The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-02-19

pcrhupS tWeuty-IOur or there
about-Lord Lessington would come
sailing over the sea and wed her and
pear her back over the:billoY to mag
nincent historic old home in Sussex.
ana she would be great lady and lead
a good and beautiful life and be bapnv
forever and ever. Which, as her hen IT
nad never been touched, and she was
only wild and winsome little maiden.
seemed quite right and natural.
Only OF late she had begun to won.
der why her eyes would droop when
suddenly encountering those of the
man beside whom she now walked,
rnttling on In light inconsequent fash.
fon. She was furious when she found
ner cheeks grow burning hot at the mo.
ment or chance meeting. What was
ne 10 her that her heart had come to
beat more quickly when in his pres
ence3 Defantly she summoned all her
bright audacity to conceal this strange
new unrest
Homeward bound an hour later, they
secured their mail Mt the village. In
the green gloom, gold pierced, of the
Forest pathway the girl sat down to
read her letters. Leaning against a
tree. grave and silent, Jardine stood
watching her.
"OhT she cried out suddenly and
turned very pale. He is coming! His
lawyer writes he is coming. Oh, I
didn't think he'd come for years and
years" There was downright dread
In the eyes that looked piteously ND at
her companion. Lord Lessington is
coming"
He nodded. you've never seen
himT' he asked. "He is old. ] sup
pose, ana ugly and altogether detest
abler'
mo. Oh, no. 1t was all arranged.
But they say he is young and good
He Is very rich, Of course. didn't
think ia mind-and now." She rose
trembling. The tears brimmed over
and ran down the cheeks from which
the rose bloom had faded. HE will
be here today. and I-soon I will have
to marry him."
You poor little thingw The com
passion in his voice thrilled her-that
and something more. Don't you know
you do know, my darling-that you
are going to marry me-"
Then he had her in his arms and
was holding her close in their strong
ana sheltering embrace.
For an instant or two she did not re-
sist. The sweet shock Of 1t all, the
sense Of being protected, more than all
the ecstatic knowledge Of her own
heart, overwhelmed her. His kisses
were on her cheeks, her lips, and his
passionate words in her ears.
'No, nor she cried and drew away.
"It isn't right I must marry Lord
Lessington. 1t was all arranged long
ago. never objected. I didn't know
'That-no. shan't touch you again
unless you come to me. You. didn't
know that you were going to fall in
love with mev
Her color came back with a rush.
Els this" she faltered --''is this =
lover
He laughed, low. contented, joyous
laugh.
II will answer that only with you in
my arms. Conner
She hesitnted. Aware Of a bewilder-
ing sense Of happiness, she still hesitat-
ed. But his eyes compelled her. She
took a step forward, and again his
arms infofded her. 1t was with dread
Of the battle to be possessing her that
Doris Ware heard the first dinner bell
that evening. But 1t was a determined
young lady who held her head high and
went down the stairway to meet the
English noblemnn whom 1t had been
decided should make her his wife.
Would her always indulgent father be
furious to learn she was to marry a
pennfiess tutor7 Would her weak, am
bilious mother weep and protest2 What
matter7 She would have him whom
she loved-loved-loved.
"Go inf' Her parents, standing at
the foot Of the stairs. kissed her. "Go
In, nnd God bless you both! He is
waiting. Go to himr'
Then the slender figure, all in snowy
draperies Of clinging lace, was walking
up the room.
II am sorry to have to tell you, Lord
Lessington'@ she began, but the words
she would have spoken were never
said.
The tail, handsome man in evening
dress had her held tightly to his heart,
and the arms that closed around her
wefe those that had been her refuge
that morning in the forest.
"John." she whispered. "Johnw
Cedric John Jardine Dynely. Lord
LesSfngtonr' he corrected her. BE
loved, I've won you! I've served for
You. II not as long as Jacob served for
Rachel, as faithfully. It's fair-alrs