The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1871-10-05
SENTIMENT AND ACTION
(CoNULUED FROM LAST WEEK.

(CoNCLUED FROM LAST WEEK.
There was no need now to delay the
marriage. 1t was nearly year since
Mr.. Trevelyan died, and 1t would be
better for Magdalen to have a protector.
So the world said, and so all
her best trends advised. The matter
was discussed betweep Horace aud
~P.ul-Horaos with BIZ back to the
light, aud both his elbows on the table,
his forehead against bid hands. And
it was agreed bt~een them that, Mag
dalen oousentiug, it should take place
soon, and here, while Horace was with
them and that he should draw up the
settlements.
"Very WE'LL" said Horace, ostenta.
tlously yawning, "that will do very we'll
indeed. Call Miss Trevelyan, my dear
boy"
Magdalen was sent for and in short
time came in, looking paley to day than
usual. For she had been fretting 10
the night, aud had slept i'll. She knew
what she was sent for to do and to say,
something in her heart told her when
the message came to her. And, indeed,
she had been wondering why Paul had
kept SO long quiet. ae did not know
how grateful she had been to him.
"1t is about our marriage, dearest"
said Paul, As she entered. He placed
= chair for her by the table, close to
himself, and facing Hsrace aud the
window.
Magdaleu stood for a moment as if
irresolute, deadly pale. Then, flushing
up to her very temples, she drew her
chair farther away from Paul and sat
down.
"Oh r. she said, as if involuntarily,
81 had forgotten that y
A faint smile stole over Horace's
lips. She spoke so naively, that he
c'uld not help smiling, though, indeed,
nc was in no humor for pleasure at this
moment. Paul took 1t gently enough !;
only raising his eyes with his usual ez-
preston Of injured humility, that made
Magdalen almost frantic If he had
got up and beaten her, she would have
respected him more: if he had spoken
to her harshly, coldly, even rudely, so
long as it was with manliness, she would
have liked him better, than when he
gave her the impression of lying at her
feet to be trampled upon. When Hor
AGO turned to her, and said in a low
voice, els that a speech you think it
right to make to the husband of your
own free choice, Miss Trevelyau ?" and
looked grave and displeased, Masdalen
felt only respect aud humility if Paul
were only like that
II am sorry I said it," she answered
and then she spoke to Paul, and meant
to be kind but was only fierce instead.
"Horacs thinks began Paul timidly,
"tbat yoa had better be married soon,
Msgdalen."
"Horaoe r. said Msgdalsu, With .
laugh that was meant to express gaiety !;
but which vas tho very hssrt.ssssneo
Of bitterness. "Aad you, Paul1 It
seems to me more question with you
than Horace !" ... =
"I7 Can you. ask for more assur-
ances Of my earnest desire to be all to
you that brother, friend, husband,
guardian, can be? Can you doubt Of
the exquisite delight with which shall
call you my own, and feel that our
glorious lives have really begun togeth
or? You must not mistake me, Mag
dalen. If spoke Of Horace it was
only as the supporter of NY own wish.
es-uot as their originator"
Magdalen had shaded her face while
Paul spoke. When she looked up, to
meet the dark eyes opposite fixed
full upon her, she Was paler than ever.
She started and half rose, as if she
waited for him to speak. But he turn.
ed away. - 49,.
81 leave the matter to you both" she
then said impstieutly, n do not wish
to have anything to do with it, Ar.
range it between you ss you ike. I do
not care for settlements, Paul. You
are both men Of honor, aud will do al
that il right"
She rose to 60. She wss almost sob.
bing now; not tearfully; but as msu
sob.
"Generous, noble Maedalen !" Pau
| exolaimed ''Perlaps you are right
IN witely feeling, as we'll as justified in
your trustiugnoss; perhaps it is better
that there be no legal claims on eithe,
side, but that our fortunes, as our lives
be mingled irretrievably."
."We will talk about that. I think
Mr.. Slade ought to be- consulted" sale
Horace, a little drily.
"You, know. what I mean, Horace z
said poor Paul, too happy at this mo
ment to be wounded by speech tha
in general would have stuog his sus
ceptibility to the qulck.