Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-05-02

ben took no further heed.
Against the wall of the Manor grew
some dense ivy, intermingled with
weeds; and leaning near to this was a
gnarled and stunted tree, one of whose
branches touched the top of the brick
work.
With the agility of one who had done
it before, the young gypsy clamhered up,
and was soon in the grounds, into which
he was able to drop softly on the thick
snow.
Once here, he made his way towards
the rear part of the building. oddly
crossing the big lawn, for in the whirl
ing snow no one could observe him; and
when he reached the terrace no one could
hear his footsteps.
Mounting the ladder ?Ike steps lead
ing to a strange little platform, which
must have been built by some former
owner as kind of watch tower, he
withdrawing eagerly half glazed
door, behind which at present there was
no glimmer of light, and which was firm
ly closed on the inside.
Il hope and trust nothing viii detain
her tonight" he murmured, as he skiv-
cred even under his thick coat. 81 have
that to tell her which should warm her
heart and give her hope for the future.
Ha! here comes light. She is punctual,
after ALL"
A light was approaching along e pas
sage within, showing dimly through the
frosty glass, Then the door was cau-
tiously opened, and the wind rushed in
with q shrek, nearly extinguishing the
lamp.
Come in quickly, or we shall be in
darkness" said a gentle voice, and in an
other moment Reuben, looking like a
snow man, was in the presence of his
beloved Gladys, the adopted daughter
of the Squire.
Hang up your cap and coat here" she
said; scarcely any one ever comes this
way. Then follow me to the ante-room."
Once in the latter--a little chamber,
which smelt as if it had not been used
for many a long day-Reuben took his
sweetheart to his heart, and kissed her
as if he would never let her go. The
young girl lay in his arms contentedly,
for she knew her absence would not be
noticed.
do you bring me any news, Reuben?"
she said.
eyes, dear-good news, indeed" he
answered. "In spite of the weather. |
have been to Meybridge, and seen Law
yer Casson-as they call him on the
countryside. He's about the cleverest
solicitor in the country, and he says my
case is certain. 1t only wants time"
"Ahl that is it," said Gladys. always
tine-time, and meanwhile Ernest Wal
ton is plotting against us. Why not go
straight to the Squire and tell him all.
I Tf hox-a ha Nyin h. khn {t,.sk
to be delighted"
mo, we must have patience" said
! Reuben; ut is best not to spoil the
/ chance now that success is so near.
| When Mr. Casson speaks of time, it is
| but question of weeks. But see, sweet
heart, what l have brought YOU
| plucked of the oaks by my own hands y
1t was bunch of mistletoe, and fairly
weighted by white berries. Gladys had
come up to him dressed as she had left
the dininToom, in her square cut gown
of black velvet, which showed up the
| beautiful texture of her skin. Fixed in
her bosom was bunch of holly berries
showing blood red against the whiteness
of her neck.
"Who gave you those?" he asked anx-
iously.
"Only Dick-you are not jealous of
dear old Dick You know you have no
cause TO be He is like brother. His
mind is full of Cora's image, and always
will be-"
But mine are the sweetest emblems.' y
cried her lover, and laughingly he held
the mistletoe above her head, and kissed
her rapturously. Then with fond fingers
he fixed the berries in her bosom.
Red berries and white" he muir
INJURED; true emblems of this blessed
season. May they prove q talisman TO
us to make us always remember this
night, when my hopes are brightest
when l can truly say that / trust in a
few days to claim you mine before the
world"
She passed her soft arms round his
neck and kissed him. But scarcely had
her lips been pressc3 &c his, when the
lovers started apart in alarm.
There was the report of O. pistol, cry
of human pain, then stiffness.
Reuben, drawing Gladys wrap tightly
round her bare shoulders, hurried to the
window and opened it.
Then, muffled, on the night air, came
the tones of the Hidden Bells of Fern
leigh. There was no installing them.
Gladys and Reuben recognized them as
the Squire was recognizing them in the
study below-the bells which were sup
posed to be the death warnings of the
house.
TO BE CONTINUED.