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

my darling how pale you are-your
sweet eyes look so large and sadi' ex-
claimed de Burgh, when Grace and he met,
some three or four weeks after Ashtou's
visit. He had ventured to VISIT her in her
pretty, comfortable sitting room-for Gran
ME had cold and kept her own bed room.
Did you think me negligent lover, to
stay away so long? You see. Mrs. Fitzher-
bert de Burgh sent for NEAL the way to
San Reno. and I dared not refuse. How
ever, I did not go for nothing-my god
mother promises to clear off my debts. and
they are no trfffe. So l must not offend her
at any rate till get my debts paid. Were
you wretched without me, chr
L am very weak, Hugh. but when you
are away 1 am awfully miserable"
We must put an end to that exclaimed
de Burgh, with cheerful decision. IT can
not live without you Still. my godmother
must not be offended. l am sure, Grace
you are too sensible and high-minded and
highly educated to care what people say. so
long as you can have your own true love
with you. and you know nothing can alter
my devotion to you. Why should we not
snap our fingers at empty ceremonies and
be all In all to each other? You understand,
my darling. 1t Will be so secret a marriage
that we will let no clergyman or registrar
into our counsels- We will be husband and
wife before God, until safe time comes tc
avow the tie between us. Why. what Is the
natter"
For Grace had started and struggled
vehemently to escape his grasp, while her
cheek had grown suddenly white. 1.-The
matter! l don't know. l am not sure-do
you ask me to live with you in a union un-
blessed by the church, unsarctioned by the
law"
Well. If you choose to put It in that old
fashioned aspect"
DO you-or do you not?'
My own darling, you know what 1
should choose If circumstances were not
too strong
AT last understand you, Mr.. de Burgh;
there Is the door; never darken 1t again.
Good-bye-and goodbye forever. You can
never excuse or wash out this insult"
But. Grace. you are SO hasty-so unrea-
sonable- If you had grain of patience all
would go right
III you do not accept my dismissal can
leave you"
How Internally selfish women are."
unused mus de Burgh. walking hastily away.
she would not sacrifice one fota She
must know the impossibility of marriage
for me with girl in her grade. She ia
1ool' tool could have provided for her and
given her an easy. luxurious life She never
cared rap about me: she only wanted to
be Mrs. de Burgh of Thoresby Chase. By
heaven, she looked equal to t She Is
lovely I'll see her tomorrow I'll win
her back: I will not lose her"
But Hugh de Burgh resolved in vain. Day
AFTER day he sought to see Grace. She had
caught a chill. which turned to fever and
ior long no one save the DOCTOR the nurse
and the poor. bew'ldered Grannie had a
glimpse of the fascinating Grace
The clustering winters day on which this
important interview took place Dick Ashton
was beginning to put away his easel and
brushes preparatory to taking brisk walk
to Hampstead. when the old woman who
ruled his very modest establishment as
cook and housekeeper informed him that a
gentleman wished to sec him. at the same
time handing him a card on which was in
scribed DIR. Cornelius Macdermot H. I. c.
s."
Show him up cried Ashton, eagerly
and bring in some tea" he added, as he
reused the fire to a bright blaze.
My dear doctor" he exclaimed, as a
short, stout. red haired man. with twinkling
keen gray eyes, a short, broad face and a
turned-up nose, entered the room, you are