Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1903-02-09
EHaES
Continued
By Bertha N. Clay.

None. I could almost say l wish
there were. I assure you that l have
been most unhappy ever since 1 made
the discovery; [ have not known what
to do. honestly believe that in time
the girl will die if her love remains
unrequieted. It seemed to me that in
keeping her secret I was almost help
ing to kill her; in telling it Heaven
only knows what other harm I may
do! If I did not believe it to be a
case Of life and death, I would not stir
in the matter Even now, far as
have gone, unless you wish it, I will
not mention the name"
Il do not know what to say" de-
clared Sir Basil, deeply agitated. That
any one loved him so deeply touched
him.
Think over it," continued the gen.
eraI. ''You are heart-whOle and fancy
free; why not make this girl happy?
If you loved any one else, it would be
a different matter; but you do not"
mo, l do not" said Sir Basil, slow
ly.
And then for some minutes there
was silence between them. 1t was the
expression on the generals face that
made Sir Basil speak at last.
Tell me who it is" he said, abrupt
ly; 81 should prefer to know"
Heaven grant that 1 am doing
right" said the general. Il would
give my life for her, because love
her so; but, if I do her any injury
while seeking only to do her good, l
shall never forgive myself
Tell me-" said Sir Basil. Il
dare not guess"
Yes, l will tell you," replied the
elder man, solemnly. Heaven grant
that am acting wisely! 1t is my niece
and adopted daughter who loves you"
Your niece? Miss Hatton?" cried
Sir Basil. "YOu cannot surely mean
it. Why, the duchess told me that
She had had more offers of marriage
than any woman in England"
so she has," said the general.
"And you say this proud, beautiful
girl loves me? It seems incredible!"
''She loves you with all her heart .
replied the general, land you are
fancy-free. Let me mention this
she is true, gifted, generous; she has
some of the nobIest qualities Of a wo-
man; she will be one Of the Wealthiest
heiresses in England. Think over it,
Sir Basil. She would be so happy,
poor child, while II cannot tell you
what it would do for mel love her so
dearly, and she is so unhappy"
Are you quite sure that there is no
mistaken" asked Sir Basil. Your
niece could aspire to any position
socially speaking, I should be no
match for her"
There is only this matter for con-
sideration," said the general-"she
loves you. All. if you had seen her
tears!"
'Tears" repeated the baronet, in
mean that she has he'd tears on my
account? You make me feel as though
l had been in some measure to blame"
Il should like to add this said Sir
Arthur should like you to remem-
Der this one thing always-what my
heart has dictated | have done for my
niece; 1 have told you the story, and
l leave it with you to act upon it as
you think best. We will never resume
the subject let it be buried between
us for ever. | have spoken for her
sake against my own will"
Silently they grasped each others
hands, and parted.
Heaven grant that l have done the
right thing" said the general to him
self. 81 believe men make a dreadful
muddle of everything Of the kind; but
l hope for the best"
Sir BasiI'S thoughts were far more
tumultous. He admired Leah ex-
ceedingIy; but he had never dreamed
of marrying her. He had felt no ten
dency whatever to fall in love with
her. She had always seemed to him
beyond his reach. He remembered
all that the duchess had told him of
the offers of marriage she had re-
ceived; and this beautiful girl, who
might have been Countess of Bar
berry, loved him secretly!
1t was some time before he could
collect his thoughts, and then a thous-
and memories filed his mind-of looks
and words, the true meaning Of which
he had not understood until now. How
blind he had been! He had said that
a man would understand even the faint
est signs of a woman's regard; but
had he understood?
The beautiful, proud face rose so
clearly before him. He had not
thought much of marriage; but it ap-
peared marvellous that he had but to
speak one word and she would be his.
He was not in love with her, but his
heart beat when he thought of her. He
was one of the least mercenary and
most generous of men; he would have
scorned the idea of marrying for
money; but it was not unpleasant to
think Of the immense wealth that
would be his if he welded Leah Hat
ton. He could make good use of it.
Would any one believe that this grand,