Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-25
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
Il believe my respected godmother is go
ing to live forever said De Burgh one wild
wintry morning in late November when he
was walking beside Grace in the sheltered
alley of the old pleaSaunce near the man
sion, yet out of sight. She is going to WIN
ter on the Riviera. and is really much pet
ter, and begins to see people. I cannot
stand much more of this, Grace. l shall
blow my brains out if you do not come to
the rescue
But, Hugh. you do not wish Mrs. de
Burgh to die for your gratification?'
Yes. L do; l would sweep away every
thing and every one that stands between
us. Are you startled. my darling because
am so wicked? You look white l wish
You had more pluck. and trusted me more
Then we might put an end to this slow tor
ture, and link ourselves indissolubly-if Sc
cretiy."
NO. Hugh. you have limited at secret
marriage before; but that 1 will never hear
or, on your account as much as my own
We are young; we enjoy seeing each other
frequently; we can afford to wait
De Burgh replied by some very bad Ian
quage indeed Grace replied with spirit
and more serious quarrel than they had
ever had ensued. Next day De Bureh left
to return to his regiment without a recon
Citation, ard Grace began to doubt If life
were worth living
1t was about & fortnight after tous ri
the end of which De Burgh wrote to the
object of his rather fiery passion a penitent
letter, which revived her sinking spirits
wnen one crisp, bright December day Dick
Ashton presented himself most unexpect-
edly-a staff In his hand and a kDs PISA elk on
his back. He had walked up from the near
Is. stat"h some seven or eight miles, and
asked hospitality for the night. He looked
bright and well, and Grace was conscious of
sudden serse Of help and protection in his
presence
During the evening he addressed most of
MS coivcis ation to Grannie-the old lady
he mi oh
Next morning was wet and blustry-for
a change or wind came in the night Still
Grace and Ashton did not find tire time
hang heavy, as they employed themselves
IN repairing and painting various broken
articles OF furniture and shabby wood work
-Ior Ashton was superior carpenter Be
SIDES this, Ashton had brief interview
with Grannie, who seemed in remarkably
good spirits. but to Graces SURPRISE a fter
dinrer declared she had caught cold, 80
would retire to her room and take her nan
thee. 1902
Il do no. Think ever knew Grannie do
SUCH 4 tning Before" said Grace Il hone
she is not Ill " P0
Nhereupon Ashton spoke First he told
OF DIT OF coed fortune which had befallen
nina crusty old acquaintance to whom
ne had shown some kindness, be ieying him
10 te very Iotr. Proved after death to have
been liot poor, but misery, and beuuea thed
All ms savings to his artist friend ..Jt is
not fortune concluded Ashton. but two
people OF moderate tastes and ha hits can
escape starvation on it. Then as II nevar
rams out II pours. 1 have sold a few pic
lures ana nave couple of commissions
Tor next year. Being thus pulled up with
coAceft. especially with the CONSCIOUSNESS OF
pockets not absolutely empty, | have re-
solved to ask what l do not for a momant
think | deserve
And that is?" asked Grace with a kindly
glance from the soft, sad eyes she uplffted
to his. iileo
by heaven, 1 can hardly venture TO mt
my wishes into words, Miss Nortop-Grace
the dream OF my life for the last two
years has been to win you for better for
worse Till death us do part. want to make
a quiet, unpretendng little home for you
where We both can take care of Grannie
and ph-above all, ! want the Infinite low
OF your companionship. Do not speak at
once dear; L see, / feel you are going to
say no. Think how much have at stake
and take time
1T is useless to put off my answer" she
said in a low, reluctant voice. IT am quite
sure you would be infinitely good to any
girl who was so fortunate as to call YOU
husband, but | must say mott is impossible
l could ever be your wife"
What is the insuperable difficulty? Tell
me-have you promised yourself to de
Burgh?"
why do you ask?' exclaimed Grace.
with wide startled eyes.
TO answer your question would involve
long explanation; but the instinct of true
love warns me what to fear. Them i'm
plore you-to try to put him out of your
head. He will bring YOU only sorrow"
Suddenly Ashton stopped. and pressed his
hand to his brow. Fool, fool that am to
dream Of turning you against the man you
love! / must renounce all hope-yet do not
take everything from me. Forget that /
ever forced my foolish dreams and desires
upon you and treat me as IL was friend
"a brother: All ask is to be of some use
to you; and. Grace-you may want me yet.
will never offend you again."
But you have not offended me. You
why, Dick. you are not going?'
Yes, for the present. / am stronger than