Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 17, Number 3, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 10 July 1886 — Page 3

[Commenced in The Mail Jane 19th number* can be had.]

Pauline DarreU's Reveiige.

By BERTHA M. CLAY.

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CHAPTER XV.

THE qCEEX OF THE BALL.

II was many years since Darrell Court bad been so gay. Sir Oswald had resolved that the ball should be one that should reflect credit on the giver and the guests. He had ordered a fine band of music and a magnificent banquet. The grounds were to be illuminated, colored lamps being placet! among the trees the ballroom was a gorgeous mass of brilliant bloom—tier after tier of magnificent flowers was ranged along the walls, white statues gleaming from the bright foliage, and little fountaias here and there sending up their fragrant spray.

Sir Oswald had sent to London for some one to superintend the decorations but they were not j»erfecled until Miss Darrell, passing through, suggested first one alteration, and then another, until the originators, recogniz'ng her superior artistic judgment and picturesque taste, deferred to her, and then the decorations became a magnificent work of art.

Sir Oswald declared himself delighted, and the captain's praises were unmeasured. Then, and then only, Miss Darrell began to feel some interest in the ball her love of leauty was awakened and pleased—there was something more in the event than the inert* gratification of seeing p:*op!e dance.

The expected visitors had arrived on the Tuesday—I/uiy Hampton, radiant wMh expected victory Elinor, silent, thoughtful, and more gentle than ever, and consequently more pleasing.

Luly Hampton was delighted with the idea of the ball. "You must make a bold stroke for a husband on that* evening. Elinor," she said. "You shall have a superb dress, and I shall quite expect you to receive and accept an •Her from Sir Oswald."

Elinor Rocheford raised her eyes. There was something wistful in their expression. "Oh, auut." she* said, "1 like the captain so much better!"

Lrul Hampton did not lose her good humor—Elinor was not the first refractory girl ahc had brought to her senses. "Never mind about liking the captain, my clear that is only natural. He Is not in love with you. I can see through the whole business. If Darrell Court goes to Miss Darrell, be will marry her. Ho can marry no girl without money, idealise he is, I know, over head and ears in debt. Major Penryn was speaking of him to-day. The only way to prevent his marriage with Miss Darrell is for you to take Sir Oswald yourself."

Elinor's face Hushed. Lady Hampton certainly understood the art of evoking the worst feelings. Jealousy, envy, and dislike stirred faintly In the gentle heart of her niece. "1 hope you will do your very iest to win Hir Oswald's directions," continued Lady Hampton, "for I should not like to see Darrell Court fall into the hands of that proud girl." "Nor should I," assented Miss llocheford.

The evening of the ball arrived at last, and Lady Hampton stood like a fairy godmother In Elinor's dressing-room, superintending the toilet that was to work such wonders. Lady Hampton herself looked very ini|osiiig in her handsome dress of black velvet and point lace, with diamond ornaments. Elinor's dress was a triumph of art. ller fresh, fair, gentle loveliness shone t» perfection, nided by her elaborate costume of white silk und white luce, trimmed with green and silver leaves. The ornaments were allot' silver—both fringe and leaves the lnud-dreas was a green wi'ath with silver tlowors. Nothing could have lieen more elegant and effective. There was a gentle Hush on the fair face and a light in the blue uyes. "That will do, Elinor." said Lidy Hampton, complacently. "Yo ir dres-i is perfection. I have no fear now—you will have no rival."

Perhaps Lady Hampton had never disliked Pauline Darrell more than on that night, for the magnificent leauty of the girl had never been so apparent. Sir Oswald had given his niece rorte btnncJic in respect to preparation for the ball, but she had not at first taken sufficient Interest in the matter to wend to London, as he wished, for a dress. Later on she had gone to the larre wardrobe, where the treasures accumulated by the Ladies Darrell lay. Such shining treasures of satin, velvet, silk, cashmere, and such profusion of laces ami ornaments were there I JJho selected a su|erb cost time—a magnificent amlcr brocade, embroidered with white flowers, gorgeous, lMautlful, artistic. It was a dress that had been made for some former Lady Darrell.

How well It became her! The amber set off her dark beauty as a golden frame does a rich picture. The dress required but little alteration it was cut square, showing the •white, stately, graceful neck, and the sleeves hung after the Grecian fashion, leaving the round white arms bare. The light shining upon the dress chanted with every movement it was as though the girl was envelop, fxt In sunbeams Every lady present envied that drw». and pronounced It to be gorgeous beyond comparison.

Pauline's rich curls of dark hair were studded with diamond stars, and a diamond necklace clasped her wluto throat--this was Sir Oswald's present. Hei artistic taste had found yet further swipe for she had enhanced the beauty of her dross by the addition of white daphnes shrouded In green leaves.

Sir Oswald looked at her In admiration— her magnificent beauty, her queenly figure, her royal grace and ease of movement, her splendid costume, all Impressed him. From every fold of her shining drew came a rich, sweet, subUe perfume her usually pale face had on it an unwonted flush of delicate roseleaf color. "If she would but be like that sweet Elinor!" thought Sir Oswald, "I eould not wish for a more beautiful mistress for Darrell Court"

Site stood by hts side while he received his guesta, and Iter dignified ease delighted him. "Had she been some Eastern queen," he thought, "her eccentricities would have hurt bo one. As it is and Sir Oswald concluded his sentence by a grave shake of the head.

The captain, pleased with Miss Rocheford's graceful loveliness, had been amusing himself by paying her some very choice compliments. and site was delighted with them. "If Sir Or.vald mere only like him!" she thought and Aubrey Langton, meeting the timid, gentle glance, snki to himself that he must be careful—he h»d no wish to win the girl's heart—he ahouM be quite at a loss to know what to do wltis it

When he saw Pauline hts courage almost failed him. "How am 1 to ask that magnificent girl to marry me?" he said.

Sir Oswald bad expreeeed a wish that An* brcy and Paulina would opeg. the ball II

"rrw

would give people an idea of wliat he wished, he thought and prevent other gentlemen from "turning her head" by paying her any marked attention. Yet he knew how difficult it would be for any one to win Pauline's regard. She made no objection when he expressed his wish to her, but she did uot look particularly pleased.

Captain l^angton understood the art of dancing better perhaps than the art of war: he was perfect in it—even Pauline avowed it With him dancing was the very poetry of motion. The flowers, the lights, the sweet sort music, the ftagance, the silver}' sound of laughter, the fair faces and shining jewels of the ladies, ail stirred and warmed Pauline's imagination they brought bright and vivid fancies to her, and touched the poetical beauty-loving soul. A glow came over her face, a light into her proud, dark eyes, her lips were wreathed in smiles—no one had ever seen Pauline so beautiful before. "You enjoy this, do you not?" said Aubrey Laugton. as he watcheJ her beautiful face. "1 shall do so," she replied, "very much indeed and at what those words implied the captain's courage fell to zero.

He saw how many admiring eyes followed her he knew that all the gentlemen in the room were envying him in his position with Miss D.irrell. lie knew that pretty as some of the girls were, Pauline outshone them as the sun outshines the stars and he knew that she was qu.'en of the fele—queen of the ball. "This is the first time you have met many of the county people, is it not'/ he asked.

She looked round indifferently. "Yes, it is the first time," she replied. "Do you admire any of the men? I know how different your taste is from that of most girls. Is there any one here who has pleased you?"

She laughed. "I cannot tell," she answered "you forget this is the first dance. 1 have had no opportunity of judging." "I believe that 1 am jealous already," he observed.

She looked at him her dark eyes made his heart beat, they seemed to look through him. "You are what?" she asked. "Captain Langton, I do not understand."

He dared uot repeat the words. "1 wish," he said, with a deep sigh, "that I had all the talent and all the wealth in the world." "For what reason?" she inquired. "Because you would care for me then." "Because of your talent and wealth!" she exclaimed. "No, that I should not." "But I thought you admired talent so much," he said, in surprise. "So 1 do but mere talent would never command my respect, nor mere wealth." "The two together might," he suggested. "No. You would not understand me, Captain Langton. were to explain. Now this dance is over, and I heard you enwagj Miss llocheford for the next." "And you," he said, gloomily—"what'are you going to do?" "To enjoy myself," she replied and, from the manner in which her face brightened when he left her. the captain feared she was pleased to le quite rid of him.

CMAPTKK XVI.

I'AUUXK'd IJIiimiT FASCfKS.

5

The ball at Dirrell Court was a brilliant success. Sir O-tw ild was delighted, Lady Hampton complimented him so highly. '•This Is just as it ought to be, Hr Oswald," she said. "One who can give such entertainments as this should not think of retiring from a world lie is so well qualified to adorn. Confess now. tlut under the Intluence of that music yo:i could dance yourself."

Sir Oswald laughed. "1 mtil plead guilty," In said. "How beautiful Miss

K'helor.l

looks to-night!"

*-lt is well for you. Sir Oswald, that you have not hear I ail the compliments that the dear child has lavished on you they would have made you vain."

Sir Oswald's face brightened with pleasure. "Is your niece pleased? 1 am very glad Indeed. It was more to give her pleasure than from any other motive that I gave the ball." "Then you have succeeded perfectly. Now, Sir Oswald. you not sec that what 1 said was true— »hai an establishment like this requires a inb*tr ss? D.irrell Court always led the hospitalities of the county. It is only since no lady has lived hero that it has fallen into the background." "It shall be In the background no longer," wild Sir Oswald. "1 think my first bail is a verv successful one. 1 low happy everybody looks1"

But of all that brilliant company. Pauline D.irrell w.is queen. There were men present who would have given anything for one smile irom her lips. They admired her,they thought her beautiful beyond comparsion, but they did not feel quite at ease with her. She was somewhat beyond them tlicy did nut understand her. She did not blush, ami glow, and smile when they said pretty things to her. Wl.en they gave her their most brilliant small-talk, she had nothing to give them in return. A soul quite different from theirs looked at them out of her dark, proud eyes. They said to themselves that she was very beautiful, but that she required softening, ami that something lovable and tender was wanting in her. Slie was a queen to be worshiped, an empress to receive all homage, but not a woman to be loved. So they thought wlw were not even capable of judging such capacity for love as hers.

She was also not popular with the ladles. They thought her very superb they admired her magnificent dress but they pronounced her proud and reserved. They said she gave herself airs, that she took no pains to make friends and they did not anticipate any very great rejoicings when Darrell Court should belong to her. The elder ladies pronounced that judgment on her the younger ones shrank abashed, and were slightly timid iu her presence.

Sir Oswald, it was noticed, led Miss llocheford In to supper, and seemed to pay hei very great attention. Some of the ladies nude observations, but others said It was all nonsense: if Sir Oswald had ever Intended to marry, he would haw married years ago. and hts choice would have fallen on a lady of mature age. not on a slight slender girl. Besides—and who could find an answer to inch an argument?—was It not settled that Miss Darrell was to be bis heiress? There was no doubt about tliat

That baronet's great affection for Aubrey Langton was also known. More than one of the guests present guessed at the arrangement made, ami said that in all probability Mfc» Darrell would marry the captain, and that they would have the Court after Sir Oswald's death.

The banquet was certainly a magnificent one. The guests did full justice to the costly wines, the tare and beautiful fruits, the twhenke dishes prepared with so much skill and labor. When supper was ended, the Ijanm returned to the ballroom, bat Miss

TBRRB HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

Darrell was already rather weary of it all. She stole away during the first d-mee after supper. The lamps were lighted in the conservatory, and shed a soft, pearly light over the fragrant flowers th«* great gla&« doors at* the end were open, mil beyond lay the moonlight soft sweet and silvery, steeping the flowers, the trees, and the long grass in its mild light Without all was so cairn, so still there was the evening sky with its myriad stars, so calm and so serene close to the doors stood great sheaves of white lilies, and just inside was a nest of fragrant daphnes and jessamines.

Pauline stood lost in delight: the perfume seemed to tioat in fmm the mooiilisrht and infold her. This quiet holy, tranquil beauty touched her heart as the splendor of the ballroom could not her soul grew calm and still: she seemed nearer happiness than die had ever been before. "How beautiful the world i«!" she thought She raised her face, so serenely placid and fair in the moonlight the silver radiance fell upon it adding all that was needed to make it perfect, a blended softness and tenderness. The gorgeous, golden-hued dress falling around her, glistened, gleamed, and glowed: her diamonds shone like flames. No artist ever dreamed of a fairer picture than this girl in the midst of the moonlight and the flowers.

Bright fancies thronged her mind. Sbe thought of the time when she should be mistress of that rich domain. No mercenary delight made her heart thrill it was not the prospect of being rich that delighted her it was a nobler pride—delight in the grand old home where heroes had lived and died, earnest thoughts of how she would care for it how she would love it as some living thing when it should be her own.

Her own! Verily her lines were cast in pleasant places! She dreamed great things —of the worthy deeds she would do, of the noble charities she would carry out the magnificent designs she would tiring to maturity when Darrell Court should be hers.

It was not that she wished for it at once. Sbe did not love Sir Oswald-their natures were too antagonistic lor that but she did not wish—linked, she was incapable of wish­

ing—that his life should be shortened even for one hour. She only remembered that in the course of time this grand inheritance must be hers. How she would help those artist-friends of her father's! What orders {.ho would give them, what pictures she would buy. what encouragement she would give to art and literature! How she would foster genius! Iiow she would befriend the clever and gifte poor ones of the earth!

Tlio beautiful moonlight seemed to grow fairer, the blue, starry heavens nearer, as the grand and gracious possibilities of her life revealed themselves to her. Her heart grew warm, her soul trembled with delight.

Andthen—then there

would

be something

dearer and fairer than all tills—something that comes to every woman—her birthright— something that would complete her life, that would ell inge it that would make music of every word, and harmony of every action. The time would come when love would find her out, when the fairy prince would wake her from her magic sieep. She was pure and spotless as the white lilies standing near her the breath of love had never passed over her. There had been 110 long, idle conversations with young girls 011 the subject of love a:id lovers her heart was a blank page. But there came to her that night as she stood dreaming her maiden dreams among,the flowel's, an Idea of how she could love, and of what manner of man he would be who should win her love.

Was she like Undine? Were there depths !n her heart and soul which could not lie reached until love had brought them tolightV She felt iii herself great capabilities that hay never yet been exercised or called into action. .Love would complete her life: it would Ix1 the sun endowing the flowers with life, warmth, and frairrance.

What manner of man must, he be who would wake this soul of hers to peiTect life? She-had seen 110 one yet capable of doing so. The mind that mastered hers must be a mas-ter-mind: the soul that could bring her soul into subjection must be a grand soul, a just Soul, noble and jrem rous.

Ah well, the moonlight was fair, And the flowers were fair. Soon, perhaps, this fair dream of hers might be realized, and i-

CHAPTER XVII. m:.nxri:i.

A shadow came In'tween Pauline and the moonlight, and a quiet voice said: "Miss Darrell. 1 am so glad to find you here, and alone!"

I ooking up, she ssnv Aubrey Langton standing by her side. Aubrey's fair, handsome face was flushed, and there was the fragrance of the wine-cup about him, for the gallant captain's courage had failed him, and he had to fortify himself.

He had seen Miss Darrell go into the conservatory, and he understood her well enough to be sure that she had gone thither in search of quiet. Here was his opportunity. Ho had been saying to himself all day that he must watch for his opportunity. Here It was: yet his courage failed him, and his heart sank lie would have given anything to any one who would have undertaken the task that lav before him. There was so much at stake—not only love, but wealth, fortune, even freedom—there was so much to be won or lost, that he was frightened. ...

However, as he said to himself^ it had to be done. He went back to the dining-room and poured out for himself a tumbler of the baronet's generous old wine, which made his heart glow, and diffused warmth through his whole frame, and then he went on his difficult errand. He walked quietly through the conservatory, and saw Pauline standing at the door.

He was not ah artist lie had nothing of the poet about him, but the solemn beauty of that picture did touch Jilm—the soft sWset moonlight the sheaves of white lilies, the nest of daphnes, and that most beautiful fase raised to the starry sky.

He stood for some minutes in silence a dim perception of his own unworthiness came over him. Pauline looked as though she stood in a charmed circle, which he almost feared to enter.

Then lie went up to her and spoke. She was startled she had been so completely absorbed in her dreams, and he was the last person on earth with whom slie could identify them. "I hope 1 have uot startled jou," he said. "I am so glad to find you here. Miss DarrelL There is something I wish to say to you."

Perhaps that beautiful, calm night-scene had softened her: she turned to him with a smile more gentle Utan be had ever seen on her face before. "You want to tell me something—I am ready to listen. Captain Langton. What

itr

He came nearer to her. The sweet, subtle perfume from the flowers at lie- breast reached him. the proud face Unit had always looked proudly on bhn was near his own.

He came one step nearer still jund then Panline drew back with a haughty gesture thai seemed to scatter the light in ber jewels. "I can hear perfectly well." she said, coldly. "What is it you hate to tell me

me come nearer, where 1 may kneel at youi feet and pray my prayer." His face flushed, his heait warmed with his words all the passionat 2 love that he really felt for her woke within hint. There was no feigning, no pretence—it was all reality. It was not Darrell Court he was thinking of, but Pauline, peerless queenly Pauline and in that moment he felt that he could give his whole life to win her. "Let me pray my prayer," he repeated: "let me tell how dearly 1 love you, Pauline —so dearly and so well tint if yon send me from you my life will be a burden to me, and I shall be-the most wretched of men."

She did not look proud or aimry, but merely sorry., Her dark eyes drooped, her hps even quivered. "You love me," she rejoined—"really love me, Captain Lmgton?" lie interrupted her. "I loved you the first moment that 1 saw you. 1 have admired others but 1 haye seen none like you. All the deep, passionate love of my heart has gone out to you and, if you throw it from you, Pauline. 1 shall die." "I am very sorry," she mm mured gently. "Nay, not sorry. Why should you be sorry? You would not take a man's life, and hold it in the hollow of your hand, only to fling it away. You may have richer lovers, you may have titles and wealth offered to you, but yon will never have a love truer or deeper than mine.''

There was a ring of truth about his words, and they haunted her. "I know I am unworthy of you. If I were a crowned king, and you, my peerless Pauline, the humblest peasant 1 should chocse you from the whole world to be my wife. But I am only a soldier—a poor soldier. 1 have but one treasure, and that 1 offer to you —the deepest truest love of my heart, I would that I were a king, and eould woo you more worthily."

She looked up quickly—his eyes were drinking in the beauty of her face: but there was something 111 tliem from which she shrank without knowing why. She would, have spoken, but he went 011, quickly: "Only grant my prayer, Pauline—promise to be my wife—promise to love me—and I will live only for you. I will give you my heart, my thoughts, my life. I will take you to brightunnv lands, and will show you all that the Sirth holds beautiful and fair. You shall be my queen, and 1 will Ih your humblest slave."

His voice died away in a great tearless sob —he loved her so dearly, and there was so much at stake. She looked at him with infinite pity in her dark eyes. He had said all that he could think of: he Ind wooed her ns eloquently as he was able: he had done his best, and now he waited for some word from her.

There were tenderness, pity, and surpriss iu her musical voice as she spoke to him. "I am so sorry. Captain Langton. I never thought you loved so well. 1 never dreamed that you had ulaced all your heart in your love."

1

"1 have," lie alltviiied. "I have been reckless: 1 have thrown heart, love, manhood, life, all at your feet together. If you trample ruthlessly on them. P.iulinc. you will drive me to desperation ami desp iir." "1 do not trample on them," she said, gently "I would not .wrong you so. 1 take them up in my hands and restore them to you. thanking you for the gift." "What do you mean. Pauline?" he asked, while the Hush died from his face. "I mean." she replied, softly, "that I thank you for the gift you have offered me, but that 1 cannot accept If. I cannot bu your wife, for I do not love you." lie stood for some minutes dazed by the heavy blow he had taken hope from her gentle manner, and the disap|H)lntment was almost greater than he could bear.

:*lt

gl ves me much pain to say this," she continued, "as it gives you to hear it pray believe that." "I cannot bear it!" he cried. "I will not bear it! I will not believe it! It is my life I ask from you, Pauline—my life! You cannot send me from you to die in despair!"

His anguish was real, not feigned. Love, life, liberty, all were at stake. He knelt at her feet: he covered her white, jeweled hands with kisses and with hot, passionate tears, ller keen womanly instinct told her there was 110 feigning in the deep, broken sob that rose to his lips. "It Is my life!" he repeated. "If you send me fj-om yon. Pauline, I shall be a desperate, wicked man." "You should not be so," she remarked, gently "a great love, even if it be unfortunate, should ennobie a man, not mai him wicked.'' "Pauline," lie entreated, "you must unsay those words. Think that you might learn to love me in time. I will be patient—1 will wait long years for you—I will do anything to win you only give me some hope that in time to come you will be mine." "I cannot" she said "it would be so false. I could never love you, Captain Langton."

He raised ills face to hers, "Will you tell me why? You do not reject me because I am poor—you are too noble to care for wealth. It is not because I am a soldier, with nothing to offer yon but a loving heart It is not for these things. Why do you reject me, Pauline?*' "No, you are right it is not for any of those reasons they would never prevent my being your wife if I loved you." "Then why can you not love me?' be persisted. "For many reasons. You are not at all the style of man could love. How can you doubt me? Ilere you are wooing me, asking me to be your wife, filtering me your love, and my hand does not tremble, my heart does not beat your words give me no pleasure, only pain I am conscious of nothing but a wish to curt the interview. This is not love, is it Captain l*angton?" "But in time," he pleaded—"could you not leara to care for me in time?" "No, I am quite sure. Yon must not tiiink 1 speak to pain yon, but indeed you are the last man living with whom I could fall in loye, or whom 1 could marry. If you were, as you say, a king, and came to me with a crown to otter, it would make no difference. It is better, as I am sure you will agree, to speak plainly."

Even in the moonlight she saw bow white his face had grown, and what a sudden shadow of despair had come into his eyes. He stood silent for some minutes. "You have unmanned me." be said, slowly, "but Pauline, there is something else for yon to hear. You must listen to me for your own sake," be added and then Aubrey Langton'* face flushed, his lips grew dry and hot, his breath came in short quick gasps— he ted played a manly part but now be felt that what he had to say would sound like a threat

He did not know how to begin, and sbe was looking at him with those dark, calm eyes of bos, with that new light of pity on her face. "Pauline," he said, hoarsely, "Sir Oswald wishes for this marriage. Oh, spare roelove me—be mine, because of the great love I bear yon!" "X cannot* she returned "In my eyes ft crime to marry without love. What yon have to say of Sir Oswald say quickly." "Bat you will hate me for It" he said.

Pauline, do not bejuikind to pie. Let _"N0vI blame

you for Sir Oswald's fault" "He wishes us to marry: he ts not only willing, but it would give him more pleasure than anything on earth and he says—do not blame me, Pauline—that if you consent he will mike you mistress of Darrell Court and all his rich revenues."

She laughed—the pity died from her face, the proud, hard expression came back. "He must do that in any case," she said, haughtily. "Iam a Darrell he would not dare pass me by." "Let me speak frankly to you, Pauline, for your own sake—your own sake. dear, as well as mine. You err—he is not so bound. 'Although the Darrell property has always descended from father to son, the entail was destroyed fifty years ago, and Sir Oswald is free to leave his pro]xrty to whom he likes. There is only one imperative coudition—whoever takes it must take with it the name of Darrell. JSir Oswald told me that-much himself." J, "But he would not dare pass me—a Darrell —by, and leave it to a stranger." "Perhaps not: but honestly, Pauline, lie told me that you were eccentric—1 know that you are adorable—and that he would not dare to leave Darrell Court to you unless you were married to some one in whom he felt confidence—and that some one, Pauline, is your humble slave here, who adores you.

Listen, dear—I have not finished. He said nothing about leaving the Court to a stranger but he di»l sav that unless we were married be himself should marry."

She laughed mockingly. "I do not believe it" she said. "If he had intended to marry, he would have done so years ago. That is merely a threat to frighten me but I am not to be frightened. No Darrell was ever a coward—1 will not be coerced. Even if 1 liked you. Captain Langton, 1 would not marry you after that threat"

He was growing desjKTate now. Great drops stood 011 his brow- his lips were so hot and tremulous that he could hardly move them. "lie' reasonable, Pauline. Sir Oswald meant what he said. He will most certainly marry, and. when you see yourself deprived of this rich inheritance, you wili hate your folly—hate and detest it." "i would not purchase twenty Darrell Courts at the price of marrying a man I do not like," she said, proudly. "You think It- an idle Hire it— it is not so. Sir Oswald meant it in all truth. Oh. Pauline, love, riches, position, wealth, honor—all lie before you will "you willfully reject them?" "1 should consider it dishonor to murrv for the sake of winning Darrell Court, and 1 will not do it It will be mine without that and if not l'wonld rather a thousand times go without it than pay the price named, and you may tell Sir Oswald so."

There was no more pity—no more tenderness in the beautiful face. It was all aglow with scorn, lighted with pride, flushed with contempt. The spell of the sweet moonlight was broken—the I)irrell spirit was aroused —the fiery Darrell pride was all ablaze.

He felt angry enough to leave her at that moment and never look upon her again but his posit ion was so terrible, and lie had so much at stake. He humbled himself again and again—he entreated her in such wild passionate tones as must have touched one leas proud. "1 am a desperate man, Pauline," lie cried at last "and I pray you, for Heaven's sake do not drive nie to despair."

But no words of Ills had power to move her there was nothing but scorn in the beautiful face, nothing but scorn in the willful, passionate heart. "Sir Oswald should have known better than to use threats to a Darrell!" she said, with a flash of her dark eyes and not the least impression could AubiHey Langton make upon her.

He was silent at last in sheer despair. It was all over he had 110 more hope. Life had never held such a brilliant chance for any man, and now it Mas utterly lost Instead of wealth, luxury, happiness, there was nothing before him but disgrace. He could almost have cursed her as she stood thero In the moonlight before him. A deep groan, one of utter, uncontrollable anguish escaped his lips. She went nearer to him and started back in wonder at the white, settled despair on his face. "Captain Langton," she-said, quietly, "I am sorry—lam sorry—I am indeed sorry— that you feel this so keenly. Let ma comfort, you."

He appealed to her again more passionately than ever, but she interrupted him. "You mistake nie," she said "1 am grieved to see you suffer, but 1 have no thought of altering iny mhid. Let me tell you, once and for all,' 1 would rather die than marry you. because I have neither liking nor re spect for you but your sorrow I cannot but feel for." "You have ruined me," lie said, bitterly, "and the curse of a broken-hearted inan will rest upon you!" "1 do not think the Darrells ate much frightened at curses,"' she retorted and then, in all the magnificence of her shining gems and golden-hued dress she swept from the sjot

Y'es, he was ruined, desperate. Half an hour since, entering that conservatory, he had wondered whether lie should leave It a happy, prosjierous man. He knew now that there was nothing but blank, awful despair, ruin and shame, before him. He had lost her, too, and love and hate fought fiercely In his heart He buried his face in his hands and sobbed aloud.

A ruined man I Was ever so splendid a chance last? it drove him mad to think of it! All was due to the willful caprice of a willful girl.

Then he remembered that time was pawing, and that he must tell Sir Oswald that he hail failed—utterly, ignominiously failed. He went back fo the ballroom and saw the baronet standing In the center of a group of gentlemen. He looked anxiously at the captain, and at his approach the little group fell back, leaving them alone. "What news, Aubrey?" asked Sir Oswald. "The worst that I can possibly bring. She would not wen hear of It" "And you think there is no hope either now or at any future time?" "I am. unfortunately, sure of it She told me in plain words that she would mther die than marry me, and she laughed at your threats."

Sir Oswald's face flushed he turned away haughtily. "The consequence be on ber own head!" he said as lie moved away. "I shall make Elinor Rocheford an offer to-night," he added to himself.»|

The captain was in no mood for dancing the music and light had lost all their charms. The strains of a beautiful German waltz filled the ballroom. Looking round, he saw Pauline Darrell,in all the sheen of her jewels and the splendor of ber golden-hoed dress, waltzing with Lord Lorrimer. ller beautiful face was nuUant sbe had evidently forgotten all about nim and the threat that was to disinherit ber.

Sir Oswald saw her too as he^#t*

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ing for Elinor—saw her radiant triumphant and queenly—and almost hated her for the grand dower of loveliness that would never npw enhance Jhe grandeur of the Darrells.

afSKiiifeiliS

8

lie found Eiinor 11 ichefonl with Lady Hampton. Sho had been hoping that the captain W'tuM ask her to dunco again. She looked toward tvm with a faint smile, but was recalled to oixler by a gesture from Lady Hampton.

Sir Oswald, with a low bow, asked if Miss Rocheford would like a promenade through the room*. She would fain have said "No,"but one look from her aunt was sufficient. She rose her quiet, graceful way, and accompanied him.

They walked to \vh :t was called the whit" drawing-room, and there, standing before a magnificent Muriilo, the gem of the Darrell collection. Sir Oswald D.irrell, made Elinor Rocheford a quiet oiler of his hand and fortune.

Just as quietly she accept 3d it there was no blushing, no trembling, no shrinking. He asked her to bo Lady Darrell, and she consented. There was very little said of h-ve. although his wooing was chivalrous and deferential. He hal secured his object—won a fair young wife for himself, and punished the proud, defiant, willful girl who had laughed at his threats. After some, little time he led his fair companion back to Lady Hampton. "Miss Rochcford has done me very great? honor" he said "she has consented to be my wife. I will give myself the pleasure of waiting upon you to-morrow. Lady Hamilton, when I shall venture to ask for a happy and speedy conclusion to my suit"

Lady Hampton, with a gentle movement of her fan, intended to express emotion, murmured a few words, ami the interview was ended. "I eortgratu!ate Von. Kiinor," sho said. "Y'ou have secured a splendid position no. girl in 1'inglau.i eould have done better." "Yes,' turno I Elinor lioeheford, "I ought to be ticketed. 'Sold to advantage and that was the only bitter thing the young girl ever said of her brilliant marriage.

Of course Lady Hampton told the delightful news to a few of her dearest friends and these, watching Pauline Darrell that night in the splendor of her grand young beautv, the sheen of her jewels, and the gliiterof her rich amber dress, knew that her ri»a was ended, her chance of the inheritance gone.

TO RE CONTINVKI) NEXT WEEK.

An Kiilti |iilliix Kfllulile llmuf. Cook Bell A* Lowry can always be relied" upon, not only to carry in stock the* best, of everything', but to secure the Agency for articles as havo well-known merit,. and are popular with tho people, thereby sustaining the reputation or. boing

being al­

ways enterprising, and ever reliable-"ia1 Having secured the A gone for tho celebrated Dr. King's New Discovery forConsumption, will sell it 011 a positivo guarantee. It will surely cure any and every affection of Throat, Lungs, and Chest, and to show our confidence, we invite you to call and get 11 Trial (Dottle* Free. (1)

Wontlvrful Cure*.

VV. D. lloyt A Co., Wholesalefnnd Hctalt Druggists of Rome, On., say: NVe bnvc been selling Ir. King's New Discovery, Electric Hitters and Hucklen's Arnica Halve for two years. Have never handled remedies that sell as well, or give such universal satisfaction. There have been some wonderful cures effected by these medicines in I Ills ctty. Heveral cases of pronounced Consumptionhave been entirely cured by use of a few bottles of Dr. King's New Discovery, taken In connection with Electric Hitters. We guarnntee them always. Hold by Cook Bell ALowry. (1)

Itch and scratches of ©very kind cured in 15 minutos by Wool ford's Sanitary Lotion. Use no other. This novor fails. Sold by Armstrong's Union Depot Phnr-

Warranteu.

maoy. 60c. tf.

A Little Sufferer

Clensed, Purified and Beautified by the Cuticura Remedies.

It affords me pleasure to give you this report of the cure of our little] grandchild by your Cuticura Remedies. When six monthsold bis left hand began toswell and had every appearance of a lasge boll. We poulticed It, but all to no purpose. About- five months after It became a running sore. Hnon other sores formed. Ho then bad two of Ibein 01* each hand, and as ills blood hccnmc more and more Impure It. took less time for them to break out. A sore came on the chin, beneath the under Hp, which was very offensive. His head was one solid seal), dlscluirglng a great deal. This was his condition at twenty-two months old, when I undertook the rare of him, his mother having died when he was a little more than a year old, of consumption (scrofula of course). He could walk a little, out eould not get up If be fell down, and could uot move when-In bed, having no use of Ills hands. I Immediately commenced with the Cutlcurn Remedies, using the Cuticura and Cuticura Hoap freely, and when In* bad taken one Imttle of the utleura Resolvent. his bend was completely cured, and he was Improved in evemwny. We were very much encouraged, ana continued the use of the Remedies for a year and a half. ne sore after another healed, a bony matter forming In each one of these live deep ones just before beating, which would finally grow loose and M*ere taken out then they would Iteal rapidly. One of these ugly Inme formations I preserved. AfU*r taking a dozen and a half lottlcs be was completely cured, and Is now, at. the age of six years, a strong and healthy child. The sears on his bands must always remain: his hands are strong, though we once feared he would never Ik? aide to use them. All that physicians did for blin did lilm no good. All who saw the child Is-fore using the Cuticura Remedies and see the child now consider It a wonderful cure. If the alsive facts are of any use to you. you are at liberty to use them. MRH. E. H. DRJOOH,

May9,18Hij. 612 E. Clay Ht, liloomlngton, III. Tiie child was really In a worse condition than he appeared to his grandmother, who, being with him every day, becamcaccustomed to the disease. MAOOIE HOPI'INO.

CUTICURA KKMKDIE8

Are sold by all druggist*. Price: Cuticura tip cents Resolvent. fl.OO: Hoap, 25 cents. Potter Drug and Chemical Co., Boston. Hend for "How to Cure Skin Diseases." TTT^MINO, Scaly, Pimply and Oily Hk111 JL A vll beautified by Cuticura Hoap.

Catarrhal Dangers.

To be freed from the dangers of suffocation while lying down 'to breathe freely, sleep soundly and undisturbed to rise refreshed, head clear, brain active and free fmm pain or ache to know that no poisonous, putrid matter defiles the breath and rots away the delicate machinery of smell, taste and hearing to feel that the system does not, through Its vein and arteries, suek up the poison that is sure to undermine and destroy, Is Indeed a blessing beyond all other human enjoyments. To j»urcha»e immunity from such a state should be the object of all a filleted. But those who have tried many remedies and physicians despair of relief or cure.

Hanford's Radical Cure meets every of Catarrh, from a simple hend cold to tb most loathsome and distinctive stages. It Is local and constitutional. Instant In relieving, permanent In coring, safe, economical and never-falling.

Han ford's Radical Cure consists of one bottle of the Radical Cure, one box of Catarrhal Holvent, and one Improved Inhaler, all wrapped in one package, with treatise and directions, and sold by all druggists for 11.00.

PorrxK Pkuo Chemical CO., Bohtow.

ACHING {MU8CLES.

Rrllcffd In on# mliinta by that new, original, elegant, and Infalll-

*J*'

hie antidote to pain and Inflammat ion, the Cuticura Afitl-Pnin No aehe or pain, or bruise

JH ^^or strain, or cough or cold, or muscular weakness but yields to Its speedy, allpowerful and never fall Inc. paln-alleviatlna: properties. At druggists vim 5 for flXQ or Potter Drug and Cnem. Co., Boston,

^ismi

V.' 'V