The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1875-03-10

haNO oOO bhOiA hSui VI " pun uiO GO q pSI-
son peculiarly fitted to train John in
the way he should go. Everything, l
was told, depended on his getting the
right kind Of wife.
A special interview with Mr.. Gran
ford, at his particular request, touched
me considerably.
81 hope" said he, "that you will not
refuse my boy, Miss Edna. He had
set his heart so fully upon you, and
you are everything that l could de-
sire in daughter, | want some one
to pet. l feel sadly lonely at times,
and am sure that you would just fill
the vacant niche.
l drew my hand away from his ca.
ress, and almost felt like hating John
Crawford. Life with him would be
one of ease and luxury; but / decided
that would rather keep boarders.
Not long after this the Cranfords
concluded to go to housekeeping, and
Mrs. Shellgrove was in her glory. She
always came to luncheon now in her
bonnet, and gave US minute details of
all about the house in the last twenty
four hours.
alt is really magnificent" said she,
lengthening out each syllable. Broth
er has such perfect taste; and he is
actually furnishing the library, Miss
Edna, after your suggestion. You see,
we look upon you quite as one of the
family"
"That is very good of you" 1 re-
piled, shortly; "but l certainly have
no expectation of ever belonging to
it."
Mrs. Shellgrovs laughed as though
l had perpetrated and excellent joke.
Young ladies always deny these
things, of course but John tells diff
ferent story"
l ratified the cups and saucers augri-
ly; and my thoughts floated off, not
to John, but to Johns father, sitting
lonely in the library furnished after
my suggestion.
Wasn't it after all, my duty to mar
ry the family generally
The house was finished and moved
into, and John spent his evenings with
me. used to get dreadfully tired OF
him. He was really too devoted to be
at all interesting, and l had reached
that state of feeling that, if summari-
ly ordered to take my choice between
him and the gallows, would have
prepared myself for hanging with a
sort of cheerful alacrity.
| locked the door upon Johr on the
evening in question, when / had final
ly gotten rid of him, with these feel.
ings in full force; and l meditated
while undressing on some desperate
move that should bring matters to q
crisis.
But the boy had become reused al
last. He too had reflected in the
watches of the night; and next day
received quite a dignifed letter from
him, telling me that business called
him from the city for two or three
weeks, and that possibly upon his re
turn / might appreciate his devotion
better. / felt inexpressively relieved
1t appeared to me the most sensible
move that John had made in the Who'll,
course of our acquaintance, and be-
gan to breathe with more freed ,m.
Time few, however, and the three
weeks heightened to six without Johns
return. He wrote to me, but his let
ters became somewhat constrained
and / scarcely knew what to make o
him. If he would only give me up,
thought; but I felt sure we would
hold me to that weak promise of mine
that l should either become Edna
Crawford or remain Edna Darlington
'Mr. Crawford was announced on,
evening, and 1 entered the parlor full
ly prepared for an overdose of John
but found myself confronted by hi'
father.
He looked very grave, and instant
ly imagined all sorts of things, and
reproached myself for my cOldness
"John is well?' l gasped finally.
"Quite we'll" was the reply, in sucl
kind tones that felt sure there wa!
something wrong.
What it was, / cared not, but pour
ed forth my feelings impetuously tt
my astonished visitor.
"He must not como here again ("
exclaimed. 81 do not wish to see him
Tell him so, Mr., Crawford tell hin
that 1 had rather remain Edna Car
rington as he made me promise, thar
to become Edaa Crawford"
"And he made you promise this 2
was the reply. "The selfish fellow
But, Edna, what am to do withou
the little girl have been expecting
l am very lonely-so lonely that | dr
not see how l can give her up"
| l glanced at him, and the room