The Magnolia gazette., 1872-12-21

Fido knew me, and desIsted from his attack
on the helpless old man because called to
him. There was no sacrifice on my part
But for this Mr.. Peck felt grateful; and
during the time that visited the Sunday
school, near his house, frequently went in
to read to him, or tell him the news of the
day. never dreamed Of being rewarded
for it. He was hard, stern old man, but
! enjoyed his society, and have been happi-
est, always, while doing right" is esAe
"And you are resolved? ?" llh Z
Eyes, am resolved, Cousin Eleanorep
A bitter smile wreathed the handsome, ar
istocratic face Of Miss Eleanore Hastings.
dssVe cry well, Margaret. I hope you will
not repent your decision. ] have tried hard
to do BY you as / should, during the few
months you have been with me. You know
that do not approve Of voluntary poverty.
| was greatly opposed to your mothers
marriage with Romney Braithe.. Not that
have anything against your fathers character
is Mary will let them rest. But hoped
to have made their child understand what
was for her good. ! have failed it seems.
4 hope you know you can have no expecta'
tions from me-" ~ us
Margaret,s face nushed--a scornful blaze
in her magnificent eyes.
Il have four hundred dollars year of my
own, and would live on it easily without
help from anyone. I did so for two years,
after my mothers death, before l came to
stay with you, therefore think you need
be under no apprehensions." Then, her
face softening little she added "True, i
have no expectations save for your loye.---
You are my only, living relation, and you
surely will not deny me that" H X
Il shall remember you are my cousin.-7-
But what of Percy Russell RI Have you
Thought of his wishes in this matter9n N
Margaret's eyes dropped; a soft flush
stole up to her forehead. ya M
"He will desire to do what is right,
think. Ifnot, then we shall be better apart.
"Well, you have chosen, and will see
Have you spoken to him about your absurd
decsionY" vs. Bt. s'ra.4 "a .sa.l.
~ have written him." .,ai ~ sgs4..
"Will you let me see the reply?"
"If you wish it. But, of course, a right
minded man could have but one opinion up
on the matter" n .-eH 81,
You think so? Well, as said, we shall
see.n stote rss,
And gathering up the mass Of her 5silker
drapery from contact with the costly carpet
Miss Eleanore Hastings left the room.
From the conversation we have given thu
reader will understand the character OF tht
spnster cousin, and the handsome and no
ble-minded Margaret; and there is no fur
ther explanation necessary.
y Percy 5Russell's note to Margaret cut tn
heart Of the noble girl Ikea knife; but al
ter the first pang was over she felt yer.
thankful that her life had not been boun'
with that Of this sordid man. She gave hin
back the freedom she knew he desired, an'
then their paths separated.
The property left her by Mr.. Peck wa
I illegally transferred to the children OF Rober
Peck-Rupert and Edna, both of whom re
. sided in different,part, Of the country
The business was all transacted by MI
!, Eden, Margaret's lawyer; and althoug
/ Rupert Peck strongly opposed the transfer
r he was forced to acquiesce. He urged he
! through her solicitor, to retain, at least, th
!. old mansion where his grandfather ha
4 Elived and died, but this she refused to do
!. and likewise did she decline the annuity
s wished SO much to settle upon her. Castin
off all ties, Margaret left her proud, merc'
9 nary cousin, went to distance, hired II
tie cottage and settled down there. Their
: for two years, she lived on without love
7 and what is harder than that for a woman
y She may epoor, and humble, and unknown
e but if there be one true heart that loves hs
. then life is glory and blessing.
AT the end of these two years OF secli
r sion Margaret found her strength falling
r The physicians prescribed sea air; and OF
sultry July day she beheld, for the trst tim