The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1908-02-13

in a dream. He could not believe that he
was awake, and alive, and in his senses {!
and yet that Ella Wycherly, the idol wor-
SHIPPED in the deepest deep of his heart,
the shrined goddess of his alteration, the
being to be- loved at a distance, never
addressed Familiarity, never approached as
an equal: that Ella Wycherly was with
him alone, talking to him kindly, never
measuring the m~easureless distance that
separated them. with so much as one
glance of hauteur, or one cold, conde-
scending word.
Alone with Ella Wycherly in her sum-
mer house, What a charming room it
vasi There was a b~ay-window looking
south over the park, and the u~ndulatins
country beyond; a lovely landscape in
summer, and even now, faded and gray
as were the woods and downs. There
were farm stacks, and red tiles, and a
tall church spire. and the matched roofs
of cottages, cleaning in the pale sun
shine, and dotting the scene with color.
"Sit down. Mr.. Leigh" said Ella, sink
ing irto a chair and taking off her hat.
What would NJ SIS Worthington say if she
saw us nowf"
Miss Wycherly, il 1 thought for a
moment that you compromised yourself
by this condescensicn-"
please do hold your peace" said
Ella don't let US have a word of the
sort. 1 am afraid you think me an I'M
ladylike young lady, Mr.. Leigh"
NO"
when you understand me better. sir,
you will find me honest and truthful and
| feminine enough, in all conscience. You
are so true a gentleman, sir-so high
| minded, that there is no need for poor
little me to assert my dignity. l feel as
if you were my wise elder brother, Mr..
Leigh"
"You have no brother. Miss Wycherly?"
mo brother, and no sister. 1 am alone
l-alone-alonei J"
There was pathos, there was passion in
the young woman's voice, and there were
in her eyes tears. which sparkled in the
faint sunshine that came in at the bay
window.
"Alone with parents, with wealth, with
friends"
Il have no friends"
Lionel looked his amazement. Was this
beautiful girl fooling him, or were there
truth and sorrow in the tones Of her
voice? That sweet voice had sunk to a
minor key. She clasped her hands tight
", and turned her fine face. aslow with
a strange excitement, toward the wide
bay-window and that landscape. warmed
by Ike aeeting November sunshine.
Il have a great mind to make a conf
dant of you, Mr.. Leigh-shall 1? Tell
- 1y1- 30 Ill a.
very least confidential with your
Never once. Miss Wycherly."
"She may she may tell you a secret
some day il she does"-coming close to
him, and placing a slight hand on each
of his shoulders. SO that she could look
! into his eyes-'if she does, tell me-"
at will, indeed"
He trembled under her touch. He
would have forfeited ten kingdoms, ten
crowns for the bliss of holding her one
instant-just one instant-agairst his
heart, and pressing one, only one. kiss
upon the red, beautiful lips; but he re-
strained himself.
Suddenly they heard steps, quick and
impatient, outside, and the door burst
open unceremoniously. Miss Worthing-
ton, with her gold e~ye-glass, a large hat
on her head, came, toward the table and
the remains of the little luncheon. She
stood still. and stared at Lionel Leigh.
This is not the way to gain recon-
mendations, sir, from one family to an
other. 1 think 1 must him to you that
Miss Wycherly will discontinue her Ger
man lessons"
Il shall not :" cried Ella decidedly II
shall continue to learn German
"E1om a lady," said Miss Worthington.
NO; from Mr.. Leigh. l like Mr..
Leigh. Miss Worthington."
Miss Wycherly, return TO the house.
I wish to speak privately to this gentle
man."
Ella Wycherly turned her face toward
the door, her back upon Miss Worthing-
ton but she did not run down the steps
Immediately.
DO not scold Mr.. Leigh" she said. II
met him made him come here"
Il am grieved, Miss Wycherly,' cried
Lionel, that / took advantage of your
kindness, il my doing so has caused blame
t. fall upon you" Then, turning toward
the stony face, sheltered by the great hat.
he continued Miss W~orthington, / apol-
ogize most humbly to Miss Wycherly. to
you, to
The English governess interrupted him
with a wave of her hand.
IF you please. Mr.. Leigh, we will dis
cuss this when that young lady is gone
is absent. Ella, go! Sir" she said to
Lionel, II do not think any explanation
you can offer will justify your conduct
this morning. | take upon myself. sir, to
inform you that your services as German
master will no longer be required at
Wycherly Hail."
Lionel bowed, took his hat, and walked
away.