Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1867-10-09
MFFLINTOWN COUNTY, PENNA, OCTOBER

in to Tsetto him, OF tell him the news Of
the day. I never dreamed Of being re-
ward'd for it. lie was a hard, stern old
man but enjoyed his society, and have
beef happiest always while doing right"
'And you are resolved !"
Yes, | an resolved, Aunt Harriet"
A bitter smile wreathcd the handsome,
ansocratic face of Mrs. Hereford.
Very well, Magdalene. l hope you
vii not repent your decision. have
trid hard to do by you as l should, dur
in; the few months you have tccn with
me You know that l do not approve Of
Voluntary poverty. was greatly opposed
to your mothers marriage With Arthur
Res. Not that l have anything to bring
ag,ins: your fathers charactcr-but he
WIS poor. Well, he is dead. and SO is
Heleu-I will let them rest But | hoped
to have made their child understand what
was for her ewn good. l have failed, it
seems. l hope you know that you can
have no expectations from me 2"
Magdalene's cheek flushed scornful
blaze in her dark eyee. 81 have taken
care of myself for the past three years.
| think You need be under DO apprehen-
sions." Then, her face softeniDs little,
she added: "No expectations, save for
your love. You are my only living rela-
ton, and you surely will not deny me
that 2"
81 shall remember that you are MY
niece. But wha: OF Ralph Howard ?
Have you thought Of his wishes in the
matter Z"
Magdalenc's eyes dropped-a soft flush
stole up to her forehead.
"He will desire ME to do what is right,
| think. If not, then We shall be much
better apart"
"Well you have chosen, and you will
see. Have you spoken to him about your
absurd decision 2"
81 have written him."
."Will you let me see the reply ?"
"If you wish it. But, Of course, a
right minded man could have but one
opinion On the matter"
"You think so? Well, as said, We
shall see." And gathering up the mass
OF her silken drapery from contact with
the costly carpet, Mrs. Hereford left the
room.
From the conversation we have given
the reader will understand the character
of Mrs Hereford and her niece, and there
IS no need of further explanation.
Ralph Howard's note to Magdalene cut
the heart of the noble girl like knife,
but after the first pang vas over she felt
very thankful that her life had not been
bound with that of this sordid man. She
gave him back the freedom she knew he
desired, and thee their paths separated.
The property left her by Mr.. Greenough
was legally transferred to the children of
Charles Greenough-Edward and Alice,
both of whom resided in distant city
The business was all transacted by Judge
Dana-Magdalcue's slawyer-and although
Edward Greenough strongly opposed the
transfer, he was forced to acquiesce. He
urged her through her counsel, to retain
at least the old mansion where his grand
father had lived and died, but this she re-
fused to do; and likewise did she decline
the yearly annuity he wished SO much to
settle upon her.
And casting off all ties. Magdalene
went into neighborins State as prccep-
tress in aourishiug academy. Here for
two years she lived on without love. And
what is harder than that for woman ?
She may be poor, and humble, and un-
Known, but if there is one true heart that
bves her, then life is glory and bless
ilg. At the end of these two years of
toll, Magdalene found her strength fail
ing. The physician prescribed sea air
and one sultry July day she beheld, for
the first time, the great ocean.
Halsey beach was quiet resort for
quiet people, who, disliking the noise and
fashion of Newport and Long Branch,
preferred seclusion and the substantial ia
bic of the Rock View House.
The second evening after her arrival
Magdalene walked down on the beach,
How quiet ard still was everything. No
sound bat the eeaseless break of the surf
on the beach, sound old as creation it
self. The sun was down-a breath OF
south wind swayed lazily the flag of red,
white and blue at the top Of the flag staff