The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1876-04-20

You look like queen % persisted.
The folds of rich silk trailing upon the
ground suited well her tall, noble figure,
and her face was always the most beauti-
full one ever saw. Her life of constant
usefulness, charity and intellectual de-
velopment had left its seal in the depths
of her large dark eyes, the smile upon
her perfect mouth.
It required some diplomacy to escape
observation when led our visitors into
the house, but invented an errand that
sent Majorie to my room just rs the car
riags drove up.
Stephen was accompanied by his
cousin, and my first look into his hand
some face convinced me that memory
was busy at finding himself in Marjorie S
house. L gave scant greeting. to Stephen
before drew Arnold Halcombe into the
library. [ scarcely know in what words
l told him of my debt to Marjorie, of
her confidence to me, and my plan, of
which I was careful to assure him she
was totally ignorant. But his answers
sent me with flying feet to seek my bene-
factress.
found her in my room, vainly search
ing for the ornament had fast in my
pocket, but my face caused her to pause
in the task.
"What good news does Stephen bring
that makes my little girl SO radiant ?"
she asked.
put my arms about her, and holding
her fast, 1 said, almost sobbing in my
eagerness
-" Marjorie, since the day you lifted
me from my poverty and suffering to
utter happiness, have never ceased to
pray that at some time 1 might be per-
mitted to bring some brightness to
you"
"Dear child, every hour you are with
me answers your prayers" she said,
lovingly.
"But I never hoped" I said, "that I
have now."
"To me !" she cried, her sweet face
growing pale.
"Of Arnold Halcombe," I said,
softly; "of his true, unchanging love
for you; of his faithful devotion to the
one deep affection of his life; of-Mar-
iorie, Marjorie, of his presence here to-
day to tell you this himself !'
was sobbing by this time in excited
joy. But Marjorie, only little paler,
her eyes slowly irradiating with glorious
light, said
"Here2 Arnold here 2"
In the library, waiting for you,"
answered, suddenly releasing her, plung-
ing down stairs, rushing in upon patient
Stephen in the drawing room, and exc
cutting a pas seul for his benefit that
certainly would have admitted me to any
lunatic asylum in the country. Then 1
pulled him down, and, in whispers,
told him about it, laughing and crying,
fit of Mysteries.
But didn't. 1 was as proper and
prettily behaved as possible when Mar
iorie came in, leaning upon Arnold Hal
combes arm, with every lurking shadow
chased from her face by the gentle hap
piness there, while he, erect and proud,
looked as a man does who gains the SUI
preme desire of his heart after years of
waiting.
If ever true, fervent thanksgiving as
cended from a grateful, happy heart, I
am sure it rose from Marjorie's on that
November day when Arnold came to
her.
We had double wedding in January,
and Stephen carried me to his London
home; but we make frequent holidays
to the lovely home where Marjorie gives
us cordial welcome, and where, l am
sure, she has the desolation 1 dreaded
to leave all swept away in the happiness
of her husbands presence and devoted
love.