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

right to sacrifice her father, to whom she
owed her birth, for her own happiness,
or even Claud's. She looked at the far
mer she noted his gloom, his indiffer-
ence to events, and saw that he rarely
stirred abroad in the farm, which already
he had received notice to quit. 1t might
be his death, and she-yes, she could not
deny it-would be the cause.
That idea conquered her.
One evening, crossing to him, putting
her hand ON his, she said:
.sFather. tell Gerald Massin I win
marry him.
ssWhat Lucie 70 cried John Western,
starting erect, ssyou will 2"
stI win save you from ruin, father.
Say no more Let me be alone" she
sighed, and carried her tears and break
ing heart to her own room.
Gay and many were the preparations
for the master Of Holme Manor's we'd
ding. In all that part of Edenshire
there was rejoicing, save at the farm,
in Lucie's breast. Gladly would she
have acquainted Claud with what had
happened but she was unaware of his
address and now she dreaded his COM
ing. She felt his look of horror and dis
tress would kill her. But he made no
sign.
In0 W60u1n8-Qay arT1V0Q. w 1An1ng
for death, she attired herself in her
bridal Clothes. and descended to the
parlor, where she expected Farmer Wes-
tern to be awaiting her.
| It was not he, however, who stood by
! the window-not he who, turning, caused
her, with q wild shrek, to sink, half
fainting, to the floor.
It was Claud Percival, the artist
They were his arms which clasped her;
it was he who 1aised her to chair il
was his anxious face, as he knelt by hel
side, that her eyes first rested upon.
ssOh, heavensl" she gasped "why
did either live for this Go-go, Claudi
In pity, leave metz
ssNo, Lucie," he rejoined, claspine
her hand, at have been fool an idiot
yet in thus seeing you, bitterly am
punished for what have done. VIII
you ever pardon me when you heara"
"Pardon you2 It is II who nee6
that2" she sobbed. "Oh, Claudl il
was to save my father This is my
wedding day"
ST know it, darling"
s'Know it and you speak thus?"
eyes" " he smiled. You have promised
to marry the master of Holme Manor
and am he.
''You 70 she shrieked.
Yes be composed, sweet love, anG
listen. A year back, before I knew
should be its owner, came here imcog
1aito to visit the place. saw you, Lucis
II loved-the affection of the poo,
artist was returned. When, unexpected
II, found myself its owner and rich, al
idea-I see now foolish one by thos'
pale cheeks-seized me to surprise you
I put friend as Gerald Massin in m,
place while to see If wealth and position
could win you from me, stalking my hf
it would not. But by it have indeet
learned your priceless worth, sweet
faithful Lucie-that the wife T take Il
my bosom would have renounced al
worldly riches for my sake while, as wa
right, she would have sacrificed hersel
and me for the welfare of fond father
to whom she is indebted for everything
have done wrong but, Lucy, I swea
never doubted you. Am I forgiven
May this yet be your wedding day, wit
Gerald Massin alias Claud Percival 70
the bridegroom 9''
She did not reply; hut her head san
on his shoulder, and he felt he wa
answered.
She had consented to become th
, Squire's wife.