Year: 1865

and now goodbvc.'


For moment their hands were clasp
ped with firm pressure that might have
conveyed the secret Of each heart t. the
other, then Mark turned abruptly away,
and with a feeling that all hope in life
was left behind him, rode away from the
woman he loved.


The next day Mark took Clara to New
York, and from that time forward con-
tinued his attentions to her, partly because
he really liked her, partly because she
was constantly exacting from him all sorts
of services, and partly because she was
always SO glad to see him and SO devoted
to him. As for asking her to marry him,
he could not yet resolve to do this. He
knew that she would probably accept him
at once, but the thought of really tying
himself was intensely repugnant, and he
was still so wrctched with the image of
Gertrude Allen haunting him perpetually
that he often felt he would rather lose the
money, by not marrying, and he free to
dream forever of the beauty he had lost.


Thus matters stood when two months
more had passed away. The Aliens had
gone south to spend the winter, and from
his constant attention TO Clara all his
friends supposed him to be engaged TO
her. Mark himself began to feel it to be
due TO her that he should propose, and
having formed a mighty resolution TO BAN
ish the memory of Gertrudes glorious
| f,, ,,,ly Eft
playfelow, he started one afternoon for
the Dales' house, with the full intention
of giving up his freedom.


1t WAS about half past tour, but in the
dark November day it was already deep
twilight il the Dales' hcavily-eurained
drawing i he servant opened the
door for Mark and as well known vis-
itor, left him to announce himself. lie
stepped quietly on the the thick velvet
carpet, and had seated hmself in dusky
corner. when he heard Clara's voice through
the half-closed doors of the other parlor.
'indced, mamma, | can't think why
he does not propose


'He must have some fancy or perhaps
some other engagement, as | have often
told you.


Il don't see how that can be- said Clara
pettishly.


'Was he not very devoted to Gertrude
Allen ?


'Ics, rather so; but he will never think
OF her.


why not P


Because he supposed her to be cn-
gagged


Mark started from his chair, and stood
erect, listening brea,hlessly, eagerly.


'Why, what put that into his head p


Some one told him So


But the rest Of the sentence was arrest
ell on her lips, for Mark suddenly stood
before her, pale and stern.


'You know who told Inc 50, Miss
\ Clara and you have known all this
time that the story was false y


IL sobbcd Clara, beginning TO
cry; Il did not think there was much
harm


'uarm," he repeated bitterly. "tool-
ish child, you do not know what suffering
you have cost me


Mrs. Dale looked up in utter amaze.
What is the meaning of this extraordin-
airy conduct, Mr. Eyerton 2


Il leave Clara to explain it TO you,
madam. am truly glad you have been
no party to the "ruel deception. thank
you for your many hospitablc kiudnesses
and bid you good morning


He turned away, and hurried out oi
the house. How could he fly fast enough
to the woman he loved The wealth
that was to be his lie longed for thous-
and fold for her sake. On her he would
lavish all the luxury that money could
comma and, and even amidst all his ankle
ty he felt wild thrill of the heart at the
thought that Gertrude was free


Only five weeks in which to find her on
some Louisiana plantation where she was
visiting, to WOO her, to win her, and to
make her his bride Steam seemed too
tedious conveyance, he would have been
sent by telegraph could he but have con-
verted himself into all the loving words
hs longed TO pour out to Gertrude. For
the next two weeks he was in n perpetu-
al fever OF impatience that only abated
to leave him cold and trembling with
fear of final iailure, when at last he drove
up to the rose-embowered porch of the
low plantation. house. In his eager ex-
citement Mark left the servant no time
TO announce him, but following close be-
hind him stood suddenly in the presence
of Gertrude Allen.


She started up with n cry Of surprise
as she saw who was before her, and he
sprang forward and clasped both her
hands in his.


Gertrude, love you | love you Tell
me, is there any hope that you will be
mine, or have had my weary waiting,
my long journey in vain'


Gertrude was pale as Mark himself as
she looked up and asked in utter amaze,


Then you are free.


'Free, my beautiful Gertrude, have
never heen bound.


'Ncver engaged to Clara Dale p


NO, indeed, but she told me you were
engaged


IL


Yes, and | have been so wretched,
but it is over now, darling, is it not and
you do love me little