Saint Mary's beacon., 1873-08-28
THE OLD MANS DARLING.

So she congratulated herself as she gazcd
exultan,!y upon the diamond solitaire
which but an hour before, Colonel Leslie
had placed upon her finger. His words
of love still vibraied in her ears. but,
strange to say, there was no responsive
melody in her heart. although her lips had
promised that she would become bis wife.
She was young girl not yet out Of her
teens. poor, beautiful and ambitious =
Colonel Leslie was fifty. hale. gentlemanly
and rich. lie had gone to the little man.
ufacturing village of s. upon business,
had nccidently met with Margery. and,
having been erapturcd with her beauty,
addressed her after short acquaintance
And so. whilst he was being rapidly borne
TO his city home. thinking of the loveliness
Of the young bride lie had won, and his
abundant means of making her happy,
Margcry sat in her little chamber dream
ing bright dreams to be realized in the
future. Her fortune was maie, What
did it matter now if there had been power
~ and priva:ion in the past? Was not
the future bright with wealth and splen-
dor?
Il shall have diamonds and laces and
society to my hearts content" she unused,
gazing from her window into the cloud
less east. where the round, rising moon
locked softly into her glit,cring eyes
II shall purchase them dearly, perhaps.
but | shall be an 'old mans darling
Colonel Leslie said so to- night as he placed
the seal of our betrothal upon my finger.
1t is true that there is great disparity
of years between US. but I am satisfied
with the contract | have made. l shall
be clothed in purple and fine linen every
day. and if am not happy there is no
one to blame but myself. shall no long
er be dependent upon those who grudge
NE even the little morseI eat"
The wedding was quiet one. The
village had never seen n lovclicr bride nor
a happier groom, and when after a months
travel. the couple took possession of their
luxuriant home ,Margery again congrarulat-
ed hcrselfupon the brilliaucy of her fortune.
Her brightest dreams were meeting with
fuldllment. She entered into her new
life with all the zest of her fresh young
spirit. glorying in the beauty that had
purchased her pleasures. and leaving
nothing undone that could enhance her
loveliness.
Colonel Leslie accompanied her every
where she wished to 60
'.She is too young. too inexperienced for
me to allow her Freedom" he said, caress-
ingly. ''She will doubtless tire Of this
frivolity. after while. aud then We will
settle down in that happy home l have so
often pictured to myself.
But time wore on and not even the
shadow of such wearincss appeared to
cloud the young wifc's spirits. No gave
y was proposed which did not temp, her
participation. and no temptation met with
resistance
After a year Of patient waiting. the
frivolites in which she INDUCED so freely
became SO utterly dis,as,eful to him that
he could no longer restrain his impatience
But friends interposcd, declaring that the
lovely Mrs. Leslie should not make n re.
eluse of herself. and Offering to accompany
her wherever she wished to go. He trans
u.
and day after day and night after night
be was left alone as mercilessly as thou Oh
be had been but q hired attendant of the
household
Devoted as he had once been TO his
wife. the strength of his ardor began to
aba,e. and beginning to believe she bad
married him for his wealth. he determined
to restrict her gaye,ies in measure. He
would make overtures to her reason and
Judgment. and il they failed he would
assert the authority which ccn,ered in him
self and which she had so seemingly ig-
norcd.
he was in the library awaiting Marce-
rvs coming, as usual. upon the evening
OF the most brilliant entertainment of the
season. An hour after midnight she en-
tered. radiant in velvet and diamonds.-
lie arose anu offered to reaove her wrap
piags.
Thank yoa'" she returned. icily, still
standing. .'but shall retire Immediately.
and there is no need of unwrapping here"
just rs you please" he answered,
haughtily. resuming his sea, aud CASING
for moment into the beautiful face before
him; ''but have something to say to YOU
which must be heard here aud now"
Margery gathered her cloak more close
ly about her shoulders. and resting both
hands upon the back of the chair hy which
size was standing. said. almost de6an,ly:
If yoa have anything to say. please
say ]; as quick as possible. / am tired