The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1875-05-14

her - she behaves quite like one,
too. III warrant he has seen few pref
tier lasses than Lucie. /"
Gerald Massin evidently was of the
same opinion. His dark eyes rarely
wandered from her face. The tones in
which he addressed her. were low and
respectful, and the encomiums endless
that he passed on the dairy, which he
appeared In no hurry to leave, but slipped
the cream he had received from her
hands so slowly, that Lucie strongly sus-
pected he didn't like it, but, being well
bred, only drank it out of compliment to
the place.
When, finally, the farmer carried him
of, Gerald Massin displayed more in
difference to the live stock and the acres
of arabic land than before, and soon,
pleading time, mounted his horse at the
gate to leave.
Sc will come another day, If you win
permit me-" he said. ss It is fine farm,
and proftable-a fortune in itself. By
the-way, the steward tells me your lease
| is nearly expired"
ssIt Is, MIR. Maasin; but trust you'll
find no objection to renew it.
g. see none at present, certainly. We
win talk over it when come again.
| Gerald Massin came again very often,
and always at those times when Lucie
was sure to be at home: but he never
mentioned the lease, and always changed
the subject If the farmer spoke of it.
The farmer. however, experienced no
dread; for with much satisfaction he had
begun to read the cause of Gerald Mas
sims frequent visits, even as had Lucie,
with pain, sorrow and modification.
/ The Squire loved the farmers daugh-
ter.
One morning, nearly a month after
Mr.. Masain's first visit, footman brought
word that Farmer Western was wanted up
at the Manor ON business respecting the
lease.
ssI knew it; it's all right" remarked
John Western. stThank goodness, the
weight viii soon be off my mind"
His honest face the picture of content,
he rode OFF but it was nothing in COM
parison TO how it beamed when, an hour
later, he galloped home.
Finging himself from his horse, he
hurried into the sitting room where Lucie
sat at work.
tsNews, lassie = news I" he cried.
What viii you give me for it-eh e.
tsThe usual payment" she smiled,
putting her arms about him, and kissing
his cheek.
From bank where the account can
never be overdrawn," he proceeded,
cheerily. sWell, I've been up to the
Squire's, Lucie; and if you were to guess
= hundred years, you'd never guess what
he said"
1 But Lucie, though steadily she in
quired what he did say, had already
guessed, as her pale cheek and her arms
abruptly dropping from the farmers mech
proved.
"He loves you, Lucie, and wants tc
make you his wife.
His wife ~ she gasped. "And what
| did YOU answer. fatherf''
"What did answer Why, lass
what could I answer, save that it was 6
great honor done us-too much for sucl
as we, but that he had my consent, as
knew he'd have yours, my girl.
Father, it is impossible, she muir
INJURED. ssI cannot marry him.
Not marry him cried Farmer
Western ss Refuse the Squire ?''
Yes, father, must, even had he beer
King of England
Why's Are you mad, Luciea''
sNo, but dear, dear father ~ she
exclaimed, abruptly, sinking on he
knees, !" forgive me for keeping it from
you, but my heart is already given t.
Claud Percival. In the eyes of HEAVIER
: we are engaged ?'
stClaud Percivali a wandering, beg
. carly artist !" roared the farmer. 50 Mari,
him before man like Squire Massin
No, Lucie; we've been good friends Il
this moment, but henceforth you are n.
daughter of mine If you say that. III
.. see you and Claud Percival to the deuc'
/ before I give you to him I"
Father, in mercy, she implored
ssdo not speak hastily" HWhat 4
wealth without lovea But love can b
priceless without wealth. cannot:
? must not wed other than Claud Percival
would rather die ~
ssDie, then % roared John Western
s. when hand was placed ON his shoulder
It was Gerald Mesain's.
I He had entered unheard. His coun
tenance was calm, but also stern, as b
addressed first the father, then the daugh
: ter.
ssMr. Western. he said, "contro
yourself. Miss Western; am I to con
, slider you refuse my proposition to max
! you my wife =
ss Mr. Massin, - replied Lucie. tremh
ling very much as she rose, 6 thougl
deeply sensible Of the great honor yo1
would do me-for which, indeed, an
grateful must decline. Not only j
euch position far too exalted for one o
t my station, but, as probably you jus
now heard, my love is already given.
am sorry to cause you pain-UeTy, Ve7.
sorry, for you have been SO kind, and
! and i would not, could I help it, be th,
/ cause of grief to any one.
She averted her head, unable to sun
press her tears.
s.This is your irrevocable replyG" h
asked.
eft is
! ssThat is enough, . he reiOined, quit
|. ting the room, and taking the farme
with him. Not word further" !" b
said, getting on his horse. s. You shal
! hear from me this evening. =
The Suuire VISA true To his promise