The Tiffin tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1868-1887, 1874-03-12
Masquerading.

~ ny COunlu 10 COulUk ITOu cu-
rope to fulfill the conditions Of his fa-
theirs will? Well, I don't think
much Of him, that's sure. Any man
that will consent to marry 8 girl
whom he has never seen, for the sake
OF little money, is a contemplate
wretch J" and here Miss LiIias Seton
stopped excitedly.
"But, Lilias," urged her cousin Ma
rian, "be reasonable. Herbert Mars
ton hasn't expressed the slightest in
tention Of complying with his fathers
wishes-has SAID nothing at all about
mHtrimoDy, and has no need of the
fortune left him eonditIonally."
well, that only shows him to be
miserly, Twas the willfuI retort. HAnd
the matter just settles itself down to
this: Pm not going to marry any one
whom don't love with my whole
soul-nO matter what pecunisry dis
advantage may result-and 1 don't
want to be bothered with him any,
way. Marian, dear, won't you do me
q favor !' and the speakers wistfuI
gaze was very becoming.
"Why, of course. What is it ?'I
"Well, 1 thought over the matter
all last night, and I have hit upon
splendid plan, if you'll only consent
to it. You know we have received
permission to keep house down at the
old homestead all by ourselves this
summer? Well, no one there knows
us, and won't you be Lilias and let
me be your maid? II he can't love
me in one position as well as another,
I.don't want anything to do with
him; and If he should fancy you, it
would be splendid"
Both OF these young girls were beau
tiful, wealthy and romantic. The
elder Mr.. Marston, on account of some
fancied business wrong he had done
her father, had left his property to his
son, on condition that that son mar
ried Lilias; if he refused, Lilias was
to possess the whole. He had been
dead now about about a year, and two
or three days before, LiIias had re-
ceived q letter from the son, stating
bis intention of coming again to
America, but making no mention
whatever of money or matrimony.
The letter was cultured and gentle
manly-Lilias was forced to confess
that-but his reticence on the one top
ic piqued her, and rather Tevengefully
she planned out this little programme,
which, after q little cOaxing, her
cousin agreed to.
In few weeks they were located
for the summer in the Seton home
stead. Mrs. Seton and her other
daughter had preferred a fashionable
watering-place, but had not opposed
Lilias' desire to rUsticate in the old
farmhouse, which was tenanted and
kept in order by a couple TO whom
both Lilias and Marian were stran-
gers.
"Now," said Lilias, one glorious
summer evening, 81 suppose we may
be expecting Herbert Marston daily,
as have left q note to be delivered to
him Immediately after his arrival, in
forming him of my whereabouts. But
look! here comes two strangers 1t
may be that one of them is he. Be
on your guardw
both had approached, and one spoke:
SIS Miss Seton residing here ?"
Marian bowed composedly.
"That is my name, sir"
Indeed % with extended hand.
"Allow me then to introduce myself
as Herbert Marston."
After the necessary greetings had
been interchanged, the new conner
glanced inquiringly at the little,
white-rObed figure standing modestly
apart.
Marian bit her lips amusedIy. Lii
las didn't look at all like a mental,
still her character must be kept up,
and, replying to his questioning gaze,
she said:
'Maggie. you may go in and help |
Mrs, Brown about tea. presume |
your walk from the depot has given |
you an appetite ?' and Marian in her |
turn looked as though desiring an in
PRODUCTION to Mr.. Marston's compan-
ion.
"Perhaps, "said the gentleman, with |
an odd expression, "before your maid |
attends to that part of the business,
she will show my valet the room 1 |
am to occupy"
Both girls looked up in surprise.
The valet was q handsome, dark |
six-footer, whose very |
expression belied his position of SER |
Witty; but he had shOuldered the va
lise, and stood waiting for his guide |
to lead the way; SO, in mere wonder, |
Maggie obeyed the little imperative |
nod of her mistress, and proceeded up |
stairs.
"Whew n said the valet, after de-
posting his burden, looking up with a |
smile into the fair young face of his
escort. "That's what l call warm
work! Well, Maggie, are you and 1
going to be friends ?''
He spoke rather condescendingly,
and the indignant blood rushed into
his companiOn's cheeks IS she replied,
coolly:
~ am nothing Of q prophet, and,
therefore, find it impossible TO answer
your question decidedly; but am in
clined to thiuk not"
He smiled provokingly.
"That's bad. But our opinions on
that subject differ. Why, il we don't
entertain each other, what the dick |
ems shall we do with ourselves ?n
'I have never been at a loss for
amusement" /" responded his compan-
ion, demurely, "However, If you de- |
pend upon outside society, there are
plenty of servant-girls about, whom 1
have no doubt you can readily become
acquainted with"
81 don't fancy servant-girls as |
general thing,n he answered, calmly. |
1 have rather high ideas for q valet; |
and consequently, have but little de- |
sire to become acquainted with your |
friends"
A little petulant shrug was all the
answer he received, as the young fle
de chdmbre turned and descended the |
stairs.
THAT man." she murmured, softly, |
sis no more 2 servant than am. But |
he shan't know that suspect the
TRUTH" and she chuckled amnsedly at ]
the thought of her own secret, which l