New-York tribune., 1910-12-25


ostrich plume of rich dark red She stood with he PACK
to the fireplace whip in hand the bright April sun Hood
ing the and its glntng rays bringing INTO p1oih-
all the delicate COlOrnS OF the lalI Happy yoS
face. .
Good morning gentlemen she said gaily, happy
smile illuminating her face, as she eXtended hel hto
yloved hand first Judge Cheson and then to Lelgh
May ask to what fortunate circumstance am IN
debted for this early visit! ,
There look of grave preoccupatlon on lne
Judges face while the countenance of young Dahearst
drawn and anxious.
aGwenith!" he cried, Selling both her hands and
drawing her to him almost roughly, unmndful of his
uncle's presence This has been the longest night
ever passed Why, thought the morning would never
comet
face.
"'To be sure, and yet
Sure? she interrupted raising her tace until 1t was
dangerously close to his Sure OF which, the Tor
tune me?"
"Oh, hang the orune" cried Leigh irrelevantly. Il
don't fig which way it goes! 1t is you want
Gwenith, you!''
Leigh she answered sweetly, and softly that,
had not Judge Cheston been standing very near, the
words would have been inaudble to HIM, do you re-
member the night asked me to be your WIFE out m
the dear old garden at home? Well, all the wealth
this grand old earth could hold would not tempt me to
He drew her to him and held her close in his strong
arms while he passionately covered her burning face
with kisses
Leigh you are forgetting Judge Cheston!'' she at
length managed to gasp, she struggled to escape his
caresseS.
The Judge naQ moved tlle Ol Ilc
and was standing with his back them gazing inently
out of the window. At the mention OF his name ne
turned.
And the armlet, Miss Lacy?" he asked, coming
toward them the grave expression his face tempered
with one of curiosity. What mis- ght its color be this
mOrning?"
Why ves broke in Leigh as if recalling minor
matter. How reads the magc!
The color the girls face slowly receded as she drew
the riding gauntlet from her left hand The three
standing close together facing another the gaze OF
both being riveted on the girls wrist, which was
covered by the long sleeve of her habit. But Gwenhs
eyes never moved from the face of her lover she
slowly turned back the cuff and held out her round
white wrist-encirclcd with bracelet of deepest shell
pink.
A exclamation of profound astonshment escaped the
L Younger q" Do mean to tell me, he asked
ncredulously, that this bracelet green IN
co1or?"
at was green the last time l it,, replied his
uncle calmly.
And it was green until quite late last night,
frned Gwenh; for it long past eleven when
retired.
so" laughed Leigh, 'according to this talsrnan l
am not the Prince of Inda!"
mo, have lost" she answered grsvely L am
sorry your sake 1t harder work for you. But
both young and | YOU going to be
successful in your profession. had rather have
bracelet and your love- than a Queens coronet with
out it.
with such philosopher to guide him, | predict
brilliant future for your husband" exclaimed Judge
Cheston, a curio1sly exuant ring in his voice. And,
that all has been settled, permit to be the first
offer congratulations, together with my blessing.
Good luck my boy" he said, of sadness in his
tone as he grisped Leigh's hand. You should be the
happest earth. If you not, you deserve to
be Wretched.' Then turning, he took GWen1th'S hand