Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1902-05-12

Continued.

hear it. I-you will forgive me, Miss
CHARLES felt an unusual interest IN
YOU the first time l saw you. 1t has
not lessened, but has deepened until
it. is stronger than myself am; and
I cannot bear the thought that you
should pass out of my life without
leaving me a hope in it. Forgive me
for speaking so frankly and freely"
All, if things mad been different! II
she were in any other position than
her present one? If she could out
tell him her name, her history, and
why she was there? She remained
silent her heart beating with pleasure
so keen that it was almost pain.
81 respect your secret and the
mystery surrounding you" continued
Lord Arleigh 81 would not for
worlds, now that you have told zoe
that you cannot take me into your
confidence, seek to unravel them. I
respect them: but | cannot bear hat
YOU should pass out of my life, anQ
that 7 should see you no more. You
will say that [ have not known you
long. answer that that does not
matter. Such knowledge as. | have
of YOU has left an impression that
will never be Obliterated. I appeal to
your kindness of heart, without seek
ing to know that which you think it
best to keep from me- There are,
however, one or two things 1 cannot
help knowing. [ am quite sure that,
although you are Mrs. Bowen's guest,
you gre not friend, companion, or
associate of hers. You do not mind
my knowing that?"
"I cannot help it." she replied.
"And I am equally sure that your
name is not Charles I would not
ask what it is. shall hope to meet
you again, when you will tell me
more than you are willing to tell me
now. Will the time come when your
name and position will cease. to be a
secre..
Eyes" she cried eagerly; 81 hope
500
"And you will be able to resume
your regular walk in life?" he added
'T hope So" she replied.
'Then you will leave Brantome
Hal1?" he interrogated
eyes," she answered, briefly.
"That is the time dread he said.
''You will go away, and / shall see
and hear no more of you cannot
let you go thus, for you would take
the best and brightest part of my life
away with you
She looked up at him with innocent,
wondering eyes.
But you have not known me long;
indeed, I may say you do not know
me at all"
eff had been your most intimate
friend for years, l should not under
stand you better or feel a greater re-
luCtance to lose you, he assured her
earnestly; "but you do not perceive
my position, and I cannot explain"
The idea was firmly established in his
mind that he should be wanting in
chiValrous respect to her if he declar-
ed his love for her while she remained
in his house. Yet he would have
given the world to declare it and ask
her to be his wife when this
trouble, or whatever it is, is over" he
asked, eagerly, will you not continue
our friendship? Will you promise
that this secret shall not stand he
tween us always as it does now ?''
She thought for a few moments be-
fore answering him, and then sail
gently: a.-= a. 49,.
when my trouble is over, it will lie
dead and buried; but even then can
tell to no one what it is or has been.
1t is a secret that for another's sake
must die with lne."
II respect it, he cried, 'and shall
never seek to know it; but tell me
one thing. When it has passed this
trouble of yours, where shall find
yOu?"
Il cannot tell you now" she replied.
NOR do | know when l shall be in a
psitiOn to tell you. There is however
one promise I must ask-nay, almost
exact from you
II will give any promise you ask
for" he said promptly.
Promise me that. if we meet in
after-days, it shall be as strangers.
that you will not recognize me, that
you will never mention this incident
IN my life"
Il promise most faithfully
Promise me even more" she went
on. Promise to forget it yourself. so
that, if ever you meet me in the
world, you will never ask yourself
why I was here
Il promise most loyalty" he replied.
but do you think it likely we shall
meet again., |
ut is much more likely than not
she answered.
And when we do meet, you will
allow me to seek an introduction? ?" lie
asked.
She smiled faint dreamy smile,
while her heart thrilled with delight.
for she could not mistake the fact
that he loved her. 1t was love that
looked at her out of the blue laughing
eyes-lOve that spoke to her in the |