Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-05-13

seemed to inhale the abundant vigor of
the scene as she stepped forth upon the
piazza, clad all in Write, with futtering
ribbons of a delicate violet tint, to greet
the morn.
A quick, light step crunched the gravel
of the path, coming from the direction of
the stables, and a moment later the lean,
athletic figure of DR.. Gresham swung
round the corner of the mansion and
mounted the steps. AS he reached the
piazza Philip Burgess came out, radiant
and CHEEKY as the morn itself. The two
men shook hands; Burgess heartily,
Gresham with slight constraint.
We'll, aren't we as fine as fine can
be?" exclaimed the former, with glance
thrilling with pride upon his charming
domain.
Fine, very fine indeedw was the crisp,
busness-like reply; "but l have some
thing of the utmost Importance to say
to you, and as we are alone for the mo-
ment, no time could be more opportune
"Oh, then, you need not hesitatew
his old friend by the arm and led him
to the farthest corner of the wide piazza
out of earshot of the windows; now
then" he continued, ''as tomorrow Is the
wedding day, | should like to know how
Claire has accepted the conditions ?"
"Conditions-what conditions?" inquir-
ed Philip Burgess in a puzzled way"
"Why, the child, of course"
The old man started and paled guihtily.
81 haven't said word to her about the
childw
"Is it possible?" exclaimed the doctor,
In wild dismay; she's got to know about
it,"
"Of course she has! Now that you are
here, why don't you tell her yourself?
While they stood conversing they had
failed to notice that Claire had been grad
ually approaching the house, with her
hands filled with dewy, fragrant roses;
in fact, they were not aware of her pres
ence until she was close upon them, and
her CHEEKY greeting disturbed the awk-
ward silence that had fallen.
Were you speaking Of me2" she ask
ed earnestly.
YES" answered Gresham; I'VE were
speaking of you and your approaching
marriage"
With a desperate effort that was really
pitiful to behold, the father began:
claire, l have something to say to
you before your marriage. Listen, my
child; it is matter of serious import
to you"
SIS it something about Lucian?" she
asked.
Yes"
than the present" AS he spoke he took
she exclaimed, Frightening; anything
you have to say of him l shall be only
too happy to hear. l can never tell you
how content l ann at the prospect of be-
coming his wifev'
With one despairing glance at Gresh-
am, Philip Burgess turned away, men
tally calculating:
II can't, l can't tell her, for it may kill
herr"
Fortunately, at this moment Martha
came out upon the piazza, and announc-
ed that her mistress was ready to see
the doctor, If he would kindly come In,
II will go with you," whispered the
old man in Gresham's ear; "her mother
can tell her better; women can weep to-
gether"
And they entered the house, leaving
Claire standing there, with an express
sion of dazed bewilderment upon her fair
face. One by one the fragrant roses tl-
tered through her fingers, and fell un-
Needed and whiting to the ground; and
| though she was scarcely conscious of the
Impression, It seemed as though tiny
cloud, no bigger than n mans hand. had
risen upon the horizon of that perfect
day.
AT last the roll of carriage wheels upon
the avenue beyond the lawn arrested her
attention, and, raising her eyes, she de-
scried the Courtlandt livery rapidly ap-
preaching the house through the trees.
Her heart stood still with n dizzy
throo, but when the equipage drew up
and the widow Courtlandt alighted alone
1t was with heart heavy with disap-
pointment that she crossed the piazza to
greet the lady.
Mrs. Courtlandt took the girl in her
arms, and disposed light kiss upon bar
brow; then linking her arm in Claire's.
she led her to retired nook, where stood
rustic seat screened by dense yines.
that lent an agreeable twilight against
the brilliant glare that reigned around
Being seated, the lady took Claire's hand
in hers and said:
This is just the opportunity I have
been seeking; l have wanted to talk with
you, my dear. Lucian will be here in
an hour. and this is the last time that
we shall be together before your mar.
riage. First of all, wish to thank Won
Tor the sacrifice you have made. and
the noble sentiments which have PROMPT.
ed it." p'
Sacrificed Noble sentiments!'' mur.
INJURED Claire, in astonishment: "indeed.
madam, deserve no praise. NV action
IN the matter has been prompted by pure
ly selfish motives" f
"Oh, l know that devotion has becoro
second nature with you." replied tbe
laay psttng Claire's cheek; "but your
en-demai cannot escape our gratitude