The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1906-11-27

all of a woman sometimes, but
she must be sure that it is duty which
asks her. My father had set all his
hopes upon Harry, but that has passed
between them which he will never for
give. And |, Richard, what am | to
do? The butt, the willing object of his
anger! But | will not speak of 1t If it
be duty to be silent. | have loved him
truly; must stay by him; must rest
with rim to my life's end because am
his child"
Sir Richard Hardinge bowed his
head
81 accept my destiny Alice. 1t shall
not pc said that | sought to turn you
from the sacrifice. | will go; it is
love that has held me prisoner. Let 1t
be forever, then, in eternal remem-
brance."
And as they stood together, believ-
ing this to be the hour of their fare
we'll suddenly the alarm bell rang
out from the castle, and almost at the
same instant they heard mans voice.
MY lord is dying' he cried to them;
1.-The Lady Alice has left him!"
"You must go to him" said Richard
quietly. Though his heart was beating
fast, his wit was less sure than my
lady's at such moment.
Richard, you shall take me, she
whispered, refusing to release his
hand.
He kissed her gently.
You are right" he said, that is
wise, dear one; we will go together"
When they entered the courtyard
they found the servant beside himself.
HE walked from a dream and asked
| for your ladyship," he said to the Lady
Alice. She pushed him aside; and,
still holding Sir Richards hand, she
led the way to the great bedroom,
where, upon a couch by the window,
they found the lord of the castle lying,
pale and insensibe
He had walked from troubled
dream, as old Martin said, and, in vio-
lent agitation, had insisted upon his
daughters being summoned to him
/ forthwith. When they searched for
her and found her gone, the truth was
told tc him.
she is not here, my lord" they
said; land this night Tom Forsyth
came up from the inn to speak of a
stranger there" And, to their won
der, this master of the oath and the
madman's anger spoke no word to
them; but, shrinking away as one
robbed suddenly of his reason, hid his
face and cried: "She was all that
had; God of heaven, forgiye!" And
then re had fallen prone and they had
laid him upon the couch,
Thus the Lady Alice found him, and
almost with the touch of her hand my
lord loused and recognized her. He
gave cry of JOY and, raising himself
feebly upon the pillow, put his arm
about her and held her to his heart
Thou. Alice! they have not taken
thee, them"
II am here, dear father; they shall
never take me from YOU"
There is another Who is 1t stands
there, Alice? Does Harry come to me,
them"
1T is not Harry, father; look again"
"Sir Richard Hardinge-ah, might
have Eamed him. Where, then, is my
SOM"
Sir Richard stepped forward and an
swered for them both: In my house,
earl, waiting for the message which
will bring him to your side again All
is we'll with him"
Silence fell upon the room, silence
restful and satisfying. When the earl
next spoke, it was to the daughter
whom the night had taught him to
love.
Il have learned my lesson" he said,
drawing down her face to his own.
Yea, in all the world naught counts
but love. Let him take thee child.
And tnou wilt not shut an old man out
from thy heart, little Alice; therein
only would he dwell"
Copyright, by Joseph B. Bowles)