Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1876-05-20

duced as tiny companion" instead of the
gentle words:
aMy friend. Miss Seabright.''
She was of sunny, bright temperament,
and even the discomforts of travel lost
half their annoyance in her pleasant
manner of meeting them.
In the delightful resting placesl where
they sojourned for week at the time,
Mrs. Hepburn found all the well known
spots took new beauty when shared
with her new companion, whose frank
delight was rs pleasant as child's to be-
hold.
When she found Mrs. Hepburn weary
with long ride of hours of railway jolt
ing, she could sOOthe her to the sweetest
rest by singing, assshe gently smOOthed
the silver hair, or carcssed the withered
hands.
With all her train of cringing relatives
it was something new to the old lady to
receive loving service. She had made
no further engagement with Edna, had
held out no golden promises, but by gell-
tie kindness She had won the girls warm
heart to an enthusiastic affection.
1t was no thought Of salary or future
favors that Ed Ia SeabrighI gave daugh-
ter's tenderest care to the old lady who
was giving her the novel happiness OF
summer pleasure trip. She was sorry to
think of the p ,rting soon to come, but
she meant to prove her gratitude by
every loving device while she was still
Mrs. Hepburn's companion.
And Rob tiarkner, i'm his law office in
town, found no consolation in legal
studies for the keen pang of disappOint-
ment he had experienced when Mrs. Holt
told him Miss Seabright was travelling for
the summer, and had no permanent adj
dress.
"Aunt Maria off, too, nobody knows
where" the young man thought discOn-
sOlately, $50 might as well go back to
town." GNnh
Which he did, thereby receiving at the
earliest moment a delicately written let
ter from Mrs. Hepburn, dated Boston,
begging him TO meet her at the 7
House. and escort her home.
"Odd. the muttered, latter running
about all summer alone she cannot come
from Boston without an escort"
But with Rob, to hear his great aunts
wishes was to obey them, and the next
train found him Fastening to Boston.
He found his aunt sitting i'm a private
sitting room of the hotel from which she
musing. He judged that her meditations
were pleasant by the smile upon her lips.
She gave cordial welcome, and after
a little chat. she said:
Rob, did you ever think L meant to
make you my heir :"
The color rushed 10 ROb's face, but
after moment of confusion, he lifted
his eyes frankly, saying:
IT thnuObt Won xyanll not fOrOQt IL
you made will. Aunt Maria, but from
my heart hope that it will be long
time before L know whether you will or
not"
THANK you, Rob; believe you. /
think you love me-" 0
IL do love you" was the earnest reply.
''Then hope you will grant a request
| am about to make, that will give me
great happiness if you will"
Il should not likely refuse any request
you make"
Il have a friend. Rob, very dear
young friend, who is one Of the lOveliest
girls L eyer knew. Our friendship is of
Il very recent date, but it is strong and
true. 1t is my dearest hope that when
you meet her you may love her, may win
her love-"
impossible J"
'.Stay IL moment, Rob. / am not qnife
so foolish an old woman as to wish you
to marry a stranger. But want you to
remain with us for short time and try
TO like my friend, and win her to like
YOU"
Il would be a scoundrel if l did that"
"a scOundrel!"
'.Yes, for L have already given my love
and won 4 return"
land did not tell me, RObp'
"Only because have not known where
to find you all summer"
''Brs your mother says your choice has
fallen upon vulgar nobody, a penniless
orphan"
My mother has never seen Edna! 1t
Is true she is an orphan, born in the aims
house. but she has been befriended and
educated by gentle, refined people. and
there is no tipt OF vulgarity about her.
Aunt Maria, do you think am a man to
love a vulgar wOman?"
mo. Rob; but think, an alms-house Or
phan!'
but gentle, lovely woman, the wO-
man love! L might seem to agree in
your plan, auntie, but you see it would
be scOundrel's pant to court your friend,
when both love and honor bind me to
Edna"
Honor, Rob-"
eyes, tor she knows my love and has
confessed her own. Could any true man
desert a woman after that?"
''But broken engagements are every
day events. Come, Rob, be reasonable.
Draw off little by little, and let me intro
duce the girl wish my heir to marry"
In an instant Rob's lips were firmly
set, and his eyes took a steady light OF
resolution. Never had Mrs. Hepburn
heard so manly Il ring 10 his voice as it
took when he answered:
ITO please you, Aunt Maria, would
do anything honorable, and if were free
l would try to give even my love where
YOU dictated. But to win your money,
to place myself in the position of your
heir, L would not lift finger. If you
mean the emphasis Ill your last words for
a threat, it is powerless. Let your friend
wed your heir, if you wish, but my love
and honor can not be bought"
He rose as he spoke, as if he would have
taken his leave, but Mrs. Hepburn put
her hand upon his arm.
"Stay, Rob-" she said II did not mean
to wound you; 1 should have judged you
better than to threaten you in any way.
Forgive me, and in token of your forgive
ness stay and dine with me. Ii you will
not give your heart to my companion,
can trust you for all the courtesy friend
of mine may claim"
"Indeed you can! | am heartily at
your service and hers tor cavalier,
Auntie." ~
"Will you ring the bell near you?"
A servant answered the summons, and
Mrs. Hepburn said:
'.Go to No. and ask the lady there if
she will come TO me if she is disengaged.
Heigho, Rob- she added, as the servant
Il S.x,o., l,xra M i.1oo hot x,,..x,