Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1873-09-04
Helena, Montana, Thursday, September 4, 1873.

A flush overspread the faces of both. Mar
ion, in light manner answered.
mo home would conform to the first pic
ture. But why did you ask me that ques
ton p
Il thought, Marion, you loved Frank Ian
sing"
80! he's handsome and pleasant to fir
with. That's all. I should never think o1
marrying him."
"Marion, hold. You are but woman, and
the tell-tale blush has betrayed you; confess
it, you love Frank Lansing"
"Tis false, never cared for him more
than companion to firt with. He under
stands the art to perfection" She curled
her lip as she spoke.
more manly spirit than that. If he were to
ask me to be his wife, Ide be the hap
didn't mean-I-1"
so! you needn't retract. also noticed
the blush that mounted your cheek. must
60. Good bye, dear, Iwish you joy and sue
cess"
Marion hastened out of the conservatory
door, AS she closed that behind her, the par
lor door opened and handsome young man
stepped to Mary's side.
"Finish your sentence, Mary. You'd be
the -"
30! Frank, did you hear, l." Mary
buried her face in her hands.
Eyes, darling, heard. But let me think,
l t1atter myself too much, when say think
you love me as do you. Look up, Mary,
and answer me-"
swell, what shall say? She asked, her
face beaming with smiles:
"Finish the sentence"
"Then here it is, Frank I should be the
happiest girl the sun ever shone upon.'
He took the wee hands and kissed the
flushed forhead.
THAT is the symbol of our betrothal. And
you are not afraid to become poor mans
bride?
''Does this look like it. No, am prouder
of you, than if you had million, for you are
not ashamed to make use of these honestly
Drowned hands,
'That is compliment l prize. Come,
Mary, have terrible task to perform. Rob
the nest of the old birds; its the part of
villain, but for such sweet villainies would
attempt anything, no matter how hazardous.
Tears stood in the parents eyes, as they
Joined the hands of Frank and Mary. How
truly was that engagement cemented by the
consent of such doting parents.
Marion acted as first brides maid. "Mary,"
said she, "you have made your choice, may
your life prove happy one.'
Two months afterward young stranger
appeared in the town. Handsome as Adonis
and rich as a Jew, he became enamored of
Marion Hall, and after short engagement
they were married. They went to live in the
city.
Five years later Mary, her husband and
two little ones went to the city. Frank was
wealthy now. He and his partner had con-
cluded to go to the great business centre and
try what Dame Fortune had to offer them
there. They succeeded admirably. But
Mary's house was not one of those grand
palaces on the avenue. No, she lived in a
pretty two-story house. In front and all
around were flowers, but she was the pref
TEST of them all. She had only one servant
She attended to all the cooking herself. AL
though her labor was by no means light, yet
when her husband returned from his days |
work she always ran to the door and put up |
1er face for the welcome kiss. Then as they
tie their evening meal, she listened while he
'ecounted the days trials. She had lived in
Ter new home but short time, when one
lay her door bell rang. She opened the door
lerself, and before her stood what was once
he beautiful Marion Hall, now a hollow
yed, sad-faced woman.
"Marion Hall! Can it be possible?"
eyes, five years have changed me sadly;
'ut you, my Mary, you are as fresh and pretty
s that morning when Frank Lansing pro-
'osed to you"
"Are you not happy, Marion? You chose
gay husband, surely your cup of life has
veraowed."
"Yes-with bitterness. Mary, l am bound
D gambler, forger, thief-in short, one.
f the vilest men that ever drew the breath
f life. am most miserable woman, and
'hen death comes it will be happy release.
,ont look 80 horror struck. o, bad fol-
wed your counsel and not saved these poor,
ony fingers, which now are too well &C
uainted with the wash-board. o! Mary,
larry! Your prophetic words, how often