The Delta independent., 1901-07-05

portend; she thought Of nothing-re-
membered nothing-beyond the fact
that for her. life's sweetness, liberty
and tender sympathy were not.
At length. rousing herself with an
effort, she went up to Leydon and
placed her hand on his. Her heart
was beating wildly, her face was ash
en-.
DO you remember a question you
asked me about two weeks ago." she
said. do you still care to remember
it? Because. if so. I have a different
answer to make you now
Two weeks ago I asked you to
marry me-" he replied. in forced, un-
natural manner.
"And then I said No." she muir
INJURED family; "now-now-I would
say Yes" She covered her face with
her hands; thick. dry. fearless SOB
escaped her
But have not asked you to say
It," observed his lordship, coldly, still
keeping down with firm hand the ris-
ing hope that was consuming him.
What, Mildred, do you imagine that,
because have been able to help you
in this little matter, have a claim on
you? You are doing both yourself and
me a great injustice"
You are too good for me-" said
Miss Trevanion; and yet l know you
love me. II you still care to marry
me, will gladly be your wife,
Mildred, Mildred, what are you
saying?" he cried, all the icy brave re-
serve breaking down in an instant.
Think what your thoughtless words
must mean to me-life. hope, happi-
ness greater than l have ever dared
to dream of-and beware lest 1 take
advantage of them. II you are say
ing all this-as feel you are-from
mistaken sense of gratitude or pity.
l implore you to desist and leave me
as was before"
Listen to me-" entreated Mildred.
determined honestly to advocate her
own doom, and holding out to him
her hands. which he gently took and
held. IF tell you that l do not love
you with that passionate love with
which some women love the men they
marry. but that l respect you above
all living men, will it content you
will you take me as I ann"
IF I were quite sure you would be
happy" he began, reluctantly.
I am quite sure should be happy"
she interposed. and burst into bitter
tears as she spoke.
.I
II feel nervous" she declared. try
ing bravely to appear her usual self,
and smiling a wan. faint smile, though
heavy drops were on her lashes; you
should have come to my rescue-it is
not every day the proposal is made by
the woman"
My darling" he said. tenderly ca
ressing the small hands, of which he
had again possessed himself, Il hope
Il think-you will never regret it.
| Mildred. II l were quite certain that
this was for your good. and that you
would never wish unsaid the words
you have uttered, l believe might
feel satisfied"
BE satisfied. then" she returned.
OUT tneTe was teTTlDle, uull aCulHg
pain at her heart, as she gave the
| expected assurance.
| When he was gone she went upstairs
again TO the room where she had left
her father and mother, and found
them still there-Sir George standing
at the window gazing out upon the
snow-covered ground, Lady Caroline
before the IRE. as though in the act
| of warming herself. The traces Of
tears we're still upon her mothers
cheeks, and even as Mildred gazed a
heavy drop fell upon her lap.
Mamma, be comforted." cried Mil
dred, coming suddenly forward from
where she had been standing unno-
ticed. in the shadow Of the door; Il
have done what you wished me to do
Il have got the money for you"
| Lady Caroline started and turned to-
ward her: so did Sir George.
Ito be continued)
WILL NOT LEND TAE ROCKS