Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1903-11-26

BehlilCe iOOked UP at MIN with a
quick, keen glance. bat the flush had
died away then, and Vivian was most
| cOmposedly eating his dinner.
But when dinner was over and they
( had returned to the drawing-room. he
did not seem quite so much at his
ease, Beatrice drew an easy chair tC
the open window, and looked out al
the blooming flowers.
Mrs. Selwyn reclined upon a couch
near her, and Vivian sat down upon q
{ little lew stool at his mothers feet
She laid her hand caressingly on the
dark hair.
AND now, Vivian, she said, what
Is the surprise?"
Again she flushed.
THAT Is the very thing | was wait
, ing to speak of, he replied. Il hope
you Will be pleased to listen to my
3toly-pleased as | am to tell it,"
20, then, the surprise Is something
you have to tell. Beatrice thought
you hal brought something for us"
"My acquisition is chiefly for my.
self, he said, with a grave smile
And then Beatrice Leigh looked mp at
him with new expression on her
beautiful face. The truth Is, mother,
| have done what you always told me
/ should do; | have fallen in love"
The beautiful face dropped again.
NO sound escaped Beatrice Leigh. no
word came from her lips; but had
any one observed her closely they
would nave seen that the small hands
were 30 tightly clenched the delicate
skin was bruised.
II en- in love at last" he con
tinued, "All my life long have
wondered what this strange passion
men call love was like used to be-
licve it would pass me by, and |
should never know, but when | went
down to poor Bertie's home ! met my
fate
Not stir, not word from Beatrice
Leigh Mrs. Selwyn moved uneasily
II hope what you call your fate is
worthy Of you" she said. "Remem-
Der you are head of an ancient and
glorious race-head OF grand old
family that has never known any
thing save honor, There is no
duchess in England who would not
proudly give you a daughter"
at Is no duchess daughter that
have learned to love" he replied,
with smile. "Oh, mother you must
not be disappointed. You must not
damp my happiness | love Violante
Temple, and have asked her to be
my wife"
"A lawyers daughter" cried Mrs.
Selwyn; "a simple country girl. Oh,
Vivian, what an end to all my dreams
and plans for you!"
He laughed; bowling his handsome.
stately head down to her.
Now, mother he cried you are
To kiss me and wish me joy"
II cannot" she cried. II cannot,
Vivian. | am most bitterly disap-
ro.utlI t. think. when you might
have chosen from the fairest and
noblesL In the land, you have thrown
yourself away SO cruelty"
Nay" he said, with imperturbable
good humor do not say so. You can
not iudge-you have not seen my
love"
= know what country lawyers and
their daughters are like, as a rule, y
she replied; and. Vivian, am in
despair"
There was an awkward silence
watch lasted some minutes.
T. ma
Selwyn Have you really pledged
your word?"
in all honor" he replied. Il have
even asked that my marriage may
take place IN September"
Mrs. Selwyn positively groaned.
1T Is useless for me to Interfere .
she said. Il cannot forbid It You
are your own master. 1t would be
nonsense for me to say that | shall
not allow it: you will do as you like:
but ! must express my stern dislike
and dlsapproval. 1t is an alliance
quite unworthy of you and you might
have aspires no matter how high
But, mother" he interrupted, you
forget love her? She is the only
one have ever seen that have felt
could love, No other girl or woman
has ever charmed me before.
He did not sec the spasm of pain
that passed over that beautiful,
dropping face but he seemed suddenly
to remember Miss Leigh for he
turned to her.
Beatrice" he said. help me to
convince my mother. You are young
and beautiful. and love will come to
you some day, as it has come to me.
Tell her-help me to make her be.
lieve that love is the only thing for
which man should ever marry
Help me to make her like my love"
There was n world of drearv pain
IN the dark eyes raised to his a
world Of anguish and untold love
II should not know what to say.
she replied in a strange voice unlike
her own.
Aud then lord vivian Selwyn. OF
Selwyn Castle, stood embarrassed
and uncertain what to do. He had
had some misgivings MS he journeyed
hOmpWarl TINT his mpfhp~ would moi