The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-11-05

have called to say have about that
amount by me, which wish to invest, and
will loan it to you for one year." .I
"You are very kind, sir" said Mr..
Humphrey, the light of great joy kind
ling in his eyes. "On what terms do you
propose to make me this loan ?' lti sI
Simply this: that with the money i
shall furnish you shall cancel the present
mortgage upon your place, and give me a
new mortgage for one year from date"
II will accept your kind offer, Mr.. Sea-
ton, and although it looks so dark now,
something to my advantage may happen
before the time expires, and the old place
be free again"
every well, / am glad could accom-
modate you, and if you please, will meet
you at Squire Preble's this evening and
have the papers made out"
"Won't you stop to tea ?" urged Mrs.
Humphrey. "I will have it ready in a
very few Moments
"No, I thank you, am in something of
hurry. Isn't there nearer path to town
through your woods than by the road?"
eyes sir, and Madeline will show you
the way, for it is somewhat difficult to
find"
Madeline took her hat from its accus-
toned nail, and with illconcealed reluc-
tance prepared to obey her fathers wish.
Ever since the Seatons, a proud English
family, had moved into town, Ernest had
been persistent in forcing his attentions
upon madeline. She thoroughly disliked
him for his snobbish ways and the mean
ness of his general character. She would
rather have had her father indebted to any
one else than to him for pecuniary aid.
They walked on in silence few steps, but
as they entered the wood Seaton strove to
draw Madeline into conversation.
This is the way" she said, pointing to
well-defined bridle-path that opened to
the left; "you have only to go straight for
ward through the woods, and you will find
the distance much shorter to the town"
"Thank you, Madeline and now let us
sit on this mossy seat and rest few mo-
ments."
81 am not fatigued, and thought you
were in hurry, Mr.. Seaton."
"I am never in too much of hurry to
talk to you, Madeline, when can get an
opportunity. l am going to Europe in a
few weeks, to be absent some months, and
before go | must hear my fate from your
lips. You have evaded the question and
fought shy of me long enough. Madeline,
you know how madly love you, and l
must know whether you accept that love
or not"
Mr.. Seaton, had hoped to have been
spared this avowa' from you my manner
towards you must have betrayed the state
of my feelings, and cannot return the elove
you profess for me-" 8Ia
Seaton sprang to his feet, while his face
became livid with rage.
Madeline Humphrey, he hissed, "who
are you, that you should spurn me in this
manner? You, foundling, and the in.
mate of a poorhouse in your childhood
The blood of one of the best families OF
England flows in my veins, and, ] know
of score of girls who would consider
an alliance with me as the height of their
ambition" 1H
"Then advise you to bestow your pre-
cious self upon some one of this score with
out any delay. have never thought you
really loved me, and now this taunt with
regard to the circumstances of my early
life confirms my belief beyond adoubt.
This matter must be considered as settled
between us forever"
"Not so fast, my lady. One year from
to-day mortgage which shall hold upon
your fathers farm will expire. If you
marry me, shall never demand cent; but
If you do not, shall demand of Mr.. Hum
phrey the uttermost farthipg. You know
as well as do what prospect there is of his
paying It,"
The baseness of Seaton's motive in aid
ing her father in his extremity flashed upon
Madeline in an instant, and the indignant
blood mounted to her face. 8N
81 leave YOU" said seatop, "and re.
member my conditions. They must be
complied with or you take the consequen.
ces." .5
With a naughty stride seaton disap
peared down the bridle-path, and Madeline
turned with a heavy heart towards the
farmhouse. ~. uf. ORA
Mr. Humphrey went TO the village soor
after tea,pt keep, his appointment will
Seaton, and Mrs. Humphrey, who was fa