Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-01-02

tereSt you nave aroused concerning tnaL
young prosecuted lady. 1t would give me
keenest pleasure to know that at least for
the moment there was no chance OF her most
pressing anxiety returning upon her. II the
paper were destroyed
They sorted the packets in the sealed
bag, and soon discovered the notice OF the
foreclosure. She tore 1t hastily across.
opened the lantern and fired a corner OF the
paper then made heap on the ground
and watched it in silence disappear into
little hattened pile OF ashes. She con-
cealed the rest of the communications in
side the blue coat for more leisurely de-
struetion. and flung the bag into field
She helped him to the saddle, and they
rode gently along side by side In the soft
darkness till there came forking OF the
road and their ways diyerged.
$50 here we part. said he. But I warn
you l shall return. | have the handkerchief
to restore to you, which is now staunching
the little gapN in my leg, May beg for
the name of your home?'
Truth to tell, the handkerchief belongs
to Hester"
"Ah to Miss Hester Halyard? Is that
yes. At the Prory. Melshburne"
He rode in at the Priory on a day of
mellow October sunshine, and on the steps
there shortly appeared tall, girlish figure
clad in lowered silk gown and wearing
a plumed hat upon her head. He dis
mounted and bowed. bare-headed.
Miss Hester Halyard, / believer"
She bowed in affirmation, saying:
am WdFueU OF your coming.
by our mutual friend, the hghwayman?"
She smiled in acqulescence.
.0ne thing | am short of-your name"
"Ah we did not exchange cards on the
highway that night. Robert Hestone, at
your service %
She colored slightly.
Not of Hasen Hall?",
Lord Halsens nephew" he said.
She seemd confused for a moment, but the
embarrassment passed in an instant
servant and walk with With me in the garden
few minutes before l introduce you to my
grandparents?" she said. suggestively.
And when they were pacing the trim
walks, she said with bluntness:
Il want the venture of the road to be
kept secret. May 1 depend upon your"
MY grandparents must never know of 1t.
At present they are congratulating them
selves that the blow they had been dread
they think his lordship relented at the last
moment"
Il understand"
There was q little silence, which he broke
by remembering the ostensible reason of his
errand., He drew forth the little handker-
chief, now daintily laundered.
1T is your property, is 1t not?"
Thank you, yes. And the wound?
She held out her hand to receive the
handkerchief.
1T is gone. and this is the only memory
of il that remains. Might keep it?"
Color ran to her face; but she smiled.
and the smile told tales. He bent quickly
towards her.
'.Your smile betrayed YOU"
Y She looked on the ground, and to relieve
her embarrassment he said: Would 1t be
imprudent or impertinent to ask II the mat
ter of the mortgage has quite blown oyer?"
Things remain as they were," she an
swered. The point to be won by the theft
of the paper of instructions was to gain
time. await his lordship's return from
abroad"
He caught her hand suddenly. so that
she started and paused.
Don't" he said, with quick ferv0r II
want to ride forward again and save you
again" He claimed her eyes for long
not misunderstand
May | ride forward to save you again7
Lord Halsen's heir can do it."
She drew long breadth at Is too
difficult; It is impossible"
Nay. 1t Is neither; 1t Is simplicity it,
self" He tsok her other hand. "Of course.
After long silence she looked up.
1T is too soon."
but that night month ago we lived
ages OF time and experience"
What II give you the lie?"
That is the impossible thing. Cupid
Is blindfolded you know: yet his arrows
ing-mask and the darkness?"
''But-it is too soon," she repeated and
freed one hand and smoothed her cheek
refectively.
There are lovers who court through
years and yet do not have the opportunity
of knowing each other as We do Twas
each came to the forefront. where the tri-
vial had place. I do not know your
fayorite flower yet, nor you what I most
prefer for breakfast; but those are the only
matters have to learn of each other:
the rest was vouchsafed us in heroic fash
ion-is II not SOP
There were smiles in her eyes when she
raised them from contemplation of her
sleeve.
''The leap is so far" she said
But you have courage?"
mot oyermuch at taking an unfair adj
vantage"
'And think, there Is no time to lose. Why
not have all things in readiness for meet
Ing every demand of his lordship, whatever
those demands may be- securing the peace
Of mind OF your grandparents permanently?
And Robert Helstone's bride need not go
upon her knees to Lord Fairfield"
Her eyes were startled now. not with sur
prise, but at the tremor of nervousness
thrilling her.
"And you wish the affair Of the highway
maid to remain wrapped in profoundest
secrecy-between you and me?"
She nodded.
He slipped his arm round her slim waist,
bending head close to hers.
"Then seal my lips forever"
And she sealed them.