The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-11-12


this, but it was always in presence of others,
and no opportunity was offered him for pri-
vate conversation with her.
Mrs. Humphrey thought that the joyful
event of settling the debt upon the farm
ought to be celebrated so it was agreed
that on the evening of that day Mr.. Hum
phrey and Madeline should drive around
and invite few of their old neighbors to
tea-drinking ON the next afternoon.
The day that had at one time been so
much dreaded dawned bright and cloud
less, and after the morning work was done
Madeline threw on her hat, and ran out in
to the glowing woods to gather few of the
brilliant leaves to decorate their best room
for the company on the morrow. She was
singing away merrily at her work, when
she felt touch upon her arm, and turning
around found herself face to face with Err
nest Seaton.
"Good morning, Miss Madeline, " he said;
"you seem very happy, if one can judge by
the merry song to which have just lis
tened"
"I am, thank you. Did you have
pleasant time in England?"
Yes; and long for the time when l
can return. Ihave put Seaton Hall in splen-
did order, and now that my father is dead
shall live henceforth upon the estate. My
mother and sister will reside with me.
bona tic arra rap,a,,I ,r;lI ,,,oo+ ,,o,,,, ,;,l
es."
81 wish you to understand, Mr.. Seaton,
that the future arrangements of yourself
and family are no concern of mine, what
ever"
Madeline, you must be my wife every
alteration and addition to my estate has
been made with that in view. cannot,
nay, will not give you up"
"You must, Mr.. Seaton ! we haven't one
sentiment in common, and why you persist
in forcing yourself upon me, cannot see."
''Then you refuse me again, do you?"
81 do, most emphatically."
"Then take the consequence, rash girl /!
Before another week John Humphrey and
his family will be houseless beggars. One
word from you would secure them home
for their old age, but you wont speak 1t,
and this is the gratitude you have professed
to feel for them"
"Do your worst, sir. see my father
has just entered the house, and presume
you will find him at leisure now to attend
to YOU" t4l
Madeline led the way, and the two were
soon in the presence of Mr. Humphrey.
81 have called, sir" said Seaton, in a
naughty tone of voice, " for the payment of
that mortgage.
"Yes sir, be seated, please, and will at
tend to the matter"
81 wish the cash, Mr.. Humphrey, every
cent of it, or / shall foreclose immediately"
'Rere it is, sir" replied Mr.. Humphrey,
in a calm voice. 81 think if you will count
the bills you will find the amount correct"
Bafied," was plainly written upon Sea-
toms flushed face, and he angrily replied:
"For once, John Humphrey, you have
paid bill when it was due I fancy you
have had help about this" And he gave
malignant glance at Madeline.
"That is no affair of yours, sir. You
have your money, and have your receipt,
and now the quicker our interview ends
the better it will suit me-"
ga pretty return you make for my kind
ness in lending you the money"
"Your kindness, Indeed happen to
know, sir, the motive which prompted it,
so the least you say about that, the better"
One more glance at Madeline, in which
love and hate were strangely blended, and
Ernest Seaton strobe away in the direction
of the village.
On the forenoon of the day in which the
company were expected, gentleman drove
up to the door, and stepping inside, politely
asked for glass OF water
N" Madeline ~ called Mrs. Humphrey,
"wont you bring tumbler of water to
this gentleman my hands are in the four"
Madeline soon appeared with the water,
but the gentleman started back upon see
ing her, and turning deadly pale, sank into
chair.
"Dear me p said Mrs. Humphrey, has
tily wiping her hands and hurrying to-
wards him, "you are very i'll, ] fear"
"Not i'll, madam, but startled. That
girl has th Q face of my long lost wife and
her name, too. Tell me, beseech of you
is she your own daughter?"
Mrs. Humphrey briefly told him Made.