Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1905-12-15


He drew her closer to him, and they
paced slowly up and down under the
shadows of the trees.
Margaret, methinks to journey forth
to London in three days. Canst be
ready to go with me, SWEET"
At the unexpected announcement Il
deep flush spread over Margarets coun-
tenance, extending to the roots OF her
hair.
Ready to go with thee, Godfrey
she repeated questioningly.
AYE, love, as my wife," he replied
in voice touched with emotion, 'as
my adored, deeply cherished wife
that is how / will take thee, sweet!'
For answer she raised her face to
his, and they kissed each other.
Il will go with thee, Godfrey" she
said simply.
The moon rose higher in the heavens
and seemed to shed brighter luster
on the scene as. pacing slowly up and
down. the mistress of the Maryland
farm and her lover talking in low
voices. made their plans and arranged
for their departure. AS there were
no servants about the place, Elsbeth
taking care of the house and Castor
doing the work among the animals,
there was no chance Of their intended
departure being known. 1t was La
Fabienne's idea to rise before the sun
n, not MD n
! down the mountain, leaving the estate
! in charge of trusty CASTOR. By fast
riding they could reach London be-
fore the dawn Of another day and
would 90 at once to the house Of La
Fabienne's sister. the Lady Grenville,
where they would be married and then
proceed to Paris.
Margaret saying, with little shiver,
that she would never care to visit
| Cragenstone again, Sir Godfrey said
that they would offer her estate, in
Guiding house and animals, to land
dealer he knew in London at such a
low figure that he would not refuse to
| buy it.
"For thy cousin can have naught
that doth belong to thee" he announc-
ed. with decision.
! Their final arrangements being made.
their conversation drifted to other
matters.
"How truly doth the Scripture speak,
dear Godfrey" Margaret said gently,
where it saith that 'One day telleth
not what another day bringeth forth
When thou didst come | did not think
to go back with thee. Methought thou
would come again for me-
Margaret, tell me truly. had the
conditions been happier, had thy stay
here been more pleasant, could thou
have let me ride down the mountain
without thee:'
"Ah. Godfrey" she replied, with
little fluttering sigh, Il am such a weak
woman and so overload Of thee that
hadst thou wrung a consent from me to
let thee go | wot when | saw thy back
! turned toward me / would fam forget
nv promise and in my loneliness and
DESPAIR run after thee, throw myself
| in the roadway at thy horses heels and
CRY to thee to take me with thee to
sunny France, to Paris, the city l
love-"
La Fabienne laughed a joyful, ring
ing laugh rs he clasped her to his
heart. Sweet, when | set foot in this
village and saw the set of churls about
where thou hadst taken up thy dwell
ING I resolved when | would begOne to
fake my sweet love with me. Dldst
think. Margaret" he cried, with sud-
den passion, that l would leave thee,
nv tender flower, raised under the
rays of the warm sun OF France, 10
wither away and perish on this bleak
mountain? Nay, love; too close l hold
thee in my hearty
The wind rose and blew colder
through the trees. Drawing her cloak
closer about her, Margaret chung to her
lovers arm.
"'Tis a solemn night, Margaret he
said whimsically, thou and alone TO-
gether on this high mountain top, miles
away from those who love us and in
reality among a band of evil wishefs
and enemies-we two, with our troth
plighted and our wedding day so near
at hand, Is't not enough to make a
man stop TO consider when he is on the
brink of such serious undertaking!
Sweet Margaret" he continued serious
ly, pressing her hand, knowing SO
well thy worth, seeing thy marvellous
beauty and having a fine understand
ing of thy high character, | tremble
lest. imperfect man that | am, may
not live up to thy standard; that | may
fail to fill thy life so full of happiness
as l hope now and pray God l may
do"
Margaret laughed a sweet, low, hap
Ply laugh.
"Hath finished, foolish Godfrey?
Then hear mine answer to thy drivel-
ings. In all the world l love no one
like thee OF thy imperfections | know
naught Thou art part Of me. With
out thee | would die. When, dear
Godfrey, thou art near me. it's then
the sun doth shine. an when thou'rt
gone all is gray, dull and dark. an
naught is bright until thou dost come
again. An, Godfrey, | trust thee en-
tirely. l come to thee willingly to be
thine own dear wife, to care for thee,
10 do thy bidding, to go with thee
where'er thy fortunes take thee, hand
In hand and heart to heart, and to love
thee. Godfrey, until death us do part"
Speak of naught that can part us,
sweet Margaret he cried, with eager
haste. .'Let us talk only of bright
hopes, long life, happiness, joy and