The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-05-05

4A3. E1SAA NAMA wv y HALs
Waa empty, and presently cAstop, lifting hi
oyoe. for hs was lost In thought, noted 4
and asked where she might boa question
that neither Margaret nor Peter ooulC
answer.
One Of the servants at the lower table.
~hoWever-it was that man who had beer
sent TO follow D'Aguilar on the previous
niRht-said that a. he came down Holborr
awhile before he had sean her walking witt
the Spanish don, a saying at which hit
master looked grave.
JuSt a. they were finishing their meal. q
very silent one. for none Of them seemed "a
have anything to say. and after the servants
had left the hall. Betty arrived, flushed a.
though with running.
Where have you been that you are 10
latefs asked Castell.
ITO seek the linen for the new sheets,
but It was not ready she replied glibly,
The mercer kept you waiting long,
remarked Castell quietly. did you meet
any one?'
Only the folk in the street." -
Il will ask you no more questions. lest ]
should cause you to lie and bring you into
SIM said Castell sternly. Girl. how far
did you walk with the Senior d'Aguilar. and
what was your business with himf'
Now Betty knew that she had besn seen
and that it was useless to deny the truth.
only a little way" she answered. and
that because he prayed me to show him his
path
Listen. Betty went on Castsll. taking
no notice Of her words. "Youare old enough
to guard yourself. therefore as to your
walking abroad with gallants who can mean
you no good Isay nothing. But know this-
no mi who has a knowledge Of the matters
Of my house." and he looked at her keenly
shall mix with any Spaniard. II you are
found alone with this senior any more. that
hour 1 have done with you. and you never
pass my door again. Nay. nc words. Take
your food and eat II elsewhere"
So she departed half weeping. but very
angry, for Betty was strong and obstinate
by nature. When she had gone, Margaret.
who was fond OF her cousin, tiled to say
some words on her behalf; But her father
stopped her.
"PshaWi' he said. Il know the girl; she in
vain as q peacock, and, remembering her
gentle birth and good looks. seeks to marry
above her station; while for some purpose
Of his own-An iii one. / w~arrant--tbat
Spaniard plays upon her weakness, which.
ifit be not curbed. may bring trouble on Va
all. Now, enough OF Betty Dene; / must
do my work.
Sir said Peter. speaking for the first
time, I'VE would have q private word with
you
"A private Word,' he said, looking up
~anxiously. We'll, speak on. No, this is
not private; 1 think the walls have sam.
Follow me, and he led the way into the old
chapel, whereof, when they had all passed
IL. he bolted the door. Now" he said,
what is it2'
Sir answered Peter, standing before
him. -having your leave at last. l asked
your daughter in marriage this morning"
AT least you lose no time, friend Peter;
unless you had called her from her bed
and made your offer through the ,door you
could not have done ii quicker. Well. |
well. you ever were a man OF deeds, not
words. and what says my Margaret
An hour ago she said she was content
answered Peter.
"A cautious man Also went on CasteIl
with a twinkle in his eye, who remembers
that women have been known to change
their minds within an hour. After such
long thought. what say you now, Margaret
AAob a eh ohbiy Nibh 1CtCl, III uu-
stamping her small foot, sfor II
does not trust me for an hour. how oan
he trust me for his life and minep'
NAY. Margaret. you do not understand
me- said Peter. Il wished not to bind
you. that is all, in Case
Nov you are saying 1t again. r she broke
IN vexed, and yet amused. DO % a third
lime. and 1 will take you at your word
1T seems best that l should remain silent.
speak you" said Peter humbly.
AYE. for truly you are a master Of silence,
Is l should know, IL any do replied Mar
yaret, bethinking her Of the weary months
md years OF waiting. well. / will answer
or you. Father. Peter was right; I am
TO marry him, though to do 30
will be to enter the Order of the Silent
srothers. Yes. / I'M content; not for him
elf, indeed, who has so many faults, but
or myself, who chance to love him." and
he smiled sweetly enough.
do not Jest on such matters, Margaret
why not, father; Peter is solemn enough
or both Of us-looS at him. Let us laugh
Vhile we may. for who knows when tears
nay Gomez"
"A good saying" answered Castell with ,
sigh. so you two have pliehted your
roth; and, my children. / am glad OF it.
or who knows when those tears Of which
spoke may come. and then you
an wipe away each other's?'
Take o her hand. Peter. and sw ear
y the Rood, that symbol which you wor- ,
Peter glanced at him, but he
rent on-'swear. both OF you. that come
hat may, together or separate. through
God report or evil report. through poverty l
r wealth, through peace or persecution, ,
temptation or through blood, !
every good or i'll that can befall ,,
in this world Of bitter-sweet, you will l
faithful TO your troth until you be {
and after you are wed, faithful TO
lch other till death do part you .
These words he spoke TO them in a voice =.
rat was earnest almost TO passion, search. I
" their faces the while with his quick :
yes as though he would read their very !
His mood crept from him to them; 1
noe again they felt Nsomething OF that 9
which had fallen on them in the garden I
hen they passed into the shadow Of che !,
n
Very solemnly then; and with little of
ue lovers Joy, did they take each Others '
Lnds and swear by the Gross and Him q
= lu--z -. IA xH.N skuNI a.. III