Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1903-02-05
Continued.

None. | could almost say | wish
there were. | assure you that | have
been most unhappy ever since ! made
the discovery; have not known what
to do I honestly believe that in time
the girl will die II her love remains
unreauieted. II seemed to me that in
keeping her secret ! was almost help
ing to kill her; in telling IT Heaven
only knows what other harm | may
do! II | did not believe it to be a
case of life and death, ! would not stir
in the matter. Even now, far as |
have gone, unless you wish it, / will
not mention the name"
II do not know what to say" d..
clared Sir Basil deeply agitated, That
any one loved him 50 deeply touched
him.
Think over 1t" continued the gen.
cral. you are heart whole and fancy
free; why not make this girl happy?
IF you loved any one else, 1t would be
n different matter; but you do not"
mo, | do not" said Sir Basil, slow
ly.
was silence between them. II was the
expression on the generals face that
made Sir Basil speak at last
Tell me who It is he said abrupt
ly; Il should prefer to know"
Heaven grant that | am doing
right" said the general. Il would
give my life for her, because | love
her so; but. If do her any injury
while seeking only to do her good |
shall never forgive myself"
Tell me" said Sir Basil. I'll
dare not guess"
Yes, | will tell YOU" replied the
elder man sOemnly. Heaven grant
that am acting wisely! 1t is my niece
and adopted daughter who loves you.
"YOur niece? Miss IIattonY 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!
80 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, "and you are
fancy.free. Let me mention this
she IL true. gifted, generous; she has
some Of the nobest qualities of wo-
man; she Will be one of the wealthiost
horesscs in England, Think over 1t,
Sir Basil She would be so happy,
poor child, while II cannot tell you
what II would do for me- 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, | should be no
match for her"
There is only this matter for con.
sdcration," said the general" she
loves you. All, If you had seen her
tears"
"Toars!" repeated the baronet, In
great distress. you do not surely |
mean that she has he'd tears on my |
account? You make me feel as though |
| had been in some measure to blame"
81 should like to add this said Sir !
Arthur-"I should like you to remem
Der this one thing always-what my !
heart has dictated have done for my |
niece; | havo told YOU the story, and |
leave it with you to act upon 1t as
you think best We will never resume |
the subject; lot It be buried between
us for ever have spoken for her |
sake against my own will
silently they gtaspcd each other s
hands, and parted
Heaven grant that | have done the |
right thing," said the general to him
self II believe men make II dreadful
middle of everything of the kind, but
| hope for the best
Sir Basils thoughts were far moro
tumultous He admired Leah cN.
Cccdngly; but he had never dreamed
of marrying her. lie had felt no ten
dcnCy whatever to fall In love with
her. She had always seemed to him
beyond his roach He remembered
all that the duchess had told him ut
the offers of marriage she had re.
ceiyed; and this beautiful girl who
might have been Countess of Bar.
berry, loved him secretly
It was some time before he could
collect his thoughts, and then thous.
and memories filled his mindr-ot looks
and words the true meaning of which
he had not understood until now, How
blind he had been! He had said that
man would understand even the faint
est signs of woman's regard; but
had he understood?
The beautiful, proud face rose SO
clearly before him, He had not
thought much Of marriage; but 1t APP
pearcd marvellous that he had but to
speak one word and she would he his,
He was not in love with her, but his
heart beat when he thought of her. He
was one of the least mcrCenary 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,
imperial creature cared enough about
hin, ia .shnd tparSp He was still