Romance of a Bye-Election

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume IV, Issue 1159, 1 December 1904, Page 4

Romance of a Bye-Election

And ao Iho election takes place nest week, and there will bo unusual excitement in Market Drayton. I wonder how Sir Harry will take his disappointment ?" The words had tho desired effect, Balph Pomberton saw the colour surging up in his pretty cousin's cheek " Disappointment," alio echoed, "Ho will not bo disappointed. Ho is immensely popular in Drayton. Of course ho will be elected." ". lam not so sure about it," smid her cousin, watching her narrowly. " Thotv arom'ce tales going about just how concerning the s ent!einan's private lite which will seriously affect his chances."

" What do you mean ?" said Lucy, starting up. " How dare you make such insinuations! I don't bo'liovo a word of these charges." " You don't suppose what you belicvo wi'l have anything to do with'the election, do you ?" said her cousin comfortably. " Now, do bo practical, Lucy, You Itmi'w it is impossible for you lo have anything to do with a man under a cloud, You used to bo fond of ino before he camo on the scene. Why don't you be a sensible girl and merry me ?" "Thankyon," sho said, wo have discussed that, question ofien enough. If you had a grain of pride you would never renew it."

" And I suppose Sir Harry hits only lo throw the handkerchief and you would jump at it," sneered Enlpli. "Of course baronets are not going begging eveiy day, but yon are ambition.', Miss Lucy, ami I. am suro you will think twice b< foro accepting a man who will certainly be ostracised by society."

With this parting shaft her cousin went offin nn amiablo frumo of mind, leaving Luoy decidedly ill itt cine. Ambitious she certainly was, for she hud been brought up and fostered in the idea that money and money's worth were everything The day of tho election ctmo, and Sir Harry was beaten by a small majority afar an exciting contest. Jf Lucy Im.l been undecided how to act before, dm sight, of lis white and worried face would Imvo settled the matter for her, " You have failed ?" sho said,

He nodded and bit his lip, "lam so sorry," faltered Lucy. Sir Harry walked towards her and took lu.r hand gently in his, • " Miss Lucy," ho saH," you must for-. got all that has passed between us I Imvn been unsuccessful, but that is a small matter, A scandal is being oirculitad which is vastly ujoro impottimt, since it will lowor me in your eyes, Yon know, Luoy, but for those lying anonymous letters—"

" But they are not true," cried Lucy, "And nothing would ever lower you in my eyes," " Lucy, you would not marry me now ?" '' Indeed, indeed I will, if you will have mo!"

The door opened and Italph Peinborion appeared. " Ah," aaid Sir Harry, " you aro tho very person 1 wished to sea. You ,iro aware of my defeat ?" "Who could help it,-' sneered Ralph, "tho iown rings with the news." "The town will ring soiuoihinn fresh soon," continued Sic Entry stonily. " I ha«o trace! the person who circulated those fnlso reports, You aio the person to assist me in clearing my chirac r er. I havo to-day discovered that yon are export in writing anonytaous letters; doubtless you will be equally expert in contradicting them, You owe your freedom from public exposure to tho fact that you are the cousin of my affianced wife,