evsrill.
 If you have sold yourself, my niece take the price of your slavery. If you have been honest enough to marry fol love, take your reward. In either case Glenthorne is yours"
 Heaven bless mel" the lawyer eX. claimed, Heaven bless me! There's nc understanding a woman! I'm heartily glad, anyhow; and now I must go ana tell these two that they won't be beg oars after all '-ChicapO Herald,