Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1906-08-04
ALMOST A SACRIFICE.

Il shall indeed rejoice to see her married
and saved from-fcom fortune hunters"
In the meantime, you have no objec-
ton to receive money to marry her to a
brute? l heard you rattle your pocket,
Morrison"
The woman colorod.
Sir Keith Vandeleur trusts me-" she
retorted sullenly.
You will never see me married to that
man." Ella declared.
Which you think not ROW, miss, but
time will show. Sir Keith has a strong
VIII; my advice is, don't you go against
1t, Tor he'll be your husband, in spite of
everything"
How is Mrs. Brown?" Gertrude asked.
We didn't hear her scream last night"
Mrs. Brown is quite recovered by now.
She is waiting for you young ladies at
breakfast with-with Sir Keith"
How delightful Come along. Ella!"
and humming gay little air Gertrude
descended the stains with her cousin, and
entered the breakfast room.
At least, they would have entered if
Sir keith's tall form had not barred the
way. He took no notice of Gertrude, but
clasped Elias hands in his.
Mine at last!" he exclaimed. There
is no escaping your true lover now, dear
est"
My mother had no right to send you
here, Sir Keith. | have already given
you your answer" replied the girl
Yet | shall marry you, sweetheart,
nevertheless. You won't give me kiss {?
You draw away because of these good
people looking on? Let it be, then, till
we are alone"
Bartle Brown chuckled at sight of the
sensitive girls discontinue but he did
not commit himself to words-neither
then nor during the breakfast that fol-
lowed.
The farmhouse was a pleasant old
building; there was Only one objection
able room in it. and that was the best
parlor-stuffy, dark, seldom used, it had
reminded the girls of grave-yet it was
this somber apartment they were to
share with the baronet on that rainy day,
and they were told off to it Immediately
after breakfast.
keep close to me, Gertie 1 am terri
bly, afraid" whispered Ella, as they
passed from the one room to the other
Cheer up! Percy and Dare will soon
come to the rescue" came the assuring
whisper back.
Sir Keith followed them, Sowing A
fitful fire burnt on the parlor hearth;
the girls walked up to it, they stood
watching the sparks fly upwards The
baronet, sauntering sullenly to a window,
apparently looked out at the rain; in
reality, he furtively watched the silent
girls.
eve are a lively trio" he said at last,
making a movement towards the fire
place. at must be your fault, Miss
Staunton; lovers are sure to be shy of a
third party"
"Where are the lovers, Sir Keith?" she
asked mockingly. Il see none in this
ROOM"
"No?" He strove to look pleasant.
with Lady Meddlicotte's sanction, your
cousin is my affianeed wife, and in a few
days the ceremony win be performed
that will bind us for life. That sounds
like lovers, does it not? Don't you think
you had better leave Us to ourselves?"
mot l. Ella does not look as though
she could do without me-"
But does not your heart tell you she
would be happier alone with the man
who loves her2'
''If that man were here-yes."
'He is here"
"Youp Gertrude laughed merrily; the
baronet's eyes cleaned.
Have a care, Miss Stanton" he said.
The next moment he had thrust her
aside, and clasped his arm round Elias
waist.
let me 60, Sir Keith" the girl ex-
claimed. 1T is useless to talk to me of
marriage. / have told you l can never
love you"
81 will make you love me; though,
even if You hate me, l shall marry you
just the same"
mo, not Let me go! Be merciful to
one whose only merit in your eyes is her
fortune"
Thanks for your good opinion. Pos
sibly you are unaware that the Vande-
leur wealth exceeds your fortune by
many thousands. Yet l viii share it all
with you"
Money cannot purchase love I do
not want to be richer than l am
Nevertheless, your destiny is to be-
come Lady Vandeleur."
81 hate you'll hate you! Let me 90.
I will be free" cried Ella, struggling des-
perately; but what power had she against
this man, maddened as he was with pas
sion and greed of gain? For that he
wanted her money as well as herself, he
knew full well.
Don't try me too far" he said, his
eyes blazing. yours is q foolish obiec-
ton when you know you came to York
shire for no other purpose than to be my
wife"
"Gertie, Gertie save mel You know
that this man lies"
Most certainly he does" Gertrude
sprang forward, a veritable little fury,
literally cowing the man with the blaze
of passion from her eyes. Let go of my
cousin!" she cried. "She marry you?
Never! Aunt Meddlicotte might have or
dered as much as she pleased, but do you
think that either of us would have come
to Yorkshire if we had supposed we
should see your hateful face? We should
have refused point blank to leave Lon
DON"
"You have a sharp tongue, Miss Staun-
e