Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-01-06
CHAPTER III.
HOW THE Rusn WORKED.

iH0upH the UlO lawyer WAS cuIuIdiiy re-
ceivea by the family on their arrival, it was
evident enough to both him and Marion
that they were chagrined at his arrival and
would have given much if his visit had en-
postponed for couple of,days at least, or
until Marion had given her promised an
swer. But there was nothing for them to
DO but to make the best of it, and to treat
him as cordially as they could, for they
feared that he would have much to do in form
ing the answer on which SO much depend
cd
During the evening, Allan was the most
lover like in hissattentons and one Of his
motions escaped the keen eyes of the lawyer.
His eyes and ear caught every sight and
sound. and it was not long before he could
read them like book.
Bsfore they retired that night Allen
pressed Marion 10 give him his answer then,
but she told him that she should keep her
word and him in suspense during the stated
time And he was forced to content HIM
self with this answer as best he could
Soon after breakfast on the following
morning the lawyer desired that the family
Houiu aoeeH'uie LII VIC paiAoi 90 III ''N'
something of Importance to communicate.
Wondering what could be its import and
thinking that it must have reference to the
answer Marion was to give, which must te
favorable or he would have nothing to do
with it, they did as he desired. Marion
came in and took seat by his side, and
then he rose and said, addressing Hugh
L. II h.
''Reports have reached me-and | have
it also from the lips of my old friends
daughter here-that your son has done her
the honor to propose for her hand sup
pose, sir that the offer has been made with
your knowledge and consent, and that it
meets your approval p
II am knowing to the fact and it is also
agreeable to me" replied Fitz Martin
'And to-day is the time the lady was to
give you her answer ?" he said addressing
Allan.
s'It is" replied the young man.
''Such being the case" said the lawyer,
Il feel it my duty to make certain state
ment before matters progress any farther
which may change the aspect Of affairs; but
first, let me offer my congratulations, which,
after all, may be premature as the N atch
may not take place the statement | haze
to make, may, percbance, effect it. -
Here the lawyer paused for monet, and
glancing about saw that every eye in the
room was fixed upon him. Then he went
on
The statement have to make is one
that grieves me, FOR feel that have in a
n easure been the cause of it, though it was
brought about by no act of mine An agent
Of mine invested the fortune of Lady Mar
ion in speculation and the bulk Off has
been lost. a bare pittance. not more than
tenth part Of it, now remains"
Had thunderbolt fallen upon the tower
and rent the room asunder in which they
sat- Fiiz Martin, his wife, and Allan could
not have been more astonisbed than they
were by this revelation of the lawyers S.
For the space of a minute they sat spell
bound while the lawyer enjoyed their con-
fusion. and then Fitz Martin sprung to his
feet. ''This statement you have made is true
in every particular p he asked
"Assuredly So he answered Il trust
that you GO not doubt my word -
mot at all" replied Fitz Martin. land
I thank you much for making this statement
at this time before matters had gone any
farther. Circumstances render it impera'
tive that Allan stall wed a wife who Las
money, and [ shall no longer offer any OPP
position to his union With Miss Graham te
whom h, has long been attached, but whom,
at my earnest request he discarded for his
cousin. that the od-time glory of our race
might be revived and this old place N ade to
blossom again. [ trust now that both AL
len and Marion will see the folly of their
union. and that the answer of the latter will
a ccord with our wishes"
cit does," said Marion rising from hel
seat with flashing eyes. II had more thar
suspected this much. Allan, you have my
answer. ! will not be your wife but We
will be cousins as before. | blame you no
so much as do your parents for the par
you have acted towards me- | would advise
you now to seek Miss Graham and implor,
her forgiveness and.if she loves you still
as I think she does, you may yet be happ.