Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1903-04-20

The time was drawing near now in
which she would be united for ever
more to the one man whom she
loved so passionately. A few more
weeks of the changing autumn, and
| then would come winter; the spring
would soon follow, and then there
would be no more parting, no more
sorrow. They would be together until
death divided them.
T; During these days the memory of
lher sister grew less clear and dis
tinct TO Leah; the past was like
dream TO her-she lived entirely in
the present, father, sisters, the many
/ places she had called home, the
troubles and nImilitations of her
early life, and faded away. Leah
Ray, who was TO have been a female
lecturer" "a prophecies among the
people" and Leah HattOn, the
famous beauty and heiress, were two
very different people.
The general had told her to spare
no expense. She was TO have
rousseau ut for a queen. The
fortune that Sir Arthur had given 10
her was TO be made her own by mar
riage deeds and settlements. From
al these splendors Leah would steal
away to look at what was most
precious TO her-the golden wedding
ring in the little morocco case; the
ring that had been taken from so
many dead fingers, that had held so
many living hopes, and that she was
to wear for the rest of her life. She
cared more for that solitary treasure
than for all else that belonged TO her.
AS they journed home from Dene
TO Brentwood, Sir Arthur saw more
clearly than ever how entirely his
niece's heart was given 70 Sir Basil.
lie was even amused, although he
did his best to hide his amusement.
No matter on what subject the con-
versation began, it turned always 10
Sir Basil. He might discuss the
autumn woods, the old gray churches.
: the pretty hOmesteads, anything ano
/ everything but she managed always
to bring Sir Basil in at the end. He
laughed quietly to himself, thinking
the way OF lovers very wonderful
ways.
DO you think Sir Basil will come
over 10 Brentwood tonight?" was
the most eager question she asked.
How long has he been away"
said the general.
-Four days." replied Leah.
Then should say most decidedly
that we shall find him waiting for us
az the station"
He was right. Sir Basil had ridden
over 10 the station at Arley, intend
ing TO go back with them to Brent
wood.
There is surely nothing so pathetic
as a great love-nothing so beautiful
or so sad. Leah's face was a picture
TO see when her eyes fell on her
lover.
Sir Basil had resolved to do his
best. There should be no more
lettering in the pleasant paths of
temptation for him. He would
honestly try TO make the girl who
loved him happy. When between her
brilliant, beautiful face and his own
there rose the shadow of a pale,
sweet face drowned in tears, he
turned resolutely away; he would not
see IL.
Leah thought that he looked very
Ill, pale, worn, and exhausted.
You wanted me to take care of
you" she said. What have you been
doing TO yourself, Basil? / shall not
let you leave us again. You look as
though you had been i'll.
Il am well enough, Leah; you need
not be anxious about me, have been
busy. / find that it does not do to
be long from home. My land-steward
is one o. the best men / coul1 have
for my purpose; but there is no NAH
living can take the whole re-
sponsibility of an estate from its
owner. / am glad you have returned,
Leah; now We shall have some
weeks, at least, of peace"
He spoke in the tone and with the
manner of one tried beyond en-
durance; and again it struck Leah
how strangely and sadly he was
altered.
There was a warm welcome for the
travellers at Brentwood; every one
seemed delighted. The household
were al in grand array, ready TO
receive them; the fine old mansion
seemed TO have put on its brightest
look TO welcome them. Then Sir
Arthur. Leah, and Sir Basil sat down
TO dinner They found it a great
change from the large party that had
gathered round the jinnertable at
Dene Abbey.
After ALL" said the general, ut is
impossible to live in a crowd. One
requires quiet every now and then"
on this occasion Leah looked more
lovely. in Sir Arthur's eyes. than she
had ever looked in her magnificent
toilets at Dene. She wore a dress OF
rich. white lace, with ribbons of pale
lemon color, a magnificent pome-
granate blossom in her dark hair,
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