The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-12-17

among them many Of the tenants of the accepted order, were gathered in the rooms. Isola and her father and mother were there. and Isola was ieok- ing, now anxious. now bright and hope. fui and always beautiful.
 There was much curiosity felt as to the coming of the millionaire who was exnscted to settle in that region, and 10 make valleydene an attractive place in the eyes of the outer world. No one yet, knew who the coming visitor was, and the secret of his identity had been well kept by MT. Eardley. who up to this time had. 1t would appear, alone been entrusted with the key which had thus far locked. and was expected soon to unlock the mystery. Whatever other subjects may have been talked about among the general company. this was tho one which we may be sure was uppermost in every mind. isola her- self had but a vague curiosity about 1t. and was not without a hope that the newcomer might prove to be' some very unattractive and even vulgar personase upon whom Sir Walter Claremont must be unable to look with any possible thought of bringing about marriage with his daughter But. for the most part, Isola's mind was occupied with growing anxiety about the coming or Rupert. He had promised to come, ana she knew well he would keep rfs prom ise unless some insurmountable oo- staele should interpose. and she dreaded even to think of what such an obstacle might be. She had been for some time seated at the piano. and was giving forth every now and then pas sages of a melody suitable to the Christmas season.
 Suddenly the news went round the room, that the millionaire had actually Nr E7orAIax, aa h rrtafAn. that they had found a quiet entrance. unobserved. into the house. and were now in Generals Bellingham's study with Bellingham himself and Sir Wal ter Claremont. Then all of sudden Mrs. Bellingham and Lady Claremont were sent for by General Bellingham. and they went to join the visitors In the study. Something important and mysterious was evidently going on. and Isola's heart beat with perpfexed and troubled emotions, Some time yet passed leaving the company in delight full curiosity and expectation. Then at last the doors of the drawing room. which had lately been closed. were. suddenly thrown open. and there enter ed General Bellingham and Sir Walter claremont leading in Mir Eardley, and whom ?--whom e---whom ?--not the ex- pected millionaire. but only Rupert oid- castle!
 Then Isola's heart revealed to her for the first time the whole mystery. and she felt perfectly happy. She had guessed the secret even before she. had time to exchange with Rupert that glance of mutual revelation and mutual content.
 Then Mir. Eardley. addressing the company generally. said. in his clear voice:
 T think you will all admit that we kNnf secret wAlf Mr Ola. castle and myself. MT. Oldcastle is the man who is about to settle in Val teydene, and to spend some of his fort une in improving and beautifying the place. It was his especial wish that his secret should be kept. and 1t had Perhaps Sir Walter Claremont may have something else to tell you all before this Christmas night comes to an end"
 The whole story is now told. In General Bellinghanl's study Rupert had revealed his mystery to Sir Walter Claremont. and had offered himself as a claimant for the hand of his daugh- Ire. and had told fiira that he had kept his secret only fin order to feel suro that he had won the love of Isoia for his own sake alone. Sir Walter had nobly consented to raise no obstacle on the ground that Rupert had not been nofn HeHlOeF ol the fLfistocracy, ana Lady C1aremont avowed herself de- lighted with the match. A little later in the evening Rupert. led Isola. dis creetly and ingeniouslys to that corner of the room where the Christmas mis- tletoe hung. and there. Indifferent to the glances of any Spectators who might be near, fif Kissed her lips, and they once again pledged their faith for ever fsn5 s
 We have only to wish them joy and to express our full trust that the hap piness they so well deserved will shine upon. their married life, and brighten many coming Christmas for them and for all4whose coInpanionship they hold dear. f@
 . THE END, @s5
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